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The Best Heat Pump and Air Conditioning Experts in Napier and Hastings

Updated 8 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 Napier-Hastings 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 Napier-Hastings 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 Napier-Hastings 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 – Napier-Hastings 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.

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 Most Sought-After Napier-Hastings Heat Pump Professionals

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

Napier Heat Pumps Ltd

Base: Camberley, Hastings
Hours: 24-Hours
Google Rating: 4.6/5 
Website: Napier Heat Pumps Ltd
Facebook page: Napier Heat Pumps Ltd
Email address: admin@napierheatpumps.co.nz
Phone: 0800 003 594
​
Customer Feedback:   
  • Exhibits a professional approach from start to finish
  • Installs at a time suitable to clients
  • Easy to deal with
  • Excellent workmanship

Pros:
  • Open for emergency call-outs 24/7

Cons:
  • None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:    
  • Napier Heat Pumps Ltd was acquired by Buzz Electrics in 2019 and continues to provide heat pump installation and cooling solutions to homes and business properties in Hastings.
  • They provide service, repair, maintenance and installation of heatpumps, air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems.
  • Some of the brands they install are Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Toshiba and Gree.

​Compass Energy Ltd

Base: Napier, Hawkes Bay
Hours: 24-Hours 
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Compass Energy Ltd
Facebook page: Compass Energy Ltd
Email address: leigh@compassenergy.co.nz
Phone: 027 670 4336

What customers like:  
  • Provides professional services at a reasonable cost
  • High-quality installation
  • Approachable and accommodating tradesmen
  • Excellent communication with their clients
  • Has keen attention to details

Pros: 
  • Open 24-hours for emergency call-outs

Cons: 
  • None

Services include but not limited to:   
  • ​Compass Energy Ltd is a locally owned and operated business in Hawke’s Bay that offers a wide range of services for heating solutions, electrical solutions and air conditioning solutions for commercial and residential properties.
  • They install the major brands of heat-pumps of all sizes that suit the client’s requirements. 
  • Compass Energy Ltd also install ventilation systems for the kitchen, bathroom, and entire home. ​

​Abode Heating & Insulation

Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
​Google Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Abode Heating & Insulation
Facebook page: Abode Heating & Insulation
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 027 241 8590
​
What customers like:   
  • Quick to install
  • Highly professional and efficient service
  • Offers great value for money

Pros:
  • Open for emergency call-outs
 
Cons:
  • None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:    
  • Abode Heating & Insulation was established in 2009 by a trade qualified builder.
  • They offer a full range of heating, ventilation and insulation services across Hawke’s Bay, including Napier, Hastings and Havelock North.
  • They cover installation of heat pumps, ventilation systems and insulation systems. 
⚠️​ 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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