Homeowners across New Zealand – particularly in colder regions, are increasingly searching for alternatives to diesel and gas boilers as fuel prices continue to rise. Replacing an existing boiler with a more efficient system can significantly reduce running costs and improve long-term energy security.
From Gaspy 26/03/2026.
With diesel prices sitting around $3.29 per litre (March 2026), and ongoing volatility driven by global supply pressures, it’s no surprise that more people are looking for heating solutions that offer cost stability and energy independence.
Fortunately, there are now several high-efficiency alternatives that reduce reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining (or improving) comfort levels.
Apricus Eco offers a range of modern central heating solutions designed to deliver lower running costs, improved sustainability, and long-term reliability.
Option 1: Easypell Hot Water Heat Pump
An Easypell hot water heat pump uses ambient air to generate heat, making it one of the most energy-efficient heating solutions available.
- Up to 70% lower running costs compared to standard efficiency diesel boiler or gas boiler
- Uses R290 refrigerant, with very low global warming potential and no ozone depletion
- Ideal for integration with solar PV systems for even greater savings
Because heat pumps move and concentrate heat rather than generate it, they will deliver significantly more energy than they consume.
Average running cost comparison:
- Diesel boiler: ~39c per kWh of home central heating [1]
- Gas boiler: ~27c per kWh of home central heating [1, 5]
- Easypell heat pump: ~12c per kWh of home central heating [2, 5]
Find out more about the Easypell Hot Water Heat Pump.
Option 2: Easypell Pellet Boiler
Pellet boilers offer a reliable, renewable alternative using locally produced wood pellet fuel, a by-product of New Zealand’s forestry & timber processing industries. They are a direct replacement for diesel boilers and gas boilers, no work on the central heating system is required.
- Consistent fuel pricing compared to diesel and gas
- Fully automated operation (ignition, temperature control)
- Suitable for radiators, underfloor heating and hot water cylinders
Wood pellets are a dependable, fuel made in Taupo, Nelson and Invercargill, from saw dust and timber plannings. Unlike imported diesel, which is vulnerable to global supply and price fluctuations, the pellet fuel prices are directly linked to NZ annual inflation industry. Unlike natural gas, which has decreasing availability every year, the NZ wood pellet industry is expanding with two new manufacturing plants currently being developed in the South Island and one in the North Island being expanded.[6, 7, 8]
Pellets are already widely available in 15kg bags from Bunnings and Mitre 10.
Current (March ’26) price is $14.89 per bag.
Bunnings Natures Flame 15kg Bag of Pellet Fuel
Mitre 10 Natures Flame 15kg Bag of Pellet Fuel
Energy comparison:
- 1 litre of diesel ≈ 10 kWh
- 1 kg of pellets ≈ 5 kWh
Average running cost comparison:
- Diesel boiler: ~39c per kWh of home central heating [1]
- Gas boiler: ~27c per kWh of home central heating [1, 5]
- Wood pellets: ~21c per kWh of home central heating [4]
This makes pellet heating a more stable and cost-effective alternative to diesel in the current internationally unstable environment. Find out more about the Easypell Pellet Boiler.
Option 3: Easypell Log Boiler
These boilers are ideal for all homeowners with ready access to your own firewood. A log boiler offers the lowest possible running cost for home central heating.
- Heat your home using your own firewood
- Automatic ignition with an electronic controller any time after boiler is loaded with logs
- Large hot water buffer tank stores heat energy to reduce loading frequency
- High temperature output suitable for all central heating systems
While more hands-on than pellet or heat pump systems, log boilers provide unmatched energy independence and cost control. They only use a tiny amount of electricity so they are a resilient option in case of power outages. The load now, burn later timed ignition system gives you flexibility for the manual task of loading vs when you actually need the heating.
Average running cost comparison:
- Diesel boiler: ~39c per kWh of home central heating[1]
- Gas boiler: ~27c per kWh of home central heating [1, 5]
- Logs: sweat and time! 😅 Saves a gym membership.
Find out more about the Easypell Log Boiler.
Which option is right for you?
Each system has its strengths:
- Heat pump → fully automatic, lowest running cost, minimal maintenance
- Pellet boiler → semi-automatic (1-2 weeks between loads), fuel price stability, high temperature water heating
- Log boiler → frequent loading (1-3 days between loads), use own wood, high temperature water heating
The best solution depends on your property, budget and level of involvement you want in operating your heating system.
How do I get advice on replacing my diesel boiler or gas boiler?
Apricus Eco has been supplying central heating and hot water systems to homes and businesses across New Zealand for over 12 years, working closely with plumbers and installers nationwide.
If you’re considering replacing your diesel or gas boiler but aren’t sure which option is right for your home or business, get in touch with the team for tailored advice.
Notes and References:
1. Average diesel boiler and gas boiler efficiency assumed to be 85%.
2. Easypell heat pump efficiency (COP) is 2.98 at 55’C flow temperature, 7’C air temperature. Actual performance will vary depending on operating conditions.
3. Please be aware that some home central heating systems are more suited to conversion to heat pumps due to operating temperatures, pipe and radiator sizes. These systems are likely to need some changes to the existing heating system for optimum performance.
4. Easypell pellet boiler efficiency is 93%, actual performance does not vary.
5. Residential gas and electricity prices sourced from MBIE Energy Prices data for year to March 2025. Residential electricity 34.57 c/kWh, natural gas 22.76 c/kWh https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/energy-statistics-and-modelling/energy-statistics/energy-prices
6. Availability of natural gas is taken from MBIE energy statistics
7. NZ’s largest pellet manufacturer is Nature’s Flame which currently exports 25%+ of their annual production. As NZ demand increases they are primed to increase the plant’s capacity.
8. Foresta is an example of a new pellet plant planned for Kawerau
