Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about heat pumps, servicing, ventilation or any of our other services? We've gathered all our frequently asked questions in one place to help you find the answers you need. And if there is a question that we haven't answered please don't hesitate to get in touch.

General

How much does it cost to get a heat pump installed?

Installation costs can vary a lot depending on what is required but for a standard 'back to back' installation on an external wall you should allow around $1000. For an internal wall installation with a condensate pump then you should allow around $1500.

What is a condensate pump?

A condensate pump is a small water pump that usually sits in the ceiling about the heat pump indoor unit. These pumps are required when it is not possible to connect a gravity drain from the indoor unit to outside the house. When you run a heat pump in cooling then some condensation is produced at the indoor unit and this needs to be drained, or pumped, to outside.

Can all heat pumps run as air conditioners in cooling function?

Yes - all domestic heat pumps sold in New Zealand can do both heating and cooling. Some heat pumps can only do cooling but these are typically only sold in hot countries where heating is never required. Some commercial heat pump systems only do cooling as well, but these are typically for industrial applications.

What temperature should I run my heat pump at?

Most people find around 22 degrees is comfortable for either heating or cooling. It comes down to personal preference though and if you find 22 degrees is not quite right for you then go up or down a degree until you are comfortable.

What setting should I have my fan at?

For most situations we recommend setting the fan to "Auto" speed as this will allow the heat pump to select the best fan speed for the temperature that is set on the remote controller. If the fan speed is set to "Quiet" or low fan speed it can restrict the amount of heating or cooling that can be achieved and therefore reduce the effectiveness of the heat pump.

How much does it cost to run a heat pump?

The running costs for a heat pump will vary a huge amount depending on a large number of factors and there is no single right answer to this question. Running costs are typically about 1/4 of the equivalent electric heating costs and a typical single living room heat pump might cost $2 - $5 a day to run during winter. A large ducted heat pump system doing a whole house might cost $5 - $10 a day to run. It will depend very much on the heat pump capacity, how long you run it for, what temperature you have it set at, what the temperature is outside, what your insulation is like, what power rate you are on, etc.

How does a heat pump work?

Have you ever wondered about the science behind your heat pump? We've created an informative video that breaks down the inner workings of an air source heat pump, explaining the refrigeration cycle that allows it to heat your home in winter and cool it in summer.

Learn about key components like the compressor and reversing valve, and discover how clever engineering ensures your heat pump operates efficiently and effectively all year round.