Best heat pump and air conditioning experts in Auckland

Updated 21 June 2020

Heat pumps are a clean way to heat your home and serve as a cost-effective alternative to coal fires, fan heaters and underfloor heating. Every week, hundreds of Auckland homes have a heat pump installed. But what are the upfront costs, ongoing costs and pros and cons?

In this guide, we cover:

• How much do heat pumps cost?
• Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump
• Top 10 Most Sought-After Auckland Heat Pump Professionals

Know this first - Essential to the efficient running of a heat pump is a well-insulated home. Before shopping around for a heat pump, make sure your home is warm and sealed. Otherwise, your energy efficient heat pump will be working inefficiently for all winter.

Heat pumps are big business – in 2019, government data confirmed over 170,000 new units were sold around New Zealand. Right now, 30% of New Zealand homes have one installed. ​​

How much do heat pumps cost?

There are three significant costs - the unit price and installation (both one-off), and the ongoing costs.
Research from Consumer NZ in 2019 found significant variations in heat pump unit and installation costs.

1. The unit

• The price range is $1,350 to about $6,000
• Most heat pump units installed in Auckland have a 6 kW capacity, but the price of each unit, like any appliance or whiteware, will be influenced by brand, promotions and warranties.

2. The installation

• Consumer estimates a standard installation will cost anywhere from ranging from $750 to $1,350.
• You’ll need an electrician (who will connect the unit to your main circuit) and an installer (who affixes the unit and makes sure everything is installed correctly, as well as being adequately protected from the weather.

3. Operating costs

• Per a recent article in Stuff and guidance from the ECCA, heat pumps are the most efficient way of using electricity to heat your home. This is because they transfer heat from outside air and in this way produce three to four times more warmth (300-400 per cent efficiency).
• In terms of energy usage, for every 5kW of heating, you pay for around 1.5kW of electric energy. In general, heat pump heating is roughly one quarter the cost of electric heating and about one third the cost of gas heating.
• While every heat pump, home and power unit price will be different, the savings over oil-filled heaters can be significant. As an example, for a standard-sized lounge, with insulation and good curtains, heating this to 21 degrees in winter will cost:

1. $4.30 per day ($30c/kWh) using an oil heater (total cost per winter month = $129).
2. $0.95 per day using a heat pump like the Daikin FTXM50 (total cost per winter month = around $30).

Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump

Heat pumps get a lot of positive media, but are they without drawbacks? We explain the pros and cons below:

1. ​Energy-efficient – heat pumps produce far fewer carbon emissions than conventional heating such as coal fires. As Auckland chills down for winter and the smell of fires burn, a heat pump is arguably the greenest heating source you can have.
2. Easy to install – heat pumps are, in most cases, easy to install. They will need some space outside for the condenser unit, but an experienced heat pump installation professional will find a discreet place to place them. 
3. Provides aircon – Auckland can have hot summers, so being able to use the unit to cool your living areas can be more efficient than ceiling fans or stand-up fans. 

​Cons

1. Upfront cost - According to a recent article in Stuff, you're unlikely to get any change from $2,300-$3,500, but you "should regain that in electricity savings over time".
2. Noise – some heat pumps can be noisy, so selecting a quiet model is wise if you’re sleeping close to the unit. 
3. Not 100% zero-carbon – unless your electricity source is solar, hydro or wind, the energy used to run a heat pump isn’t completely zero-carbon. 
4. Not always efficient for smaller spaces – Per a recent article in Stuff, electric heaters are the most cost-effective option to heat small bedrooms and occasionally-used areas, like an office. But in large living spaces, a heat pump that runs at triple the efficiency for a fraction of the cost (as low as 20 per cent compared with other forms of electric heating), will more than pay for itself.

Heat Pumps Frequently Asked Questions

Heat pumps are a big investment, and with such a variety of options it is essential to do your homework. The FAQs below help explain how to find the right unit for your needs.

Which heat pump is right for my home?

Firstly, you need to calculate the space you wish your heat pump to regulate. You'll need to look at the number of windows, your insulation and potential places for installation. Different heat pumps are designed for different sizes and conditions. This avoids a unit being pushed to the limits (when the unit's power is too small for the area) or worn out by turning off and on frequently (when a unit is too big for a small space).

How long does it take to install a heat pump?

In most instances, it will be about 3-6 hours, depending on complications, pipe material and wall material.​

How long will a heat pump last, and how long is the warranty?

