More heat pumps in households could cut energy bills by a total of $1.5 billion a year. 

A report by the New Zealand Green Building Council has found replacing gas and electric heaters with heat pumps could save 40% of gas produced, each year. 

It's also revealed this could protect thousands of  jobs, with three mills closing in the last year due to soaring energy prices. 

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Richard Briggs told Ryan Bridge heat pumps are about 3.5 times more efficient than a resistive heater. 

He says the upfront cost is quite expensive, but they are significantly cheaper to run. 

LISTEN ABOVE