Your Heat Pump Questions Answered, No BS Style
Right, let’s cut to the chase. You’re thinking about getting a heat pump in Papatoetoe, or maybe you’ve already got one, and there are questions bouncing around your head that you reckon might sound a bit daft if you ask them out loud. Well, I’m Baz from Papatoetoe Heat Pumps, and after 10 years of keeping our neighbourhood warm, I’ve heard every single question you can imagine, and plenty you probably can’t!
Here’s the thing, there are no stupid questions when it comes to heat pumps. Your comfort and your family’s health are way too important for that. So let’s dive into all those burning questions that keep popping up when you’re lying in bed, listening to your old heater rattle like it’s about to give up the ghost.
Who We Are and Why You Should Care
We’re Papatoetoe Heat Pumps, a New Zealand-owned business that’s been keeping local families warm since 2015. It’s just me (Baz), two qualified technicians, and my wife who somehow keeps us all organized and turning up when we say we will. We’re certified with the big three, Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Panasonic, which means you get proper choice, not just whatever we happen to have in the van.
What makes us different? We live here too. When I promise your heat pump will work properly, I mean it, because I’ll probably bump into you at Hunters Plaza next week! We cover the entire Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area, from Ōtara right through to Flat Bush, and we’re EECA-approved for the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme. Plus, we’ve got that fancy pressure cleaning system that leaves your heat pump looking and working like new, seriously, you won’t believe the difference.
Do Heat Pumps Actually Work in Auckland’s Mental Weather?
This is probably the number one question I get, especially from folks who remember the old reverse-cycle units that basically gave up when it got properly cold. The short answer? Modern heat pumps absolutely work in Auckland’s climate, even when that southerly wind comes howling up from Antarctica.
Here’s the deal with Auckland weather, we don’t get the extreme cold that some parts of New Zealand see, but we do get that bone-chilling dampness that makes 8 degrees feel like the Arctic. Today’s heat pumps are designed to work efficiently down to about -15°C, so our Auckland winters are actually perfect territory for them.
“I had a customer in Hunters Corner who was convinced heat pumps didn’t work in winter because their mate up north had a dodgy one from 15 years ago. After I installed their new Mitsubishi unit, they texted me during the coldest week last winter, their lounge was sitting at 22 degrees while their power bill actually went down. That’s modern technology for you.” – Baz, Papatoetoe Heat Pumps
The key is getting the right size unit for your space. Too small and it’ll struggle on those really cold nights. Too big and it’ll cycle on and off constantly, which is annoying and inefficient. That’s why we do proper heat load calculations using our sizing calculator, none of this “eyeball it and hope for the best” approach.
Will My Power Bill Actually Drop?
Ah, the million-dollar question, literally, given what some people are paying Genesis or Mercury these days! The honest answer is: it depends on what you’re replacing, but for most Papatoetoe families, yes, you’ll see significant savings.
If you’re currently heating with those old bar heaters, fan heaters, or oil-filled column heaters, you’re going to be absolutely stoked with the difference. These old-school heaters are basically turning electricity directly into heat, which is about as efficient as burning money to keep warm.
Heat pumps work differently, they move heat from outside to inside, rather than creating it from scratch. For every unit of electricity they use, they can produce 3-5 units of heat. That’s like getting a 70% discount on your heating costs compared to traditional electric heaters.
Here’s some real Auckland data to put this in perspective: The average Papatoetoe household spends about $600-800 per year on heating with traditional electric heaters. With a properly sized heat pump, that typically drops to $200-300 per year. Your exact savings will depend on your house size, insulation, and how warm you like to keep things.
How Long Do These Things Actually Last?
Right, this is where I give you the straight goods, no sales pitch, just facts. A quality heat pump, properly installed and regularly maintained, should give you 12-15 years of reliable service. Some last even longer, but that’s a reasonable expectation.
The key phrase there is “properly installed and regularly maintained.” I’ve seen heat pumps die after 5 years because someone’s mate’s brother-in-law installed it without checking the refrigerant levels properly. I’ve also seen 20-year-old units still chugging along happily because their owners had them serviced every couple of years.
