Heat Pump Guide
How do I choose the right heating or cooling solution?
Key considerations include the size of the area you wish to heat or cool, the local climate, the number of windows in the area, insulation in the walls and possible location options.
Correctly determining the size of equipment for your space is critical and directly relates to how much energy or heat the unit can produce.
An undersized unit will be ineffective in bringing a room to the desired temperature, while an oversized unit will turn off and on frequently, causing wear and tear.
To help, we can tailor make a system suited to your needs and provide an obligation-free quote.
How long will my installation take?
A typical back to back installation of a single split system, without any complications, takes approximately four hours. Meanwhile, installation on an internal wall can take up to one day.
Times can vary from project to project, depending on the complexities of the building, pipe runs or electrical requirements.
Can heat pumps be recessed into the wall?
Modern heat pumps are generally unobtrusive in style and size. Hi-walls are mounted close to the ceiling and some floor consoles can be recessed into walls. Cassettes and ducted split systems can be hidden in the ceiling.
How long will my heat pump last?
Good quality equipment, installed by qualified contractors, can have a life span of 10 to 15 years. Poor maintenance and environmental factors can cause premature failure. Regular inspection and maintenance will allow your system to operate normally for as long as possible.
How long is the warranty period on a heat pump?
The average warranty period for a new heat pump in New Zealand is five years.
Are heat pumps noisy?
No. The leading brands on the market have very reasonable noise levels. You will find most of the noise you are hearing inside your house is the sound of the air being forced out of the internal grills, similar to a circulation fan. You can control how fast the internal fan runs and thus its’ noise levels, by using the remote control.
**Service & Preventative Maintenance**
How frequently should I service my heat pump?
As a guideline, it is recommended that commercial systems have a thorough annual preventative maintenance check, coupled with three quarterly filter checks.
Residential units require a comprehensive service every two years as a minimum (when filters are being cleaned regularly). However you may wish to do this annually before each winter to ensure your unit is working optimally.
It is important to keep vegetation clear of the outdoor unit so that airflow is not impeded and to check the unit is clear of leaves monthly.
How often do filters need to be cleaned?
A commercial unit requires a quarterly check, as part of an annual preventative maintenance plan. For residential units we recommend you review your filters and clean them monthly, as they become dirty quickly.
Do filters need to be replaced?
If damaged, yes. If not damaged they do not need to be replaced, but they do need to be cleaned regularly.
How much does a heat pump cost to run?
This calculation considers the energy efficiency of your particular unit, whether it is sized correctly for the area, your individual energy company rates and how effectively you use the unit.
The EECA (Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority) has identified heat pumps as one of the most energy efficient forms of heating around.
Heat pumps do not create heat, they simply move available heat from one place to another. The little energy that is needed is predominantly used to run the compressor. A heat pump typically uses 1kW to create 4kW of heat.
