Better performing, more efficient heat pumps saved Kiwis $58 million of electricity in one year, according to latest sales data compiled by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Heat pumps are now found in one in four homes in New Zealand, and they are installed in half of all new homes.

“As New Zealand’s fastest growing form of home heating, it’s really important that heat pumps deliver good heating performance without using more energy than necessary,” says EECA Products Programme Manager Terry Collins.

“Our programme to improve the energy efficiency of heat pumps works in two ways. Firstly it sets efficiency standards which appliances must meet in order to be sold in New Zealand, and secondly, it uses labelling, like the energy rating labels and the ENERGY STAR mark, to help people choose the more efficient products.

“The result is that manufacturers are improving the efficiency of heat pumps all the time to meet growing customer demand, and consumers are getting better performing heat pumps which save them on running costs over the whole life of the product.”

The sales data also shows that two-thirds of heat pump buyers are opting for ones that carry the blue ENERGY STAR mark which are the most efficient appliances on the market.

ENERGY STAR is the independent, international mark of energy efficiency, and is only awarded to the highest efficiency products in a category.

Only 21% of heat pump models on the market during 2009-10 were ENERGY STAR qualified, yet they made up 65% of sales.

“Energy performance can vary a lot from heat pump to heat pump, so ENERGY STAR makes it really simple to identify those with top efficiency and performance – it’s great to see it influencing people’s buying decisions,” says Mr Collins.

Heat pumps have also been a popular choice under Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart, the Government’s insulation and heating programme, which is run by EECA.

While ENERGY STAR qualified heat pumps, efficient wood burners, wood pellet burners and flued gas heaters are all eligible for funding, nearly 80% of grants recipients have opted for a heat pump.

Checklist for buying a heat pump
Get your insulation sorted first. It’ll be easier and cheaper to heat your home. There’s funding available to help – visit www.energywise.govt.nz.
Choose an ENERGY STAR qualified model. They’re the most efficient heat pumps on the market, from a range of reputable brands, and they’re guaranteed to perform efficiently even at lower temperatures.
Compare similar models with the energy rating label. All heat pumps have one – the more stars, the better. It also gives more information about how much energy it uses and heat it produces.
Opt for a reputable retailer/supplier with experienced installers. Correct sizing and installation are fundamental to how well a heat pump performs.
Get the right size. Too small and it’ll cost you more to run, and it may not keep up with your heating needs. As a guide, check out the heater sizing calculator at www.energywise.govt.nz/heater-sizing-calculator.
Match it to your climate. As the temperature drops, so does the performance of many heat pumps. Ask your retailer/supplier for heat pump that can perform well at average outdoor winter temperatures in your area.
Learn how to use it efficiently. Only heat the space you’re using, when you’re using it. Set the unit to turn on half an hour or so before you get home, instead of leaving it running all day while you’re not there. Clean the filters regularly, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Find out more or download the guide How to choose a heat pump and use it wisely at www.energywise.govt.nz/heat-pumps.

ENDS.

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