Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about heat pump installation, operation, and maintenance in Papatoetoe and South Auckland.
Can’t find your answer? Call 09 242 4940 or contact us online.
Installation Questions
How much does heat pump installation cost?
Complete installation costs:
- Small capacity (2.5-3.5kW): $2,500-$4,500
- Medium capacity (5-7kW): $4,000-$6,500
- Multi-room systems: $7,000-$15,000
- Ducted systems: $12,000-$25,000
Government subsidies reduce costs for eligible homeowners by up to $3,450.
How long does installation take?
Typical installation timeframes:
- Single wall-mounted unit: 3-6 hours
- Multi-room system: 1-2 days
- Ducted system: 2-4 days
Includes indoor and outdoor unit installation, refrigerant line connection, electrical work, testing, and commissioning.
What size heat pump do I need?
Heat pump sizing depends on multiple factors:
- Room floor area
- Ceiling height
- Insulation quality
- Window size and type
- Sun exposure
- Room layout and openness
General guidelines:
- 15-20m² room: 2.5-3.5kW
- 25-35m² room: 5.0kW
- 40-50m² room: 7.1kW
Professional heat load calculation recommended for accurate sizing.
Can heat pumps heat my whole house?
Single wall-mounted units effectively heat the room they’re installed in. Heat doesn’t travel well around corners or between floors.
Whole-house solutions:
- Multiple single units in key rooms
- Multi-room system (one outdoor unit, multiple indoor units)
- Ducted system (central unit with vents throughout house)
What electrical work is required?
Most heat pumps require:
- Dedicated electrical circuit
- Proper earthing system
- Appropriate cable rating for unit capacity
Larger units (7kW+) may require electrical upgrades in older homes. Licensed electrician handles all electrical work as part of installation.
Operating Questions
Do heat pumps work in Auckland winters?
Yes. Modern heat pumps operate effectively in Auckland climate.
Performance specifications:
- Most units operate efficiently down to -15°C outdoor temperature
- Auckland winter temperatures typically 8-15°C
- Heating performance remains strong throughout Auckland winter
Units may form frost on outdoor coil during cold weather. Automatic defrost cycle handles this normally.
How much do heat pumps cost to run?
Typical running costs (Auckland electricity rates):
- 2.5kW unit: $200-$300 annually
- 5.0kW unit: $350-$500 annually
- 7.1kW unit: $500-$700 annually
Based on 8 hours daily use during 5-month heating season. Actual costs vary with:
- Usage patterns
- Temperature settings
- Home insulation quality
- Electricity tariff rates
Heat pumps typically 60-70% cheaper to operate than electric heaters for equivalent heating.
Should I leave heat pump on all the time?
Recommended operation:
- Maintain constant low temperature (18-20°C) rather than heating from cold
- More efficient than turning off completely and reheating
- Use timer for unoccupied periods
- Lower setting overnight reduces costs while maintaining baseline warmth
Frequent on/off cycling less efficient than steady operation at moderate temperature.
How noisy are heat pumps?
Typical noise levels:
- Indoor units: 20-35 decibels (quieter than conversation)
- Outdoor units: 40-55 decibels (equivalent to quiet conversation)
Premium models offer quieter operation (19-24 decibels indoor). Proper installation on stable mounting reduces vibration noise.
Can heat pumps cool in summer?
Yes. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling (reverse cycle operation).
Cooling performance:
- Effective cooling even on hot Auckland days (25-30°C)
- More efficient than portable air conditioners
- Dehumidification improves comfort in humid conditions
- Same unit provides year-round climate control
Maintenance Questions
What maintenance do heat pumps require?
Homeowner tasks:
- Clean filters monthly during heavy use
- Keep outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves, vegetation
- Wipe indoor unit casing periodically
- Check remote batteries
Professional servicing (annually):
- Deep coil cleaning
- Refrigerant pressure verification
- Electrical connection inspection
- Condensate drainage checks
- Performance testing
How often should heat pumps be serviced?
Recommended schedule:
- Professional service: Annually
- Filter cleaning: Monthly during peak use
- Visual inspection: Quarterly
Annual professional servicing maintains efficiency, prevents breakdowns, and extends unit lifespan.
How long do heat pumps last?
Expected lifespan:
- Quality units with regular maintenance: 12-15 years
- Premium brands with excellent maintenance: 15-20 years
- Budget units or poor maintenance: 8-12 years
Regular professional servicing significantly extends operational life.
What happens if my heat pump breaks down?
Common issues:
- Filter blockage (DIY cleaning resolves)
- Remote battery failure (simple replacement)
- Refrigerant leaks (professional repair required)
- Electrical faults (professional diagnosis required)
- Compressor failure (major repair or replacement)
We provide same-day service for urgent repairs during business hours.
