Updated free tool helps Australian businesses assess heat pump viability and reduce gas use
The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) has released a new and expanded version of its free online Heat Pump Estimator. The tool is designed to help commercial and industrial users assess the suitability of replacing fossil gas heating with electric heat pumps, supporting emissions reduction and cost savings.
The Heat Pump Estimator provides users with estimates on energy performance, thermal capacity, capital and operating costs, emissions, spatial requirements, and applicable white certificate schemes. It is aimed at a broad range of facilities including food and beverage plants, hospitals, hotels, aquatic centres, and office buildings.
With just ten minutes and basic site data, users can generate an estimate to guide internal decision-making or early conversations with consultants and suppliers.
“This tool will be vital for overcoming the common misconception that heat pumps should have the same capacity as the boilers they are replacing,” said Jarrod Leak, Chief Executive Officer of A2EP. “Too often heat pump projects are delayed or abandoned because of this like-for-like thinking that prevails across our industry and presents heat pumps as uncompetitive on capital costs.”
Leak added, “Highly efficient electric heat pumps can provide heat at a range of temperatures suitable for industrial and commercial applications. They can help businesses to transition from gas and reduce ongoing energy costs.”
The updated tool was developed with support from the New South Wales Government and RACE for 2030, a research partnership focused on accelerating clean energy solutions.
Additional resources now available on A2EP’s website include a refrigerant guide, a retrofit guide for commercial buildings, a verification guide for certificate creation, case studies, and recorded webinars.
The estimator is available at: www.heatpumpestimator.com
