Heating and cooling

Heat pump installation in Takapuna

A heat pump is usually the best way to heat a larger room, and the same unit can cool it in summer. We install and wire heat pumps for Takapuna houses and apartments, and we think carefully about where the outdoor unit goes, because this suburb sits between Takapuna Beach, Lake Pupuke and the Shoal Bay inlet.

Hands holding a pair of refrigerant pressure gauges beside a row of large outdoor condenser units on a roof

Choosing the right kind of heat pump

Most homes choose between three layouts. A single-split system pairs one outdoor unit with one indoor unit and suits a living area or a large bedroom. A multi-split connects several indoor units to a single outdoor unit, which is useful in an apartment or townhouse where there is room for only one unit outside. A ducted system heats the whole house through vents in the ceiling or floor and costs more to put in. EECA's heat pump guide notes that the average heat pump in New Zealand puts out about three times more heat than the electricity it uses, and that it needs to be installed by a licensed electrician.

Capacity matters as much as the type. A unit that is too small runs flat out on a cold night and never quite gets there; one that is far too big costs more than it needs to. The right size depends on the room, its windows, how well it is insulated and which way it faces, so we look at the space before recommending anything. If your switchboard is old or full, we will say so at the same visit, and our page on switchboard upgrades explains what is involved.

Where the units go, so close to the sea

EECA recommends mounting the indoor unit high on an outside wall and away from corners, with the outdoor unit ideally within about 15 metres of it, clear space on either side for air to move and easy access for servicing. We add one Takapuna consideration. The suburb sits on a narrow neck of land between the open sea at Takapuna Beach and the harbour waters of Shoal Bay, so a lot of homes here are close to salt water.

BRANZ, the building research body, explains that sea salt in the air speeds up corrosion of metals, and the timber-framing standard NZS 3604 puts all areas within 500 metres of the coast, harbours included, in its highest exposure zone. An outdoor unit on a beachfront deck has a harder life than one on a sheltered side wall further inland. Where there is a choice, we place it out of the direct sea breeze but still in open air, and if you live near the water, ask your supplier about the coastal protection available for the model you choose.

Suburban rooftops and trees running down to turquoise harbour water, with Rangitoto Island on the horizon under a bright, cloudy sky

What our installation covers

A look at the room and the board

Size, windows, insulation and the switchboard's spare capacity, checked before you buy.

Placement you agree to

Indoor and outdoor positions marked up with you, including how the pipes and the drain will run.

Its own circuit

The electrical supply run from the switchboard to the unit, protected and labelled.

Tested and certified

The electrical work is tested when it is finished, and you receive the certificate for it.

Heat pumps in apartments

In an apartment the outdoor unit is the hard part. It may need to sit on a balcony, a roof or a shared plant area, the pipes may pass through an outside wall, and the condensate drain needs somewhere to go. Several of those can affect the common property, so check with the body corporate before booking the installation; the rules are explained on our apartment electrician page. A multi-split system can help where a building allows only one outdoor unit per apartment.

Heat pump questions

What temperature should I set my heat pump to?

EECA suggests no higher than 20 or 21 degrees for heating. That keeps a home warm and dry, and every degree above it costs more power for little extra comfort.

How often should the filters be cleaned?

EECA's advice is every couple of weeks while you are using it, with a vacuum cleaner or warm water. A clogged filter makes the unit work harder for less heat.

How long does a heat pump last?

EECA puts the lifespan at around 15 years. An outdoor unit in a salty, exposed spot can have a harder time, which is one more reason to place it carefully.

Can you replace an old heat pump with a new one?

Yes. We check that the existing circuit and isolating switch suit the new unit, and whether the old positions are still the best ones.

Can a heat pump cool the house in summer?

Yes, most can. EECA suggests trying the dehumidifying mode first because it uses less energy than full cooling, cooling one room with the doors shut, and avoiding the auto setting, which may switch over to heating.