What kills heat pumps in Auckland? Usually, it’s neglect. Those filters get clogged with dust and pet hair, the outdoor unit gets covered in leaves and spider webs, and slowly but surely, the whole system starts working harder and harder until something gives up.
That’s why we offer annual maintenance services, think of it like a warrant of fitness for your heat pump. We clean everything properly (including with our specialized pressure cleaner), check all the electrical connections, test the refrigerant levels, and catch any problems before they become expensive disasters.
What Size Heat Pump Do I Actually Need?
This is where a lot of people get burned, they either go too small to save money and end up with a unit that can’t keep up, or they go massive and waste a fortune on a unit that’s constantly cycling on and off.
The size you need depends on heaps of factors that most people don’t think about:
- The actual floor area you want to heat (seems obvious, but you’d be surprised)
- Ceiling height, those beautiful high ceilings look great but need more heating
- Insulation levels, older Papatoetoe houses often need a bit more grunt
- Window sizes and types, big single-glazed windows are basically holes in your wall when it comes to heat loss
- Which direction your house faces, north-facing lounges get free solar heating
- How open-plan your layout is, heat doesn’t turn corners well
We use proper heat load calculations with our sizing calculator, not guesswork. For a typical 25m² Papatoetoe lounge with standard 2.4m ceilings and reasonable insulation, you’re usually looking at a 3.5-5kW unit. But that’s just a rough guide, every house is different.
“I had someone in Clover Park who insisted they needed the biggest unit we had for their lounge. Turns out they only needed a 2.5kW unit, but their house was so poorly insulated that all the heat was disappearing through the ceiling. We told them how to fix their insulation first which saved them about $2000 on the heat pump and their house actually stays warm now.” – Baz, Papatoetoe Heat Pumps
The Installation Process, What Actually Happens?
Alright, so you’ve decided to take the plunge. What happens next? This is where a lot of people get nervous because they’re not sure what they’re signing up for.
First up, we come around for a proper consultation. None of this measuring with your feet nonsense, we bring actual measuring tools and calculate exactly what you need. We’ll also check your electrical setup (some older Papatoetoe homes need a bit of electrical work first) and figure out the best spot for both the indoor and outdoor units.
Installation day usually takes 3-6 hours, depending on how straightforward your setup is. Here’s what actually happens during our installation process:
- We lay down drop sheets (your mum would approve of our clean-up standards)
- Mark out exactly where everything’s going and double-check with you
- Install the indoor unit first, this involves some drilling, but we use dust extraction gear
- Run the refrigerant lines and electrical cables through the wall
- Set up the outdoor unit on a proper mounting pad
- Connect everything up and test it thoroughly
- Show you how to use it properly (this bit’s important!)
- Clean up everything and take all the rubbish away
The bit that separates professional installation from cowboy jobs is the commissioning, that’s where we vacuum out all the air from the refrigerant lines, check for leaks, and make sure everything’s running at the right pressures. Skip this step and your heat pump will never work properly.
Running Costs, The Real Numbers
Everyone wants to know exactly what their power bill will be, and fair enough too, electricity isn’t getting any cheaper! The problem is, running costs depend on so many variables that anyone giving you exact figures without seeing your house is basically making stuff up.
But here’s some real-world data from around Papatoetoe that might help. A typical 3.5kW heat pump running for 8 hours a day during winter (May to September) will use about 800-1200 kWh over those 5 months. At current Auckland electricity rates (around 30-35 cents per kWh), that’s roughly $240-420 for the entire winter heating season.
Compare that to heating the same space with plug-in electric heaters, which would typically cost $800-1200 for the same period. The savings are real, and they add up fast.
What affects your running costs the most?
- How warm you like your house (every degree costs money)
- Your house’s insulation (better insulation = lower bills)
- How you use the heat pump (running it constantly on low is more efficient than blasting it on high)
- Your electricity tariff (some power companies offer cheaper off-peak rates)
Noise Levels, Will It Drive You Mental?
Nobody wants a heat pump that sounds like a jet engine warming up, especially in close-quarters Papatoetoe neighbourhoods where your outdoor unit might be near the neighbour’s bedroom window.
