Winter warmth
The search is on for smarter home heating in Canterbury.
Now that we are feeling the fingers of winter creep across Canterbury, thoughts turn to how we can best keep our homes warm, dry, and
energy-efficient as the colder nights set in.
This year, especially, as global oil shocks hit home, rising energy prices mean homeowners are rethinking how they heat their spaces. Smarter electric heating, solar-supported systems, and off-grid solutions are seeing a surge in demand. According to Trade Me Property, searches for ‘off-grid’ properties, ‘solar’ and ‘double glazing’ have skyrocketed in recent months – up about 75 per cent year-on-year.
Today’s heating market offers far more than the traditional fan heater tucked in the corner. Modern systems are quieter, more efficient, and far easier to control – even remotely from your phone. As well, they’re stylish and beautiful.
Retailers of heating appliances such as BBQs Direct are seeing growing demand for practical electric heating options that provide warmth without the noise, bulk, or installation complexity often associated with heat pumps.
“If you’re tired of noisy heat pumps blowing air around your home? You’re not alone – it’s one of the most common frustrations we hear from customers every day,” says Alan Wenmoth of BBQs Direct. “Before BBQs, we were heating experts and we still are,” he says.
“We’re proud to offer the Lucht LHZ range of electric radiators and convector heaters, which are a smarter, quieter, and more comfortable way to heat your space. Unlike heat pumps, which require a large outdoor unit that adds visual clutter to your home and produces a constant mechanical hum, our quality German-made heaters are simple, quiet, and unobtrusive. No external compressors, no outdoor noise, and no bulky equipment mounted on your walls – just clean, efficient warmth exactly where you want it.”
Electric radiators: Efficient and controllable
Electric radiators have become one of the most popular choices for homeowners wanting consistent, controllable warmth. Unlike older-style plug-in heaters, modern radiators use advanced thermostatic controls to maintain an even temperature while minimising energy use.
Many models now feature WiFi capability, allowing users to adjust temperatures, create schedules, and turn heaters on or off remotely via smartphone apps. This room-by-room control can significantly improve efficiency, especially in homes where only certain spaces are used throughout the day.
Another advantage is simplicity. Electric radiators operate quietly and require no outdoor compressor units, making them an attractive option for bedrooms, offices, and living spaces where noise matters.
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Top tips for heating efficiency
No matter which heating system you choose, efficiency starts with the home itself. Experts recommend:
• Ceiling and underfloor insulation wherever possible
• Using thermal curtains to reduce heat loss
• Sealing draughts around doors and windows
• Heating occupied rooms rather than the entire house
• Using programmable timers and smart controls
• Maintaining steady temperatures rather than constantly turning heaters on and off
• If possible, opt for triple-glazing on glass doors and windows.
Convector heaters: fast warmth
A practical solution for quickly warming smaller rooms, convector heaters work by circulating warm air throughout a space, making them ideal for home offices, spare bedrooms, or areas used intermittently.
Modern convector models are slimmer, safer, and more energy-conscious than earlier generations, with programmable timers and thermostat controls helping to reduce unnecessary power use.
Night store heating
Enjoying renewed popularity as households search for economical heating options, night store uses off-peak electricity and gradually releases it during the day. Today’s sleeker models feature improved insulation, digital controls, and smart scheduling functions that allow homeowners to manage energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
Infrared heating gains attention
Increasingly popular in New Zealand homes and businesses, infrared systems warm people and surfaces directly, similar to the feeling of standing in sunlight. This targeted heating can make infrared effective in open-plan areas, workshops, garages, and outdoor entertainment spaces where traditional heaters may struggle. Warm, silent and efficient.
Outdoor heating extends winter living
For year-round outdoor living, outdoor heating solutions help extend the use of patios, decks, and entertaining areas through winter. Options range from electric infrared outdoor heaters to fire tables. Electric outdoor heaters are increasingly popular for their convenience and lower maintenance, while also aligning with the move to electrification in the home.
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Shifting to solar and off-grid heating
As fuel costs continue to head skywards, more homeowners are exploring solar-assisted electric heating and off-grid energy systems. Pairing efficient electric heaters with rooftop solar panels and home battery storage can help reduce long-term energy costs.
While fully off-grid heating remains a niche option for many urban households, interest is steadily growing. The latest data from Trade Me Property reveals a significant surge in searches for off-grid properties, which are up 74 per cent on the same period last year. It’s a similar story for searches on ‘solar’ and ‘double glazing’.
Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd says this behaviour is a direct reflection of the anxiety the average Kiwi feels at the petrol pump.
“Kiwis are increasingly interested in a property that can serve as an energy bank, insulating the household from global oil shocks and rising utility bills,” Gavin says. “We have seen steady growth in both ‘off-grid’ and ‘solar’ keyword searches since mid-2025, both hit multi-month highs in February and March of this year, coinciding with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Whether it’s a family looking for an EV-ready garage or a retiree going fully self-sufficient, the Kiwi property dream is being redefined by energy security.”
