In New Zealand, installing a wood fireplace requires building consent. Wood fires must be installed in accordance with local building codes and regional air quality regulations. Requirements can vary depending on where you live, the type of home, and the model being installed.

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Your installer or local council can confirm exactly what’s needed for your property. Your local Escea retailer will also be familiar with regional requirements and can guide you through the process.

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Yes. All wood fireplaces need a flue to safely remove smoke and exhaust gases from the home.

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Escea Wood Fireplaces use advanced Direct Vent technology, where the flue also draws in fresh outside air for combustion. This helps improve heating performance, eliminates draughts, and makes them better suited to modern, well-insulated homes.

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Essentially, it comes down to airflow – where it comes from and where it ends up.

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Older wood fireplaces draw air from inside the home to fuel the fire. This creates draughts, disrupts natural airflow, and often require additional wall vents to replace the air being consumed.

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A Direct Vent wood fire works differently. It draws fresh air from outside the home for combustion and expels exhaust back outside through a dual flue system. The firebox air operates independently from the room air — the two don't mix. Because these wood fires don't rely on indoor air to burn, it eliminates draughts, removes the need for extra venting, and won't compete with rangehoods or other ventilation systems. The result is wood fire that ultimately heats your home more efficiently.

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Learn more about Direct Vent Technology, or explore Escea's Direct Vent Wood Fireplaces here.

Your wood fireplace should be professionally serviced and your flue cleaned at least once a year. This keeps your fire running safely and efficiently, and helps prevent creosote build-up.

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In between annual services, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your fire performing at its best. Regularly empty excess ash, keeping a small bed for insulation, and clean the glass as needed to maintain a clear view of the flame.

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Burning dry wood will also reduce build-up and minimise how often cleaning is required.

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Every Escea fireplace is designed and manufactured at our headquarters in Dunedin, New Zealand. Founded in 2002, Escea is proudly locally owned and operated.

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