While we are still waiting to hear what the actual heating requirements will be under the Health Homes Act, if you are needing to replace or install a heating source, or you want to get ahead of the game, here are a few things to consider when making your choice which will ensure that when the legislation is decided that you will comply.
- Living room and bedrooms, or just living room?
- What sort of heating devices will be allowed?
- What temperature will the heating device be required to achieve?
We are yet to find out if a heating device will be required in a living room as well as bedrooms, however it is almost certain that at an absolute minimum, this will be a requirement in living rooms.
We also know that the heat must reach a minimum temperature, but do not yet know if this will be 18 degrees C or 20 degrees C. World health standards state that 18 degrees is a healthy heat for adults, while 20 degrees is the minimum of babies, the elderly, or ill.
The three acceptable forms of heating are set to be wood burners, heat pumps and flued gas heaters, and it is suggested to avoid un-flued heaters, open fires and portable electric heaters, with the discussion document siting these as inefficient, unhealthy, or uneconomic.
To find out more, and to have your say on the regulations for the Healthy Homes Act check out the website : www.mbie.govt.nz/healthy-homes