However, while Armidale Dumaresq Council is pleased by the wave of conversions, problems regarding the placement of the systems are an issue.

A heat pump provides a different way to use renewable energy to heat water, one that doesn’t require solar panels. A heat pump is essentially a reverse refrigerator in that it transfers the heat in the air outside of the unit to the water stored inside through a heat exchange system.

“Heat pumps use approximately one-third the energy of an electric water heater,” said council’s environment manager Euan Belson said.

“Additionally, there is a generous rebate available from the State Government up to the value of $1200, in addition to a Federal Government rebate of $1000, allowing a householder to recover almost the full cost of a unit.

“This is making them an extremely attractive option.”

Some 60 households in the Armidale Dumaresq Local Government Area have taken advantage of the rebates in the past two years.

“Unfortunately, the NSW government has not identified any specific requirements to regulate the placement of these units,” Mr Belson said.

“This is resulting in complaints from neighbours about the noise of the units and may result in costly modification, relocation or even removal of the unit.

“At present, the council is using the guidelines for air conditioners to advise residents about the placement of heat pumps, as the noise generated is very similar. The Noise Control Regulation treats heat pumps the same as air conditioners and in time there may be limits placed on their hours of operation.”

While residents and installers need to be aware of the placement of heat pumps on a property, it is also important to select a system suitable to Armidale’s cold climate. New standards are being drafted to protect consumers from choosing units which may not perform in Armidale’s winter.

“Heat pumps work by drawing in the warm air from the environment so obviously the system will work more efficiently in a warmer climate,” Mr Belson said.

“That said, they can be effective in colder climates such as Armidale, so long as the system is one rated for a cooler environment.”

Mr Belson urged anyone considering converting to a heat pump to contact council’s environmental health department on 6770-3600 prior to purchase and installation.