Are heat pumps better than gas heaters?
Filed under Frequently Asked Questions.
May 8th, 2011
Are heat pumps better than gas heaters? We have a large flued gas heater in the living area and another smaller one in the dining room. We are thinking of replacing these with heat pumps.
Editor, May 8th, 2011 on 10:03 pm
To answer your question, consider your motivation. Is it cost? Is it control? Is it functions? Is it aesthetics? Efficiency and cost are usually the reasons people give for switching to heat pumps. While this is a valid reason to switch from portable electric heaters to heatpumps, it is a different story for other heaters such as gas.
On a cost basis, heatpumps and gas heaters are pretty similar. Heatpumps have an average efficiency of around 250% (though this decreases with air temperature – lower efficiencies in colder climates). Assuming an electricity cost of 22c/kWh, the cost per unit of heat is around 9c/kWh. Gas fires generally have an efficiency of around 90% and a cost/unit around 8c/kWh, and thus a cost per unit of heat of around 9c/kWh.
Other points to consider include disconnecting from the gas mains entirely, which you can do if you only use gas for heating, to drop your supply charge. However, if you use gas for other appliances you will continue to pay your gas supply charge and start paying a higher electricity connection charge as you will move to high-user electricity supply charge. The Advice Centre can run a quick calculation for you based on your individual situation. BUT remember if you are installing a heatpump or two, the cost to install the units should be taken into account. It may take a very long time to recoup the costs of installation.
Heatpumps come with options that may be attractive, such as timers, thermostats and allergen filters; in summer they can also dehumidify and cool, though this is rarely needed in NZ and will add to your power bill. They also use fans to distribute heat (so there will be a breeze and some noise) and some people find the look unattractive. A flued gas heater is generally capable of putting out more heat on really cold days than a heat pump.
If you do decide to go with a heat pump, make sure the model you are purchasing is sized appropriately for the volume of the room you wish to heat. We would recommend having a look at some of the Consumer reviews on different models and choosing a company that has been in business for a while.
If you would like to discuss your heating options in more detail, contact the Advice Centre. If your home was built before 2000, you may be eligible for financial assistance or government subsidies (depending on household income levels- if under $100,000 for 1-2 earners, under $140,000 for 3+ earners).