BRANZ finds Summer Increase in Heat Pumps

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BRANZ finds Summer Increase in Heat Pumps

18 January 2008

Heat pumps are quickly becoming the preferred way to heat and cool New Zealand homes, according to the initial findings of a soon to be released research report from BRANZ.

“Heat pumps are shown to be effective in heating and cooling indoor environments and are efficient in terms of energy transfer,” according to BRANZ Energy Scientist, Lisa French who has recently completed a national survey which looked at how heat pumps are used in New Zealand. She notes, however, that an increase in the use of heat pumps to control indoor temperatures in summer as well as winter may mean higher annual average consumption of electricity for many households.

“Most users of heat pumps are very happy with their decision, despite the trend towards an increase in the overall use of electricity,” says French.

Although the colder areas of New Zealand have the highest proportion of heat pumps, summer usage of heat pumps has increased throughout New Zealand. The majority of New Zealand houses are still heated by solid fuel burners and the survey found 40% of occupants installed a heat pump to replace another heater, often replacing a wood burner or gas heater.

Heat pumps sales in the last year were more than double what they were three years ago. Close to 80,000 units have been sold in the last year and 45% of new houses have a heat pump installed.

BRANZ is publishing a report on the survey findings early 2008.

ENDS

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