Christchurch Smokebusters Are Back

Still Using A Log Burner To Heat Your Christchurch Home?

​Environment Canterbury’s smokebusters team are back in full force this winter. Is your log burner still producing visible smoke? Here’s what you need to know.

Where There's Smoke...

Evidence shows that inefficient wood burners and poor wood burning techniques contribute to the majority of Christchurch’s winter air pollution. It’s a problem, especially when Christchurch exceeded our yearly target number of nights with significant air pollution in the beginning of July.
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If your log burner produces visible smoke you could be on your way to heavy fine. It’s part of ECan’s plan to improve Christchurch’s air quality over time – and ECan’s deputy chairman warns they’re not taking their foot of the pedal this year.

What's The Problem With Old Log Burners?

New rules put in place this year means if your wood burner is more than 15 years old, it needs to be replaced.
As of last year, national rules require Christchurch to have no more than three air pollution nights per year.
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We clocked up 5 in 2016, and we have already had 2 this year. Home heating is the primary cause for our air pollution. It accounts for 67% of pollution in Christchurch and up to 90% in Kaiapoi. Those old log burners are some of the biggest culprits.

What Happens If I Have A Smokey Chimney?

​If ECan’s smokebusters team see your chimney producing visible smoke for over 15 minutes, your first warning will be an information leaflet in your letterbox. Next you’ll get a reminder, then a warning letter, and if you’re caught four times this winter, you’ll get an abatement notice and will be forced to find a new way to heat your home.

Heat Pumps NOW Are Here To Help

To avoid all of this, ECan and Heat Pumps NOW recommend you use Energy Star qualified heat pumps. Heat pumps are economical to run, produce no harmful emissions and are also very effective at heating your home in our Christchurch winters.
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A common complaint against heat pumps is that they don’t work when Christchurch gets really cold and you need them most. That’s true of some older models of heat pump. The Mitsubishi Hypercore Heat Pump range has been specifically designed for New Zealand’s conditions and is guaranteed to keep heating your home, even when it’s -15 degrees Celcius outside! 

Choose Heat Pumps NOW

We know ECan’s legislation means you’ll need to get rid of your log burner as soon as possible. If you want a quick, free quote from a local quality heating company, you’re at the right place. In the middle of winter, we know you don’t want to wait around to hear your heating options. We pride ourselves on quoting and installing your heat pump as quickly as possible. We’ll figure out the best place in your home to install your new heat pump so you get the most out it. 

If you’ve got an old, smoky  log burner that’s contributing to Christchurch’s air pollution, be proactive! Give the friendly, local team at Heat Pumps NOW a call on 03 377 7393. We’ll will give you a no fuss, quick quote and let you know the best options to avoid nasty fines and clear the air!

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