Best heat pump and air conditioning experts in Christchurch
Updated 23 December 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 Christchurch homes have a heat pump installed. But what are the upfront costs, ongoing costs and pros and cons?
In this guide, we cover:
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.
In this guide, we cover:
- How much do heat pumps cost?
- Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump
- Top 10 Most Sought-After Christchurch 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
2. The installation
3. Operating 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 Christchurch 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:
- $4.30 per day ($30c/kWh) using an oil heater (total cost per winter month = $129).
- $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:
Cons
- Energy-efficient – heat pumps produce far fewer carbon emissions than conventional heating such as coal fires. As Christchurch chills down for winter and the smell of fires burn, a heat pump is arguably the greenest heating source you can have.
- 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.
- Provides aircon – Christchurch 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
- 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".
- Noise – some heat pumps can be noisy, so selecting a quiet model is wise if you’re sleeping close to the unit.
- 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.
- 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 Christchurch Heat Pump Professionals
Our list below, which is no particular order, highlights popular Christchurch-based heat pump installation specialists. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, 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.
No heat pump provider has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with anyone listed below.
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The Heat Pump PeopleThe Heat Pump People is a New Zealand owned and operated authorised supplier of a wide range of residential heat pumps and commercial air conditioning systems. Their business provides service to the Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. They offer design and build, sales, installations, parts, repairs and programmed preventative maintenance services.
What customers like:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Website: The Heat Pump People Contact number: 03 366 1823 |
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Heat Pumps NOWHeat Pumps NOW is an accredited heat pump specialists with decades of experience in the heating and air conditioning industry. They supply both air conditioning and heating solutions, bringing only the best heat pump brands such as Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Toshiba and Panasonic.
What customers like:
Base: Riccarton, Christchurch Website: Heat Pumps NOW Contact number: 03 377 7393 |
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Hartnell Coolheat LtdHartnell Coolheat Ltd offers design, installation, maintenance and service of all air conditioning and heat pump units for both commercial and residential clients. They take pride in their efficient and cutting-edge technology that allows them to provide the most reliable climate control systems.
What customers like:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Website: Hartnell Coolheat Ltd Contact number: 03 366 3952 |
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New Zealand Heat PumpsNew Zealand Heat Pumps is a local heat pump and air conditioning experts servicing the Canterbury region and all places in New Zealand. They make sure to provide only high-quality brands that use the latest technology to meet their client’s expectations and to fulfil their temperature requirements.
What customers like:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Website: New Zealand Heat Pumps Contact number: 0800 200 400 |
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Heat Pump Air Conditioning Energy CentreHeat Pump Air Conditioning Energy Centre has been providing climate control solutions to the Canterbury region since 1986. They help families to stay comfortable all year-round and enable businesses to operate at optimum temperature requirement.
What customers like:
Base: Blenheim Road, Christchurch Website: Heat Pump Air Conditioning Energy Centre Contact number: 03 348 3057 |
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Heat Pumps by Wakefield ElectricalHeat Pumps by Wakefield Electrical uses a specially designed step-by-step process to help clients choose the right heat pump based on their requirements. The installation is taken care of their certified Mitsubishi heat pump installers in Christchurch.
What customers like:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Website: Heat Pumps by Wakefield Electrical Contact number: 03 371 7434 |
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DC Installation ServicesDC Installation Services is a team of experienced heat pump technicians providing energy-efficient heating and cooling for homes across Christchurch. They have over 15 years of experience in the industry offering energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions to all home and business owners.
What customers like:
Base: Mobile only Website: DC Installation Services Contact number: 0800 324 678 |
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Simply Heat ChristchurchSimply Heat Christchurch started operating in 2011 and has since become a great company when it comes to heating products. They provide service across Canterbury, Central Otago and Marlborough. Some of their offerings include gas fires, wood fires, ultra-low emission burners, heat pumps and central heating systems.
What customers like:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Website: Simply Heat Christchurch Contact number: 03 365 3685 |
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Gavin Lowe Energy & ElectricalGavin Lowe Energy & Electrical has a team of experienced service engineers and maintenance technicians who have the skills and qualifications to install, maintain and service heat pump systems. They have worked on Christchurch’s premier homes and buildings. Hence they are one of the trusted heat pump and air-conditioning company.
What customers like:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Website: Gavin Lowe Energy & Electrical Contact number: 03 337 9584 |
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ATL ElectricalATL Electrical is local specialists in heat pump installation, repair and maintenance. They provide service for both commercial and residential properties in Canterbury and Christchurch.
What customers like:
Base: Middleton, Christchurch Website: ATL Electrical Contact number: 0800 555 770 |
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.