Modern heat pumps are actually pretty quiet, the indoor units typically run at about 20-30 decibels, which is quieter than a whisper. The outdoor units are louder at around 40-50 decibels (about the same as a quiet conversation), but they’re usually positioned where this doesn’t matter too much.
The key is proper installation. A wobbly outdoor unit on a flimsy bracket will rattle and vibrate. A properly mounted unit on a solid pad will purr along quietly. We also consider things like prevailing wind direction and proximity to windows when positioning units.
If noise is a particular concern (maybe you work night shifts or have a light sleeper in the family), there are ultra-quiet models available from all our major brands. They cost a bit more, but the peace of mind might be worth it.
Maintenance, What You Actually Need to Do
Here’s where most people either go overboard with unnecessary maintenance or completely neglect their heat pump until it breaks down. The truth is somewhere in the middle, heat pumps do need regular maintenance, but it’s not complicated.
What you can do yourself:
- Clean or replace the filters every month during heavy use periods
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, spider webs, and garden growth
- Occasionally wipe down the indoor unit with a damp cloth
- Check that the remote control batteries aren’t flat (you’d be amazed how often this trips people up)
What you need a professional for:
- Annual deep cleaning with specialized equipment
- Checking refrigerant levels and electrical connections
- Testing performance and efficiency
- Cleaning the internal coils properly (this is where our pressure cleaning system comes in handy)
“I’ve got customers who religiously clean their filters every month but never get the unit properly serviced, and others who book annual services but never touch the filters in between. The smart ones do both, their heat pumps run better, last longer, and cost less to operate. It’s really not rocket science.” – Baz, Papatoetoe Heat Pumps
Professional servicing once a year typically costs $150-250, but it can prevent much more expensive repairs down the track. Plus, a well-maintained heat pump runs more efficiently, so it often pays for itself in lower power bills.
Government Subsidies, Free Money Alert!
Right, this is the bit where I get to tell you about free money, always my favourite topic! The government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme can knock up to $3000 off your heat pump installation, but there are conditions.
You might qualify if your house was built before 2008 and you meet certain income criteria or have a SuperGold Card. The income thresholds are actually pretty reasonable, $79,000 for a household with up to 2 people, more if you have kids.
We’re EECA-approved providers, which means we can handle all the paperwork and deal directly with the subsidy programme. No need for you to navigate government websites and fill out forms, we’ve got that sorted.
Even if you don’t qualify for the full subsidy, there might be other options. Some power companies offer interest-free payment plans, and there are occasionally regional schemes available.
Common Problems and How to Dodge Them
After 10 years in this game, I’ve seen pretty much every way a heat pump installation can go wrong. Here are the big ones and how to avoid them:
Problem: Wrong Size Unit
This is the big one. Too small and it’ll struggle. Too big and it’ll be inefficient and expensive. Solution: Get a proper heat load calculation done with our sizing calculator, not just a guess based on room size.
Problem: Poor Positioning
Indoor units stuck in corners where they can’t circulate air properly, or outdoor units jammed into courtyards with no airflow. Solution: Listen to your installer’s advice about positioning, even if it’s not where you initially wanted it.
Problem: Electrical Issues
Older Papatoetoe homes sometimes have electrical systems that need upgrading before a heat pump can be safely installed. Solution: Get the electrical checked first, it’s cheaper to sort out before installation day.
Problem: Refrigerant Leaks
Usually caused by poor installation or damage to the copper pipes. Solution: Use qualified installers who test their work properly (that’s us!).
Problem: Neglected Maintenance
Filters get clogged, coils get dirty, and efficiency goes out the window. Solution: Regular maintenance, it’s way cheaper than repairs.
Winter vs Summer Performance
Heat pumps aren’t just about winter heating, they’re brilliant for cooling too, which is becoming more important as Auckland summers get hotter. But they do perform differently in different seasons.
Winter performance in Auckland is actually excellent for modern units. Even on those 5-degree mornings, a quality heat pump will happily warm your house. The efficiency does drop a bit in extreme cold, but we rarely see temperatures that would cause problems.