Brand and Model Questions
Which heat pump brand is best?
Premium tier: Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Panasonic
- Superior reliability and efficiency
- Strong local service networks
- 12-15+ year typical lifespan
Mid-tier: Fujitsu, LG, Toshiba, Hitachi
- Good reliability at competitive pricing
- Acceptable efficiency ratings
- 10-14 year typical lifespan
Budget tier: Gree, Haier
- Lowest initial cost
- Acceptable performance for budget applications
- 8-12 year typical lifespan
Best brand depends on budget, priorities, and application.
Do you install all brands?
We install Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, and Panasonic as primary brands. Other major brands available on request.
All installations include manufacturer warranty registration and 5-year workmanship guarantee.
What’s the difference between heat pump types?
High wall mounted: Most common. Mounts high on wall. Suitable for most rooms.
Floor mounted: Sits at floor level. Good where wall space limited.
Ceiling cassette: Flush ceiling installation. Four-way airflow distribution. Requires ceiling cavity space.
Ducted: Central unit with vents throughout house. Whole-home heating/cooling. Highest cost.
Multi-room: One outdoor unit, multiple indoor units. Cost-effective whole-home solution.
Subsidy Questions
What government subsidies are available?
Warmer Kiwi Homes programme:
- Up to 90% heat pump cost coverage (maximum $3,450 including GST)
- Only available for eligible homeowners with Community Services Card, SuperGold Combo card, or living in highest-need areas
- Home must be built before 2008
- Home must have ceiling and underfloor insulation
- No existing operational heater in any living area
Middle-income areas not eligible for heating grants (insulation grants only).
How do I apply for subsidies?
We handle complete subsidy application process:
- Verify eligibility during assessment
- Complete application paperwork
- Submit to EECA on your behalf
- Track approval status
- Process subsidy deduction from final invoice
No cost for application assistance.
How long does subsidy approval take?
Typical processing timeframes vary based on application volume. We track your application and provide updates throughout process.
Technical Questions
What is inverter technology?
Inverter technology allows heat pump compressor to run at variable speeds rather than fixed on/off operation.
Benefits:
- More efficient operation (lower running costs)
- More consistent temperature control
- Quieter operation
- Faster heating/cooling response
- Extended compressor lifespan
All modern heat pumps use inverter technology.
What is COP rating?
COP (Coefficient of Performance) measures heat pump efficiency:
- COP 3.5 = produces 3.5kW heat output for every 1kW electricity input
- Higher COP = more efficient operation
- Typical range: 3.0-4.5 for quality residential units
COP varies with outdoor temperature (lower efficiency in extreme cold).
Do heat pumps use a lot of electricity?
Heat pumps are most efficient electric heating option available.
Efficiency comparison:
- Heat pump: 1kW electricity input → 3-4kW heat output
- Electric heater: 1kW electricity input → 1kW heat output
- Heat pump uses 60-75% less electricity for equivalent heating
Installation Location Questions
Where should indoor unit be installed?
Optimal placement:
- Centrally located on longest wall
- Minimum 2.0-2.2 metres above floor
- Clear airflow path (no furniture blocking)
- Away from direct sunlight
- Accessible for filter cleaning
Avoid corners where airflow restricted.
Where should outdoor unit be installed?
Requirements:
- Stable, level mounting surface
- Adequate airflow clearance (minimum 300mm all sides)
- Protected from extreme weather exposure
- Accessible for servicing
- Reasonable distance from bedrooms (noise consideration)
- Maximum 15-20 metres from indoor unit (refrigerant line length)
We assess optimal placement during site visit.
Additional Questions
Can I install heat pump myself?
No. Heat pump installation requires:
- Refrigerant handling license
- Electrical certification
- Specialized tools and equipment
- Technical knowledge for commissioning
DIY installation voids warranty, violates building codes, and creates safety hazards.
Do heat pumps need planning permission?
Generally no planning permission required for residential heat pump installation. Must comply with:
- New Zealand Building Code
- Electrical Standards (AS/NZS 3000)
- Noise regulations (consideration for neighbours)
We ensure all installations meet compliance requirements.
What warranty coverage is provided?
Manufacturer warranty: 5-7 years on compressor, 2-5 years on parts (varies by brand and model).
Installation warranty: 5-year workmanship guarantee on all our installations.
Warranty registration completed as part of installation process.
Contact for More Information
Phone: 09 242 4940
Online: Contact form
Service areas: Papatoetoe, Flat Bush, Manukau Central, East Tamaki, South Auckland
Professional installation with 5-year guarantee. EECA-approved for government subsidies.