Are Rinnai gas fires efficient?

Rinnai Gas Fire

The biggest misconception about Rinnai gas fire is that people assume they come with high running costs. Gas, especially natural gas in New Zealand, is one of the cheapest forms of energy available. You’ll just need to find an energy efficient fireplace to complement it. 

Heat output of a gas fire is critical to the energy efficiency of the gas fire. The bigger the fireplace, the bigger the flame and, therefore, the higher the heat output. Heat output is measured in kilowatts (kW), the size of your room determines the heat output required to heat the room. The heat output is too low for the size of the room, the unit will not efficiently heat the room. If you want to get a fireplace with the right kW for the size of your room, the general rule of thumb is 1kW of heat per 10 square meters. 

That simple equation may work for a brand new, well-insulated home, but a one size fits all approach does not work in this instance. Your geographical area within New Zealand determines the climate. This in turn affects the ability of a fireplace to heat a room. For this reason, Rinnai has divided New Zealand into three climate zones. The cool zone includes most of the South Island and the central North Island, the medium zone includes the top of the North Island and the middle of the North Island, the warm zone is exclusive to the top of the North Island. In the warm zone, the Rinnai gas fireplaces cover an area between 77 and 125 square metres depending on the model. In the medium zone, Rinnai gas fireplace cover an area between 68 and 111 square metres, depending on the model. In the cool zone, Rinnai gas fireplace cover an area between 50 and 82 square metres. Heat loss factors also influences the efficiency as it can decrease the heating area of the fireplace. These factors include: no ceiling wall or insulation; no carpets on the floors; no curtains; window area >15 square metres; and ceiling height >2.4 square metres. These factors need to be considered and remedied prior to installing a gas fireplace to ensure the unit is operating at maximum efficiency. 

Here are some excellent examples of Rinnai gas fireplace we can supply and install:

Rinnai Linear 800 with flame tech

This fireplace from the Linear Range has a power flue, with a low heat output of 3.1kW and a maximum output of 6.6kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 62 to 106 square metres, which results in a star rating of 3.2. 

Rinnai Linear 100

This fireplace from the Linear Range has a power flue, with a low heat output of 3.1kW and a maximum heat output of 7.5kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 70 to 120 square metres, which results in a star rating of 3.2.

Rinnai Linear 1500

This fireplace from the Linear Range has a power flue, with a low heat output of 3.1kW and a maximum heat output of 8.3kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 77 to 133 square metres, which results in a star rating of 3.2.

Rinnai Evolve 1252

This fireplace from the Landscape Range has a power flue, with a low heat output of 2.3kW and a maximum heat output of 8.4kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 84 to 130square metres, which results in a star rating of 5.7.

Rinnai Evolve 952

This fireplace from the Landscape Range has a power flue, with a low heat output of 2.3kW and a maximum heat output of 8.1kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 82 to 125 square metres, which results in a star rating of 5.6.

Rinnai Arriva 752 

This fireplace from the Landscape Range has a power flue, with a low heat output of 1.8kW and a maximum heat output of 7.0kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 70 to 108 square metres, which results in a star rating of 5.6.

Rinnai Symmetry 3611

This fireplace from the Landscape Range has a direct vent, with a low heat output of 3.8kW and a maximum heat output of 7.5kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 75 to 116 square metres, which results in a star rating of 4.2.

Rinnai Ember 600

This fireplace from the Compact Range has a direct vent, with a low heat output of 2.5kW and a maximum heat output of 5kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 55 to 85 square metres, which results in a star rating of 3.9.

Rinnai Ember 700

This fireplace from the Compact Range has a direct vent, with a low heat output of 3kW and a maximum heat output of 6kW. This allows for a Zone Heat Area of 65 to 99 square metres, which results in a star rating of 4.2.

It is evident that gas fireplaces can vary greatly when it comes to energy efficiency and there are no minimum energy performance requirements for gas heaters in New Zealand. The Australian Gas Association gas energy rating label provides a quick visual guide as to how efficient your unit will be. Direct vent gas fires are more efficient, as they use a fan to both expel exhaust outside and also bring air into the unit. 

The star ratings are used by consumers as an easy way of comparing the energy efficiency of different gas fires. The star rating is based on the net heater efficiency gas energy rating, this is calculated based on the combination of efficiency measures and takes into account all gas and electrical input. It compares gas heater efficiency by the amount of raw energy input consumed by the gas heater in comparison to the heat energy output provided. 

While it is important to know how the star ratings are determined, it’s also important to remember the efficiency is greatly affected by the size of the room, your geographical location and the heat loss factors. 

Each of these units suit a different environment and meet different needs. At Regency Plumbing, we’ve had decades of experience Rinnai gas fire installation and maintenance throughout Auckland. We can get a new Rinnai Evolve 952 gas fire installed in your home for just $8687 inc GST. This includes the gas fire, fascia, direct flue kit, as well as the gas-fitting work and the electrician. These units are gorgeous and add value to your home and bring comfort to your family – plus no more chopping wood for the winter! Contact us now to get one installed.