Quality units can last between 10 to 15 years. It's important to carry out regular maintenance to extend the life as long as possible. A warranty is usually around five years, but some manufacturers offer warranties for up to seven years. 

Top 10 Most Sought-After Auckland Heat Pump Professionals

​Our list below, which is no particular order, highlights popular Auckland-based heat pump installation specialists. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Auckland, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.

No heat pump provider has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with anyone listed below.

Absolute Cool Ltd

Absolute Cool Ltd provides air conditioning solution to residential and commercial properties in Auckland and Hamilton. They also offer reputable brands of air conditioning and services for their installed units. 

What Aucklanders like:

• They are easy to deal with and goes to schedule a visit with just one call.
• Their team arrives and finishes on time 
• They have polite and helpful staff who explains how to operate heat pumps.
• Absolute Cool offers great products and has excellent workmanship. 
  
  

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Heat pump installation
• Ventilation system fix 
• Maintenance and servicing
• Design and installation 
• Commercial air conditioning 
• Residential air conditioning 

Base: Penrose, Auckland
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Contact:  0800 937 2665 or visit Absolute Cool Ltd's website
Service Areas: Auckland, Hamilton and other cities (by appointment) 

Air Conditioning Specialists

Air Conditioning Specialists is a one-stop air conditioning shop that provides heat pump repair service as well as warranty repairs within the greater Auckland region. 

What Aucklanders like:

• ​​You could call for a repair even if they didn't install the heat pump. 
• They can fix all major types of heat pump repair. 
• Their servicemen can quickly identify the fault in your air conditioning system and fix it in no time.
• Air Conditioning Specialists provide quality heat pump at a reasonable price.
• 6-year parts and labour on all of their Fujitsu Heat Pump range.

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Heat pump installation
• Warranty repair of Fujitsu heat pumps 
• Heat pump repair for other brands
• Heat pump servicing and maintenance

Base: Auckland 
Google Rating: Under review
Contact:  09 834 6128 or visit the ACS website
Service Areas: ​ Greater Auckland region and all nearby suburbs

Oxygen Air

Oxygen Air covers the Auckland and offers small and large heat pump set-ups. It is New Zealand owned and operated with a highly experienced team to provide lasting solutions to your air conditioning and heating needs. 

What Aucklanders like:

• Oxy Air team provides advice and quotation based on the need of your home. 
• They offer a heat pump and air conditioner installation at a reasonable price. 
• Their staffs are accommodating and efficient, installing air conditioners as to how their clients want to. 
• Up to 6 years warranty to their installed units with instalment plans available 

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Residential heat pump/air conditioner installation
• Commercial heat pump and ventilation system installation
• Ducted heat pump system installation 
  ​

Pricing: Air conditioning system and installation from $1,595
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Base: Ellerslie, Auckland
Contact:  0800 854 085 or visit Oxy Air website
Service Areas: ​Auckland

Heat and Cool Airconditioning

Heat and Cool is a New Zealand owned and operated business that provides an air conditioning system and heat pump installation service across Auckland. 

What Aucklanders like:

• Their crew provides professional service and repairs.
• They are a no-nonsense air-conditioning supplier.
• Heat and Cool maintain good communication with their clients with a friendly approach. 
  
  

Services include, but are not limited to:

• ​Heat pump maintenance service
• Heat pump and air conditioning sale and installation
  
  

Base: New Lynn, Auckland
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Contact:  09 827 4784​ or visit the Heat and Cool website
Service Areas: ​Auckland Wide

AES Heat Pumps

Auckland Energy Solutions (AES) has a team of registered electricians whose expertise include installation of heat pumps. They are also accredited installers of Ducted AC Systems in Auckland.

What Aucklanders like:

• They make the whole installation process simple and stress-free for their clients
• The AES team carefully executes their job and always work around safety.
• They have friendly and efficient staff. 
• Their prices are competitive, and they provide value for your money. 
  
  

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Supply and installation of heat pumps and air conditioning systems
• Hi Wall Split systems installation 
• Ducted central heating and cooling systems
• Casette units in residential and commercial premises
• Removal and Relocation Maintenance & Servicing
• Re-gassing & Degassing

​
Pricing:  Heat pumps and cooler from $1,699
Google rating: 4.7/5
Base: Henderson, Auckland 
Contact:  ​​0508 237 000 or visit the AES Heat Pumps website
Service Areas:  Greater Auckland region

Kiwi Heat Pumps

Kiwi Heat Pumps specialise in air conditioning systems and heat pumps, covering different regions in Auckland. They supply and install a wide range of cooling systems for residential and commercial properties. 

