Abstract
New research shows heat pumps are effective in reducing electricity use, result in warmer, drier living areas in winter, and can help to lower respiratory illness.
Motu Research has evaluated the Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme and found using heat pumps reduces electricity use by 16 percent on average over winter months and is effective at creating warm, dry homes in Aotearoa.
The programme will also be lowering the risk of respiratory disease caused by our damp, cold houses. Respiratory disease disproportionally affects Māori and Pacific peoples. Hospitalisation rates from respiratory illness are much higher for Pacific peoples and Māori than for other ethnic groups.