Summer cooling is where heat pumps really shine. They’re much more efficient than portable air conditioners and way more effective than fans. A heat pump can drop your indoor temperature by 8-10 degrees even on those sticky 30-degree Auckland days.
The beauty is you get both heating and cooling from one system. No more dragging portable heaters and fans in and out of storage, just flip the switch on your remote and you’re sorted.
Different Types Explained Simply
There are several types of heat pumps available through our services, and the right one depends on your house layout and what you’re trying to achieve. Here’s the plain English explanation:
High Wall Mounted (Most Common)
These go high up on your wall and blow air down into the room. They’re the most popular because they’re effective, relatively cheap, and work in most rooms. Perfect for lounges, bedrooms, and open-plan areas.
Floor Mounted
These sit at floor level, usually under windows. Good for rooms where wall space is limited or where you want the heat closer to floor level. Popular in bedrooms and offices.
Ceiling Cassette
These go into the ceiling and blow air out in four directions. They look neat and provide even heating, but you need decent ceiling space. Often used in offices or homes where appearance is important.
Ducted Systems
These have one big outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor outlets throughout the house. Great for heating the whole house, but more expensive and complex to install.
Multi-Room Systems
One outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units in different rooms. Good compromise between single units and full ducted systems.
Questions Nobody Asks But Should
These are the questions that come up after installation, usually at 2am when something’s not working quite right:
Why is my heat pump making ice?
This is normal! In winter, the outdoor unit can get frost on it. The heat pump has a defrost cycle that melts this off, you might see steam and hear the unit working differently for a few minutes.
Should I leave it on all the time?
Generally yes, but on low. It’s more efficient to maintain a steady temperature than to heat up a cold house from scratch each day.
Can I run it when I’m not home?
Absolutely, this actually saves money. Heating an empty house from 16°C to 20°C uses less energy than heating it from 10°C to 20°C when you get home.
What happens if the power goes out?
The heat pump stops working (it needs electricity), but it’ll restart automatically when power comes back on. No damage, no problems.
Can I install it myself?
Technically possible but practically stupid. Heat pumps contain refrigerant gas under pressure, and the electrical work needs to be certified. DIY installation will void your warranty and probably void your house insurance too.
The Real Challenges (Because Everything Has Some)
I’d be doing you a disservice if I made heat pumps sound perfect for everyone in every situation. They’re brilliant technology, but there are some challenges to be aware of:
Upfront Cost
A quality heat pump installation isn’t cheap, typically $3000-6000 depending on the unit and complexity. That’s a chunk of money, even with government subsidies. The payback period is usually 3-5 years through energy savings, but you need the upfront cash.
Not Great for Whole-House Heating
Unless you go for a ducted system, most heat pumps only heat the room they’re in effectively. Heat doesn’t travel around corners or up stairs very well. You might need multiple units for a whole-house solution.
Maintenance Requirements
They’re not “fit and forget” like some people think. Regular filter cleaning and annual professional servicing are important for efficiency and longevity.
Dependence on Electricity
If the power’s out, your heat pump’s out too. Not usually a problem in urban Auckland, but worth considering if you live somewhere with unreliable power supply.
Making the Right Choice for Your Papatoetoe Home
Choosing a heat pump isn’t just about picking the cheapest option or the one with the most bells and whistles. It’s about finding the right solution for your specific situation.
Consider your house layout, is it open plan or lots of separate rooms? What’s your insulation like? Do you have young kids who need consistent temperatures? Are you home during the day or just evenings and weekends?
Think about your budget too, not just for the initial purchase, but for running costs and maintenance over the years. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money in the long run.
And remember, installation quality matters more than the brand name on the unit. A premium heat pump installed poorly will perform worse than a basic unit installed properly.
We’ve been helping Papatoetoe families make these decisions for 10 years now. Every house is different, every family has different needs, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we take the time to understand your situation before recommending anything.
Your comfort and your family’s health are too important to leave to guesswork. Give us a call on 09 242 4940 and let’s have a proper chat about what might work best for your home. No pressure, no sales pitch, just honest advice from someone who lives in the same neighbourhood and genuinely wants to help. Check out our full range of services or learn more about us to see why we’re the right choice for your family.