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The Best Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning Experts in Dunedin

Updated 6 May 2023
Summary:
  • 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 Dunedin 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. ​​

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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 – Dunedin 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. 

Most Sought-After Dunedin Heat Pump Professionals

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

McClelland Heat Pumps & Refrigeration Ltd

Base:  Green Island, Dunedin
Hours: 24-Hours
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Website: McClelland Heat Pumps & Refrigeration Ltd
Facebook page: McClelland Heat Pumps & Refrigeration Ltd
Email address: info@mcclelland.co.nz
Phone: 027 435 1064
​
Customer Feedback:    
  • Provides a straight forward quote for supply and installation
  • Prompt and efficient service
  • Informs their client on how to operate the system properly
  • Very tidy and professional
  • Arrives on time
Pros:
  • Available for 24/7 emergency call-outs
  • Accredited Fujitsu installers

Cons:
  • None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:    
  • McClelland Heat Pumps & Refrigeration Ltd was established in 1990 and provided homes and businesses with heating and cooling solutions.
  • Their good reputation is known within the areas of Dunedin and the Otago region.
  • Other than installation, they also help plan the required system and perform any related maintenance service for heat water pumps, air conditioning and commercial refrigeration.

Davies Heat & Cool Davies Heat ‘n’ Cool

Base: Kenmure, Dunedin
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5:15 pm
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Website: Davies Heat & Cool
Facebook page: None
Email: info@daviesheatncool.co.nz
Phone: 03 488 4088
​
Customer Feedback:   
  • Quick to action and always on time
  • Provides high-quality services
  • Highly responsive to enquiries
  • Responds to emergency repairs
  • Helps clients outside their service area
  • Reasonable pricing
 
Pros:
  • Finance options are available through Consumer Finance and Q Card
  • EFTPOS available on site
 
Cons:
  • None
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:    
  • Davies Heat & Cool Davies Heat ‘n’ Cool offer a range of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for home and commercial properties.
  • It is a family-owned and operated business with a strong tradition of delivering high-quality services.  
  • The areas they service include Dunedin, Otago, and the lower South Island. 

​The Heating Company Dunedin

Base: Dunedin South, Dunedin
Hours: Tue to Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Website: The Heating Company Dunedin
Facebook page: None
​Email address: admin@serviceman.co.nz
Phone: 03 455 3333

What customers like:   
  • Considerate of their client’s home
  • Installs neatly
  • Professional installation team
  • Carefully listens to their client’s requirements

Pros:
  • Registered Master Electricians
  • Provides a $20,000 guarantee coverage for all their works

Cons:
  • Closed during Mondays and weekends

Important Must-know Facts and Services:    
  • The Heating Company Dunedin helps with the supply, installation and maintenance of a range of high-quality heat pumps in the Dunedin area.
  • Some of their brands include Mistubishi Electric, Panasonic, Fujitsu, Toshiba and Gree. 

HeatCo Ltd

Base: South Dunedin, Dunedin
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 4:30 pm
Google Rating: 4.9/5 
Website: HeatCo Ltd
Facebook page: None
Email address: info@heatco.co.nz
Phone: 03 455 4800

Customer Feedback:   
  • Takes the time needed to assess the client’s requirements and provide the best possible solutions
  • Great client communication
  • Offers cost-effective and budget-friendly heating solutions
  • Offers great advice and reasonable quote
  • Knowledgeable about their service
 
Pros:
  • Fujitsu accredited installer with 6-years warranty
 
Cons:
  • None
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:    
  • HeatCo Ltd is a New Zealand owned and operated heating solution that supplies and installs heat pumps, wood burners, gas fires and water heating options.
  • They service all customers in and around the Dunedin area.
  • HeatCo Ltd has a team of qualified technicians that provide maintenance and repair service of heat pumps.

​Otago Heating and Ventilation

Base: Abbotsford, Dunedin
Hours: Mon to Sat 8 am – 6 pm
Google Rating: 5.0/5 
Website: Otago Heating and Ventilation
Facebook page: Otago Heating and Ventilation
Email address: office@ohav.co.nz
Phone: 027 331 5615
 
Customer Feedback:   
  • Professional, honest, and knowledgeable team of technician
  • Arrives on time
  • Provides various options for clients to consider
  • High standard and efficient installation 
  • Fair charges and reasonable fees
  • Excellent client communication
  • Great to deal with

Pros: 
  • Owner-operated business
  • Approved Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu installer
  • Provides free assessment
  • Operates during Saturdays

Cons: 
  • None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:    
  • Otago Heating and Ventilation is a locally owned and operated business specialising in heat pumps and ventilation systems.
  • They have ten years of experience servicing the Dunedin and the greater Otago region. 
  • Their services include maintaining and installing heat pumps, ducted heat pumps and ventilation systems.

Air Ref Heating and Cooling Engineers Limited

Base: Mobile only 
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am – 5 pm 
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Website: Air Ref Heating and Cooling Engineers Limited
Facebook page: Air Ref Heating and Cooling Engineers Limited
Email address: silva@air-ref.co.nz
Phone: 03 488 2828
 
Customer Feedback:   
  • Makes sure that the unit offered is best for the client’s requirements
  • Works neatly
  • Quick, reliable and has keen attention to detail
  • Quality workmanship and installation
  • Great to deal with
 
Pros: 
  • Provide reliable emergency repair services at fair rates
 
Cons: 
  • None
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:  
  • Air Ref Heating and Cooling Engineers Limited offer complete residential and commercial heating and cooling solutions to Dunedin, Christchurch, Invercargill, Central Otago and all areas in between.
  • They take pride in their 26 years of experience in the industry with a solid reputation in the South Islands for providing excellent customer service and high-quality work.
  • Their range of services includes installation, repair and maintenance of residential heat pumps and air conditioning, commercial air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, heat recovery system, heat transfer systems, and refrigeration. 
⚠️​ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no financial or otherwise relationship with any businesses listed on this page. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. No provider has paid to appear on our website, and this list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.
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