Wood fires with wetbacks prove popular.

Wood fires with wetbacks, and open fires with wetbacks, have been popular in NZ homes for generations. It was always a secure feeling knowing that in the event of a power cut, the household always had a source of hot water. They were also a great way to significantly reduce winter power bills for many homeowners.

When the National Environmental Standard for wood burners came into affect in 2005, it was widely thought that the industry could not produce a wood burner to pass the 65% efficiency requirement when this did not include the energy the wetback put into the hot water.

The design team at Harris Home Fires, the Christchurch manufacturer of the Woodsman wood fires, took up the challenge and have now produced five models clean air approved for installation with a wetback.

“It has not been easy” said Richard Harris, Director of Product and Marketing “but what has made it possible is sourcing from Europe and Australia some new and high tech insulation materials to line the inside of the firebox to maintain a clean burn, even with a wetback fitted.”

So now wetbacks are back, along with the benefits of near free hot water, reduced power bills, loads of heating, plus an emergency cooktop.

© Scoop Media