Heat pump boom brings warning

The increasing popularity of heat pumps could cause headaches for energy planners because of the amount of power they use, Building Research Australia New Zealand (Branz) says.

A recent report from Branz noted a significant increase in the use of heat pumps because owners were using them to cool homes as well as heat them.

The report was based on a postal survey of 3400 New Zealand households in August last year.

Building energy scientist Lisa French said heat pumps had been installed in the greatest numbers in the colder areas of New Zealand. "This will probably result in better occupant health, but will also result in greater electricity usage."