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Guide
Heat Pump vs Wood Burner vs Gas Fire
Most Kiwi homes end up with a heat pump, a fire, or both. Here is an honest comparison of running cost, the kind of heat you get, and what happens when the power goes out.
What the official guidance says about cost
EECA (the government’s energy efficiency agency) says heat pumps are usually the cheapest to run of the common heaters, and that wood and pellet burners are typically cheaper to run than gas but dearer than a heat pump. Plug-in electric heaters cost the most to run per unit of heat: EECA puts a 2400W heater at about 84c an hour at 35c/kWh.
Running cost isn’t the whole story though. Your own firewood supply, gas connection, house layout and how you like to be warm all change the answer.
Side by side
| Heat pump | Wood burner | Gas fire | Electric fireplace | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running cost | Lowest (EECA) | Low, cheaper than gas (EECA) — less again with your own wood | Higher than wood | Highest per kW of heat |
| Kind of heat | Blown warm air | Strong radiant heat, heats big open-plan areas | Radiant + fan, on at a switch | Room top-up heat, flame effect without heat |
| Works in a power cut | No | Yes | Some models have battery backup | No |
| Cooking / hot water | No | Cooktop models; optional wetback | No | No |
| Effort | None | Firewood, cleaning, yearly sweep | Yearly service | None |
| Consent / certificate | Electrician | Building consent | Gas certificates | Usually none |
Why many homes have both
A heat pump is a cheap, easy way to take the chill off bedrooms and shoulder seasons. A fire does the heavy lifting on cold nights, heats a large open-plan living area, and keeps going when a storm takes the power out. Plenty of Bay of Plenty homes use a heat pump in spring and autumn and a fire through winter.
Choosing between wood, gas and electric
- Wood if you want the most heat for the money, a real flame, cooking on top or a water booster, and you’re happy handling firewood. See our wood fires.
- Gas if you want instant heat at a switch or from your phone, with no wood to stack or ash to clean.
- Electric if you want the look of a fire in a room where a flue or gas line isn’t possible.
Grants: EECA’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme stopped accepting new applications for wood and pellet burners from 9 January 2026 (heat pumps continue), so check eligibility before you plan around a grant.
Sources
Official guidance we checked when writing this page (November 2026). Rules and fees change, so check the source or ask us before you rely on a figure.
Good to Know
Common questions
Is a wood burner cheaper to run than a heat pump?
EECA says heat pumps are usually cheaper to run. A wood burner gets closer, or cheaper, if you have your own free or low-cost firewood.
Which heater works in a power cut?
A wood burner works with no power at all. Some gas fires have battery backup ignition. Heat pumps and electric fires don’t work without power.
Should I get a heat pump and a fire?
Many homes do: the heat pump for easy everyday warmth and the fire for cold nights, large living areas and power cuts.
Questions?
Talk to a local expert
Free advice and an accurate installation quote from our team in Tauriko, Tauranga.