Armidale households are reporting cleaner homes, greater comfort and easier heating after replacing wood heaters with reverse-cycle air conditioning through a local trial.
Armidale Regional Council’s Making the Switch program is examining whether moving away from wood heating could improve household comfort and air quality across the wider community.
Delivered in partnership with Asthma Australia and the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research, the program provided eligible households with support to remove wood heaters and install alternative heating systems.
A mid-trial survey found strong satisfaction among participants, with residents reporting less mess, greater control over indoor temperatures and reduced effort compared with using firewood.
One participant described the change as transformative.
“Ultimately, it has been such a blessing. We have more space inside and there is less mess (wood chips) through the house. Not to mention the speed at which the electric heating happens almost instantaneous rather than the time it takes to stack/chop and light the fire.”
Another participant reported a noticeable improvement in household cleanliness.
“The positive surprise, but not unexpected, was that my house is no longer covered in soot and ash.”
The systems have also provided households with cooling during Armidale’s warmer weather.
“It was really nice to have an air conditioner for cooling on the warmer days. It meant it was possible to work from home or entertain.”
Another participant said the system provided quick and simple temperature control.
“Very impressed, the room heats/cools very quickly and with a click of a button we control the temperature. The air also feels cleaner and no smell of fire.”
While feedback on electricity costs was mixed, many participants had yet to receive a full winter power bill.
Most believed they were already saving money overall when the cost of buying or collecting firewood was considered.
The trial could also have broader implications for community health, with wood smoke contributing fine particles to neighbourhood air.
Asthma Australia CEO Kate Miranda said wood heater smoke was a recognised asthma trigger.
“The fine particles in wood smoke are small enough to reach deep into the lungs, and for people with asthma that can mean more symptoms, more flare-ups and a possible trip to hospital,” Miranda said.
“Smoke doesn’t stay in one backyard: it settles over whole neighbourhoods. Programs like Making the Switch show that with the right support, households can move to cleaner heating and the whole community breathes easier.”
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said residents were already seeing practical benefits.
“The survey results show participants are enjoying cleaner, more convenient and more comfortable heating options in their homes,” said Coupland.
“It’s encouraging to see residents embracing new technology and already considering additional energy efficiency improvements such as solar and battery systems.”
The survey found a number of participating households were considering further energy upgrades, including solar panels and battery storage, although upfront installation costs remained a common barrier.
University of Tasmania researcher Dr Sharon Campbell, who is leading the project, said the trial could provide useful information for other households considering changing their heating.
“For households thinking about making the switch, but still unsure about the outcome, this project shows there are real benefits, like saving time and being more comfortable. Cleaner air in the community is a huge bonus.”
The Making the Switch project will continue collecting data and feedback to help inform future initiatives aimed at improving home heating, energy efficiency and air quality across the Armidale region.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.