SR169 National impacts of the widespread adoption of heat pumps in New Zealand (2007)

The heat pump air conditioner market in New Zealand has experienced rapid growth over the past few years, with the number of sales more than trebling between 2001 and 2006. Promotion by local and central government and strong industry campaigns have educated the consumer on the potentially high energy efficiency of heat pumps for domestic heating. This report looks at the ramifications of such rapid growth on New Zealand and the potential consequences of the shift in heating types on household behaviour, infrastructure and workforce.

Changes in energy use patterns, heating and cooling behaviours have been witnessed in homes where heat pumps have been subsidised to replace open fires and older wood burners. This has ramifications for the electricity loadings for heating, as well as hot water loadings where wetback hot water systems are removed.

The pursuit of comfort due to the ability to achieve higher temperatures, rather than savings due to higher efficiency, is being recognised in New Zealand's consumer society. Labour shortages for heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineers exist, and poor=quality installation and incorrect sizing of heat pump units have been witnessed in New Zealand. Currently, there are no educational requirements aside from electrical certificates being mandatory for heat pump installers.