The Best Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning Experts in Dunedin

Updated 5 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 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:

$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:

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.
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 – 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

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 6 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.

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

McClelland Heat Pumps & Refrigeration Ltd

McClelland Heat Pumps & Refrigeration Ltd was established in 1990 and had been providing homes as well as businesses with heating and cooling solution. 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.
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Base: Green Island, Dunedin
Website: McClelland Heat Pumps & Refrigeration Ltd
Facebook page: McClelland Heat Pumps & Refrigeration Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 435 1064

What customers like:

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