There's a grant available to help with the cost of installing a heat-pump water heater.
In 2009 we tested 6 heat-pump water heaters and found large differences in performance. After our test, the government energy agency EECA ran a pilot scheme where 127 heat-pump water heaters were installed in people’s homes and then performance-monitored.
The pilot scheme results line up remarkably well with our test findings. The Econergy system we recommended was significantly better than the others. It managed on average – over all the country’s climate zones – to produce savings of 60 percent on the water-heating bill in the houses where it was installed. Savings for other models were less.
As a result of lab testing and the in-home monitoring, EECA is now offering a $575 grant towards buying a heat-pump water heater. To be eligible for the grant you must meet the following criteria:
- You have to choose from a list of eligible systems.
- The system must be installed in the house you live in most of the time (not a business or holiday home).
- It must have a building consent if that’s required in your area.
- A licensed plumber must install the system.
- The system must be installed before 30 June 2013.
- Cash-back grants can only be paid to homeowners – not landlords, builders, or developers.
- The installed system must be new and not second-hand or reconditioned.
- No other EECA grant can be paid for a water-heating system at the same property.
We say
Take advantage of this offer while it’s available. In our 2009 test we recommended the Econergy HP4000 LT.
More information
- Heat pump water heater funding: www.energywise.govt.nz/funding-available
- Heat pump water heater pilot scheme report: www.eeca.govt.nz
More from consumer.org.nz
- Heating options - our survey finds the cheapest way to heat your home
- Heat-pump water heaters - our 2009 test of 6 models
Member Comments
Got a question or comment on this topic? Share your views and experiences with other Consumer members...
To add a comment you need to be a member of consumer.org.nz. Login or Join.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
We disagree with your comments. We are also well aware of the EECA website.
There have been no significant changes in technology since our test, and the Econergy models remain the only ones to use that particular technology. We also know the Econergy model is suitable for South Island and Central Plateau use because we have test results taken at a temperature of 2 degrees that show the unit performs well at these low temperatures.
We would like to do a new HPWH test - to include any models that are on the market that were not available originally – but for a number of reasons this has not yet been possible.
Hamish Wilson
Research and Testing Manager
Your comments are biased and based on a test that was done 2 years ago.
WE SAY Is not relevant today.
You have not taken into account any of the other brands of the 127 units that was tested under the EECA pilot scheme. All that test information is available at EECA.
I need to inform you that after looking at the EECA website the Econergy unit is not suitable for use in the south island or central platuea, with out a boost element. That energy is not included in the energy savings. The econergy units are a C class. There are A class units in the list that are not as higher energy savings as the econergy unit but they also don't require a boost element and can be installed anywhere in New Zealand.
You need to advise your members or even better do an up to date article on HPWHs. It appears to be very lazy on your part, not looking at the eligable products list on the EECA website and seeing the difference between an A Class and a C Class HPWH