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:

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

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 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.

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).

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

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. 

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.