Heat Pumps Prove to be Cool

Chopping firewood is a thing of the past for the McGougan's after winning a Mitsubishi Heat Pump in a Bay of Plenty Energy Rewards promotion.

Charlotte McGougan says it was a pleasant surprise.

"We've never won anything big - and I was away when my husband got the call. He didn't know I had entered and I think he wasn't sure whether to believe it or not", she said.

Whakatane's Betta Electrical, who supplied and installed the Mitsubishi Heat Pump, say that air conditioning units are growing in popularity - with the number of units being installed growing at about 55% a year.

Managing director, Mark Jury says that they have been selling heat pumps since 1979 - making them one of the most experienced suppliers of air conditioning and heat pumps in New Zealand.

"The beauty of heat pumps is that they are one of the most environmentally friendly ways of heating or cooling people's homes. Along with that they are very cost effective", he says.

James Hunt, also of Betta Electrical, says that heat pumps are probably the most popular of all the lines they sell with customers ringing up to say how good they are and how pleased they are to have made the move to air conditioning.

"People get excited over plasma TV's but it's the heat pumps that they really love. It makes a real difference to peoples lifestyles and makes their living environment so friendly. We get a lot of enjoyment out of supplying and installing the heat pumps", he said.

Mrs. McGougan says that the heat pump has already proved it self, freeing up some of their time to get work done around the farm.

"We haven't had to chop firewood for a while now. It came just at the right time. We were in the middle of calving - so we could concentrate on that. It's kept our home nice and cosy over the winter. What probably surprised us the most is how quiet and unobtrusive it is. To be honest, we were a bit worried - but they came and installed it really quickly and you wouldn't even notice that it's there. We're pleased as punch", she says.

The promotion, run by Bay of Plenty Energy, was part of their Rewards programme, in which customers who regularly pay their accounts on time are given the opportunity to win prizes.

Account manager, Emma Hedley, says Bay of Plenty Energy have a philosophy of supporting loyal customers and working with local business.

"It's our way of saying thank you to our customers and giving something back to the community. Our BOPE Rewards members can look forward to a 40% prompt payment discount on their energy account in November and we are also working on some new competitions and offers for the summer period", she says.