Residential space heaters in Australia and New Zealand

The importance of space heating comparison

Space heating accounts for around a third of residential energy use in New Zealand, making it a major energy use in Kiwi homes.

Currently, there is no easy way for consumers to compare the energy use, energy efficiency, running cost, or greenhouse gas emissions of different heating models.

While the existing Zoned Energy Rating Label can be used to compare heat pumps, it does not apply to other heater types.

Space Heating Comparison Methodology - Consultation

On behalf of the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program, the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), has released a Space Heating Comparison Methodology for consultation.

The proposed methodology identifies how to define and calculate space heater energy consumption, efficiency performance and associated metrics.

The consultation only considers technical methodology and does not consider regulatory requirements for space heaters. Any proposal for regulatory requirements would be subject to a separate public consultation.

The submissions received during the consultation period will be considered and used to refine the comparison methodology. With a suitable comparison methodology identified, E3 can continue to explore options that would support consumers to make easy energy performance comparisons of residential space heaters.

Public consultation closed on Friday 27 September 2024

You can still view the consultation document.

View the Space Heating Comparison Methodology [PDF 918 KB]

Requirements of submissions

Submissions to star@eeca.govt.nz are subject to the following requirements:

- The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program is an inter-governmental initiative by the Australian Government, states and territories and the New Zealand Government to improve the energy efficiency of equipment.
- EECA may share your consultation submission with E3 members, primarily, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Sharing of submissions is required to further develop policy options that align between Australia and New Zealand.
- Information EECA shares with DCCEEW will be afforded the protections of the Australian Privacy Act 1988(external link) and the Archives Act 1983(external link). For more information, please visit DCCEEW’s Privacy Policy(external link).
- The New Zealand Privacy Act 2020(external link) governs how your information is required to be collected, stored, used and shared.
- DCCEEW and EECA may also share your information with parties involved in the development of policy options as well as other Australian Government agencies through data sharing relationships. Those parties are also bound by the mentioned New Zealand and Australian Acts.
- If you do not want your information shared with DCCEEW, its service providers or other Australian Government entities, please specify this in your submission.
Under the Official Information Act 1982(external link) (OIA), information held by EECA is to be made available to requestors unless there are grounds for withholding it. The grounds for withholding information are outlined in the OIA.

If you are making a submission, you may wish to indicate any grounds for withholding information. Reasons for withholding information could include information that is commercially sensitive or personal (such as names or contact details). An automatic confidentiality disclaimer from your IT system will not be considered grounds for withholding information.

EECA will consider your preference when determining whether to release information. Any decisions to withhold information requested under the OIA may be reviewed by the Ombudsman.

Project history

Product Profile

In May 2021, The E3 Programme sought feedback on a product profile covering residential space heaters in New Zealand and Australia.
Public consultation closed on 5 July 2021.
Feedback on the product profile informed next steps in the project and a Residential space heating Comparison Methodology has been created. This is currently being consulted on.

View the Product Profile: Residential Space Heaters in Australia & New Zealand [PDF 2.3 MB]

View the presentation Product profile: Residential Space Heaters in Australia & New Zealand [PDF 882 KB]

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Regulatory requirements under review
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- Smart appliances
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- Fans (non-domestic)
  In April 2019, E3 agreed to put the non-domestic fans project on hold.
- Commercial refrigeration
  In May 2018, New Zealand Cabinet approved the E3 policy proposal to revise the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for commercial refrigeration. A process to amend current regulations is underway.
- Fridges & freezers (domestic)
  On 28 May 2018, New Zealand Cabinet approved the proposed updates to regulations for Household Refrigeration products.
- Hot water systems
  EECA is leading a joint project with Australia to improve the energy efficiency of water heating in residential households under the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Programme.
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