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 Homestar Technical Clarification Rulings

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Technical Question Title Tool Version Date Released Credit Name Tool Category TC Link
TQ226 -EF4 Electric Fire NOT Primary heat source v5, v5 transition standard April 2025 EF4 - Energy Use EF Link
Approved Ruling:

The NZGBC approves that where a project includes a main source of heating (e.g. heat pump, centralised heating system, or electric radiators that satisfy HHA heater sizing requirements) serving as the primary heating source, any secondary heating 
source such as an electric fireplace installed in a habitable room for decorative purposes only may be excluded from the total energy consumption calculation under the Homestar assessment.

This exemption is conditional upon the project team:
1. Providing a supporting document or signed declaration indicating that this assumption has been clearly communicated to and acknowledged by the client or 
homeowner.


2. Demonstrating that the primary system meets the heating demand for the space according to HHA or other accepted standards.

The project must show a document that indicate that this assumption has been shared with the client.

For example: “This home is capable of meeting the heating requirements of the Homestar standard, on the proviso that the electric fireplace is used for decorative purposes only. If the fireplace is used as the main heating source, it may result in exceeding the allowable electricity demand for the Star rating being targeted.”