Homeowners to take part in hot water research
A study into solar and heat pump hot water systems is soon to get underway in Nelson and Marlborough, Wellington, Rotorua and Christchurch.
The study, which will play out in other centres around the country, will explore the difference in performance of solar hot water and heat pump hot water systems, and determine the best location for the technologies.
Beacon Pathway’s recently completed Papakowhai Renovation project showed that in Wellington solar hot water systems can provide up to 70% of a household’s hot water in winter, and close to all of it in summer.
To date, however, very little research has been done on heat pump hot water systems in New Zealand, so this study will help to provide input to policy decisions regarding support for these.
Beacon Pathway researcher Lois Easton said that both hot water systems are sound, but there will be situations that will suit one technology over the other.
“A properly installed solar hot water system should work well in all the locations we are researching, but it’s likely that a heat pump hot water system will be preferable, for example, where homes don’t have a north-facing roof to receive year-round sun,“ said Ms Easton.
The study is looking for homeowners who plan to install one of these technologies within the next three to four months but haven’t yet decided on the system.
The study will complement Beacon’s HomeSmart Renovation project, and people wanting to be involved in the hot water research will need also to sign up for HomeSmart. The HomeSmart Renovation project will explore the best combination of sustainable renovations to improve the performance of a home. It is a large-scale demonstration and research venture with the goal of retrofitting 750 homes around New Zealand to Beacon’s HSS High Standard of Sustainability®, a set of performance benchmarks to measure a sustainable home.
Beacon Pathway is canvassing Nelson and Marlborough, Wellington, Rotorua and Christchurch for people who are keen to improve their homes’ performance and looking to make them warmer, drier and reduce their energy costs.
The trouble, according to Ms Easton, is that it’s often difficult to know what steps to take to make our homes warmer, drier, healthier and cheaper to run. “That’s something the HomeSmart Renovation project aims to set right.“
The HomeSmart approach ensures homeowners have the best information on where to invest. Independent assessors will show participants how to get the best return on their investment, by drawing up a detailed pathway to improve the sustainability of their home. The free assessment will take a whole-of-house approach, by reviewing all aspects of the home’s performance - energy, water, waste and the indoor living environment. The resulting renovation plan is tailored to the homeowner: their timeframe, their budget, and their household’s needs.
“People may be pleasantly surprised by how cheap and easy it is to get results,“ said Ms Easton.
Together, these research projects have the potential to build momentum for other sustainability initiatives in the region over time.
To register your interest or to find out more about either project, visit www.beaconpathway.co.nz/existing-homes.
For further information contact: Lois Easton, Beacon Pathway, E. , M. 021 137 6489