Abstract for presentation at 14th IUAPPA World Congress

Intensive Monitoring of Emissions from Portable Domestic Heaters in New Zealand

  • Dr Robyn Phipps, Massey University, New Zealand
  • Malcolm Cunningham, Building Research Association of New Zealand, New Zealand
  • Pär Fjällström, Massey University, New Zealand
  • Mikael Boulic, Massey University, New Zealand
  • Prof Philippa Howden-Chapman, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Prof Julian Crane, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Michael Baker, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Helen Viggers, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Sarah Nicholls, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Bob Lloyd, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Ralph Chapman, Victoria University, Australia

    • Houses in New Zealand typically have lightweight construction and little thermal mass. Although the climate is temperature indoor temperatures can be too low for human health. Houses have average indoor winter temperatures of about 12°C, which is around 6°C below the level of 18 to 24°C set by the WHO to avoid adverse health effects.

    The problem of low indoor temperatures is partly due to low levels of insulation in the house construction. Houses constructed pre-1979 were not required by regulation to have any insulation at the time of construction and retrofitting of insulation isn't easily achieved into the wall cavity. Double glazing will soon be required in some areas of New Zealand; however this currently only has a low uptake.

    Curiously New Zealand households expend one of the lowest levels of disposable income on heating of OECD countries. Fuel poverty is a growing concern in low income households, especially solo parent families. However it has been found that even higher income homes are inadequately heated.

    Portable electric (PE) heaters with a heat output of under 3kW are used in over 70% of homes. Unflued gas (UFGH) heaters also with a low heat output are used in over 30% of homes. UFGH are most commonly a portable cabinet style LPG heater although natural gas reticulated UGFH are being installed in increasing numbers. UFGH are growing in prevalence, despite evidence that they emit moisture and combustion products such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde directly into the indoor air. Central heating systems are uncommon. Heat pumps are rapidly growing in popularity, however the Consumers Institute also report that heat pumps attract the most complaints from all consumer appliances.

    Dampness and fungi occur in around 40% of New Zealand homes. This high rate of fungal contamination is in part due to the low indoor temperatures and the resulting high levels of relative humidity. When combined with inadequate ventilation to remove moisture from occupant activities (ablutions and cooking), construction moisture and subfloor dampness the net result is condensation. The New Zealand climate is temperate with a high rain fall in many areas, which will also contribute to availability of moisture for fungal growth.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd