Wood Burners (Residential)
Fireplaces are one of the oldest ways of heating homes. There are significant safety issues associated with the installation of fireplaces so regulations exist to ensure that the potential risk to your family is minimised.
Do I need to get a building consent for a fireplace?
Yes - it is a legal requirement under the Building Act 2004. The Act requires all owners installing fireplaces, for both open and solid fuel heating appliances (fireboxes), to get a building consent before installation. A building consent helps to make sure that the fireplace meets all safety standards.
If you are planning on installing a new residential solid fuel fire, you need to use a Solid Fuel Heater Building Consent application form.
The application form requires a full plan of the house to be provided. This is to locate the burner and also the position of smoke detectors that may be required. The plan must also include any sleepout on the property and if an oil burner is used, show the position and details of the storage tank.
Ensure that you apply for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) once the installation is complete.
What will it cost to install a wood burner?
Type A
For installations to be completed by an approved member of the Home Heating Association (which do not include a wet back).
This is a streamlined process specifically for use where Home Heating Association Approved Installers are to carry out the installation work and/or apply for the building consent. The approved installer will provide Council with a Producer Statement (PS3), certifying that the installation complies with the manufacturers specifications and the Building Code on completion of the installation.
Council will not inspect all these installations and only randomly audit each approved installers work.
This type of application has a single fixed fee of $128.50 GST Inc. payable at time of application.
Type B
For other installers or if a wet back is included.
If you choose to use an installer who is not approved with the Home Heating Association or the installation includes a wet back, then each installation will be inspected by Council.
This type of application has a single fixed fee of $210.00 GST Inc. payable at time of application.
This fee allows for one final inspection. Should a re-inspection be required this will be invoiced and must be paid prior to Code of Compliance being issued.
What if a fireplace is installed without consent?
The health and safety of occupants may be at risk if an illegally installed fireplace causes damages to your property. Your household insurance may also be invalid and problems could arise at time of resale of the property.
Are there different types of fireplaces?
Yes. There are open brick/concrete chimney fires, freestanding and inbuilt fireplaces. Freestanding fireplaces stand away from the wall and the flue pipe is clearly visible (the flue pipe is the passage that the smoke travels through). Inbuilt fireplaces are partly encased inside a building structure and you cannot see the flue pipe (often fitted inside an old brick/concrete chimney).
What type of solid fuel heater can I install?
Since 1 September 2005, the heater must comply with the National Environmental Standards for air quality set for the protection of human health if it is installed on properties of less than 2ha.
New emission rules are currently being developed by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. We suggest you refer to their website for a complete list of requirements.
The Ministry of Environment website has a list of approved wood burners (including wetback models) that comply with the wood burner standard. The list is provided purely for informative purposes, to assist purchasers and Building Officers find compliant wood burner models.
The New Zealand Home Heating Association has a register of trained solid fuel heater installers. If, when applying for a building consent to install a solid fuel heater, you have selected an approved Home Heating Association installer, Council will not need to inspect this work unless:
- A wetback is part of the installation, or,
- Your consent is randomly chosen for an audit of installation (there is no additional fee for an audit inspection).
- www.mfe.govt.nz
- www.nzhha.co.nz
Can I install a secondhand firebox?
No, not within the ‘Hastings Air Shed’. This is a map produced by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council which sets limits on emissions from solid fuel heaters and open fires. Click here to view the Hastings Air Shed map.
If you have a property over 2ha, are outside the Hastings Air Shed and can provide a report on the fire box’s condition from a boiler maker, you may be able to get consent. Council recommends you only install new fires.
Hastings Air Shed
Can I put a firebox into an existing fireplace?
Yes, but be very careful. Any materials near these appliances need to be properly protected by maintaining clearances (distances between) or by the use of adequate screens.
The existing chimney must be cleaned prior to the new installation. It is essential that the manufacturers’ specifications for the fireplace be followed. Any variation from these instructions must be discussed with our Building Officers first.
Can I still use my existing wood burner even though it does not meet the emission standard?
All enquiries concerning emission standards should be referred to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
Do fireplaces require maintenance?
All fireplaces should be regularly checked for reliability. The best time for a check is in autumn, well before heating is needed.
For inbuilt fires, you will need to check that none of the timber framing around the fireplace is in contact with, or closer than, 50mm to the outside of the fire surround.
A firebox works best with the fuel that it was designed for. Other types of fuel may be harmful to the appliance and your family. A cleaner flue will burn more efficiently and give off more heat, especially in slow combustion heaters. If the chimney is not cleaned, the fire will not draw properly, will burn slower and may smoke.
Frequently used fireplaces and flues must be cleaned regularly to avoid flue fires. They should be cleaned at least once a year or more often if in constant use.
Smoke alarms
When applying for a building consent for a fireplace, you will also need to get smoke alarms installed. Approved smoke detectors with hush buttons are to be installed in or within 3.0 metres of each sleeping space and in the escape routes on all levels within the household unit. Council strongly recommends photo-electric smoke alarms fitted with five year lithium batteries.
Refer to the Solid Fuel Heater Fact Sheet for further information.
- Solid Fuel Heater Fact Sheet (PDF 76kB)