​What Aucklanders like:

• They offer up to 6 years of risk-free guarantee on all their installations. 
• Their team has great attention to details.
• Kiwi Heat Pumps offer competitive prices for their units and installation service.
• They have commendable work ethics and precision. 
• They provide professional advice on what air conditioning system is right for your property. 
  
  

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Air conditioning installation and service
• Installation of heat pumps 
• Ventilation set-up and maintenance
• Custom design heat pump system
  
  

Pricing: Heat pump/air conditioner from $1,590
Base: North Shore City, Auckland
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Contact:  0800 549 443 or visit the Kiwi Heat Pumps website
Service Areas: ​Greater Auckland region

Heat Pump Guys

Heat Pump Guys offers advice, sales, installation and heat pump maintenance services for residential and commercial properties. They specialise in heat pump installation and ventilation for home and offices. 

What Aucklanders like:

• Their maintenance technicians regularly rotate through the Auckland area and contact the client when the service is due

• They have friendly, professional staff who will provide you with a proper quotation. 
• Their team is punctual and considerate of their client's time. 
• Heat Pump Guys are very knowledgeable about heat pumps and can finish the installation on time. 

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Residential heat pump and air conditioner installation
• Residential ventilation set-up and maintenance
• Heat pump repairs and servicing
• Commercial hear pumps installation and service
• Heat pump cleaning and checking
• Dehumidifiers repair 
  
  

Pricing: Single room heat pump system starts from $2,000
Base: Takapuna, Auckland
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Contact:  0800 003 785 or visit the Heat Pump Guys website
Service Areas: ​Greater Auckland area

Varcoe Airconditioning and Heat Pumps

Varcoe Air Conditioning and Heating have been operating since 1975 in Papakura, providing installation service of top tier brand of heat pumps and air conditioning units. They have a team of
well-trained industry professionals to ensure proper installations of cooling and heating systems. 

What Aucklanders like:

• They are considerate of their client's budget in installing a unit. 
• Their team of technicians are nice and trustworthy. 
• Varcoe is customer-focused and responsive to all questions about their service.
• Follows up with the client when their service maintenance is near due. 

​
Services include, but are not limited to:

• Unit cleaning and disinfecting of air conditioners
• Checking electrical terminals, components and evaporator coils
• Air temperature check for installed units 
• Installation of a single room and multi-room heat pumps 
• Floor consoles and cassettes 
• Ducted whole home heat pumps 
• Commercial heat pump installation
• Wi-fi heat pump control 
  
  

Base: Papakura, Auckland
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Contact:  0800 088 888 or visit the Varcoe Airconditioning and Heating website
Service Areas: ​Auckland wide

Comfort Solutions

Comfort Solutions is an Auckland based company that works through from design to installation. They also take care of the regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit regardless if it is Panasonic, Fujitsu or Mitsubishi electric heat pumps.
​
What Aucklanders like:

• They provide leading brands of air conditioning and heat pump units.
• Comfort Solutions provides a heat pump that can meet all heating, dehumidifying and cooling requirements of your home. 
• Their team of professionals works around safety. 
• They offer full 5-year installation warranty to make sure that nothing goes wrong the system they installed.
  
  

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Full air conditioning and heat pump service
• Sale of heat pumps and air conditioning units
• Ventilation set-up
• Heat pumps installation and repair 

​
Base: Massey, Auckland
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Contact:  0800 2 COMFORT or visit the Comfort Solutions website
Service Areas: ​Greater Auckland regions 

Top Lane Traders

Top Lane Traders has been in the industry for more than four years supplying, installing, cleaning and servicing heat pumps around the Auckland area.

What Aucklanders like:

• They provide a free first service on installed heat pumps, which is helpful for clients. 
• Their trained technicians provide a full test & tag service to assess if the unit is fit for use. 
• Top Lane Traders team is dedicated to their customers exhibiting professional yet friendly approach to all clients. 
• As a reliable and trustworthy team, they can maintain long term clients who depend on them for heat pump and air conditioning works. 
  ​

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Heat pump supplying 
• Heat pump/air-condition installation
• Cleaning and regular service for installed units
• Test, tag & service

​
Base:  Manukau, Auckland
Google Rating: 5/5
Contact: 0211 403 674 or visit the Top Lane Traders website
Service Areas: ​Greater Auckland regions

Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with any of the heat pump professionals listed on this page. Quotes and final costs for heat pump installation, servicing and running costs will vary, and our pricing guide is for informational purposes only.