Heat Pumps are the most efficient heating and cooling system for New Zealand homes. When the temperature outside rises or fall, heat pumps provide the optimum condition to make a comfortable indoor. The system adjusts itself accordingly with the changing weather condition to keep you protected from extreme outdoor conditions. There is a variety of heat pumps available in the market, but not all are applicable for every Kiwi home.
Every kiwi home is different, and there are different heat pumps available in the market for every home’s needs. Suppose, you own a large home and you want to enhance its value with a top-of-the-line heat pump. Or, perhaps living in a rented home and searching for a tiny home heating and cooling system. If you are living in one of the colder parts of New Zealand, then you need to find a reliable system that can withstand constant usage. Or, if the climatic condition of the area is hot and humid, then you need a heat pump with a humidity control unit as well.
It is important to find the perfect heat pump that can transform your home into a retreat. So, while purchasing a new heating and cooling device for your home, please have a look at the six important things to consider.
#1 Location, location, location
When you are going to purchase a heat pump, think about your location first. Where you live matters a lot while buying a heat pump!
New Zealand comprises of a mixed temperature condition, at some locations the weather conditions are comparatively hot and humid. Whereas, few places have bone-chilling winters. It is necessary to find a heat pump that can fit exactly to the location and home size. Suppose the indoor temperature increases to 30-degree centigrade, and then find an advanced cooling system that can absorb the indoor temperature and dissipate it outside. This process will leave your home cool and comfortable in the summer months. Whereas, if you are located in the southern regions of New Zealand, then a heat pump with reverse cycle can both heat and cool your home, even when the temperature changes frequently. Your newly developed heat pump system can automatically defrost, even when the temperature drops down to minus ten-degree centigrade to keep your indoor warm and cozy.
Are you still perplexed over heat pump options? The best is to speak with a professional heat pump contractor – they can help you find the most feasible solution from a list of high-range, mid-range or low-range heat pump systems available in the market.
#2 Types of the Heat Pump
Homes in New Zealand have to face fluctuating weather conditions. Especially, if it’s around cities like Tauranga, South Auckland or Waikato location. For that reason, there are heat pumps from popular brands; Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Daikin to give a safe and comfortable indoors. Let’s have a look at the most common types of the heat pump to suit your home type –
High-Wall Mounted Models-
This type of heat pumps is engineered to bring air in from above or below and direct air downwards or horizontally in the room. It features an excellent energy efficient heating technology that will keep your indoor comfortable, whilst lowering the utility bills at the same time. The high wall mounted, sleek design makes an outstanding addition to any interior, giving an elegant feel throughout.
Floor Consoles units–
This type of heat pump is designed innovatively to supply air from below, or can say from floor level and direct up towards the wall. It features patented technology for unparallel heating and cooling in minimum time intervals. You can mount the system just above the floor or against the wall to maintain proper airflow and maximum coverage to the entire area. The sleek floor consoles will look classy and sophisticated with any indoor space.
In-Ceiling Cassette unit –
This type of heat pump is discreet and space savvy. In-Ceiling Cassette unit is mounted within the ceiling panels and brings air in from below at its center and directs air out from each of the four edges at ceiling level. You can experience an even temperature distribution throughout the interior. Trust this model for energy efficiency, lower utility bills, maintenance freestyle, and a minimalistic design.
#3 Heat Pump’s Size, Power, and Style
Not all heat pumps are created equally; there are heat pumps that vary with shape, size, and power. You need to find the one that fits exactly to the size and capacity of the room. The selection of an incorrect size of the heat pump can lead to higher energy bills and frequent repairs. So, before you select your heat pump, get some information about the correct size and power of the heat pump.
Size of the heat pumps depends upon on four major factors, your room size, window size, insulation type, and aspect.
Room size- Your room size is an ideal indicator of the capacity size and power needed from a heat pump. If the room size is bigger, then you need to install a heat pump with higher capacity. Ask your hired heat pump contractor in NZ to measure the correct dimension of the room and determine the suitable size of heat pump for your home.
Insulation- Your home insulation helps a lot in the selection of home heating and air conditioning system. If the insulation on the walls and ceilings are thick, then you need a heat pump of lower capacity range.
Window size- Your heat pump type depends a lot upon the window size and insulating properties of the glass. If the window is large, then you need heat pumps with higher capacity to heat or cool down.
Orientation– Your home’s orientation can decide the heat pump type. If the rooms are facing towards the east or west direction, then these areas receive a lot of sun. This means, your heat pump should be of higher capacity as compared to a north facing room.
Power of heat pump – Heat pumps comes in different “tonnage” units, tonnage defines how much heat/cool air it can provide in an hour. Typically, residential heat pumps range between 1 to 5 tons. Tons are broken into BTU output which equals to 12, 000 unit to one ton of heat pump capacity.
Style of the heat pump – Your heat pump is an important addition of your home. So, it should blend perfectly with the aesthetic value of the home. Choose a heat pump that will look classy inside your home. Keep an eye on how the installation is done, whether the wires and cables are visible or not. If the discharge grilles are visible inside your home, ask your heat pump contractor to change it. Make your indoor cool and comfortable, without compromising the aesthetic of the home.
#4 Energy Efficiency of heat pumps
Heaters and air conditioners consume a significant amount of energy. In fact, around half of the energy bills go to heating and cooling devices in our home. Therefore, it is essential to select heat pumps after calculating their energy efficiency.
Heat Pump use a rating, called the COP/EER to measure energy efficiency. COP shows the kWs of heating and cooling you receive for 1kW of power. The higher the COP rating, the higher is the energy efficiency. Another measuring standard for a heat pump is SEER; SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, this rating tells you how much cooling the unit provides compared to the amount of electricity it consumes. It lies in between 13 to 27+ units depending upon the type of heat pump being purchased.
Ask your HVAC contractor to provide clarification about energy efficiency, because the less energy it uses, the more efficient the unit is.
#5 Quality of the Air
Installation of a heat pump is all about improving the indoor air quality. If the air of the system affects the health and wellness of your family, then replace it with an environment-friendly option. Check for the quality of the air produced by your heat pump system. Find your advanced heating and cooling device with special filters to control the humidity, and filter dust particles that enter your home.
If any of your family members suffer from dry skin, throat, eyes or skin infection, immediately consult an expert contractor about replacing the old heat pump. Install heat pumps that are approved from Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s Sensitive Choice® program to prevent asthma, skin allergies, fever, and other health problems.
#6 Price and your Budget
Selection of a heat pump depends entirely upon your budget. After all, buying a heat pump is a one-time investment. So, the price is something you need to consider before calling a heat pump contractor in NZ for installation purpose.
Ask yourself how long you need the heat pump for your home. This could depend on how long you plan to stay in the same place; if you have any confusion in mind then speak to your experts. It makes no sense to spend your hard earned money in a ducted heat pump installation if you are thinking of relocation. There are various options available in the market to match with a flexible mindset. Choose a heat pump from reliable brands. A high rated heat pump brand is a certificate of authentication, which will save you from additional repairs and maintenance work. Speak to your heat pump specialist about the best solution to match with your price range and requirement.
Bottom Line
Selecting the right heat pump is very important. It is best to look through all the above-mentioned points and then take an informed decision. Have a close look at the pros and cons, before you take the final decision. Ask for suggestions, installations, repairs, and maintenance work from heat pump experts.
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