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New research shows heat pumps are quickly becoming the preferred way to heat and cool New Zealand homes.
Initial findings of a report to be released this year by Branz Ltd, a research, testing, consultancy and educational service for the building industry, indicate New Zealanders are moving away from solid fuel heating.
Branz energy scientist Lisa French recently completed a national survey which looked at how heat pumps were used in New Zealand.
She said the increased use of heat pumps could mean higher annual average consumption of electricity but the pumps were highly effective.
"Most users of heat pumps are very happy with their decision, despite the trend towards an increase in the overall use of electricity."
Colder areas had the highest proportion of heat pumps and use in summer had risen throughout the country.
The majority of homes were still heated by solid fuel burners but 40 per cent installed a heat pump to replace a wood burner or gas heater.
Heat pump sales in the past year were more than double those of three years ago and 45 per cent of new homes had a heat pump installed.
- NZPA
