Is a hot water heat pump going to be noisy?

Modern units are about as loud as a standard dishwasher, around 45 to 50 decibels. Installers position them away from bedroom windows and boundaries to minimise noise impact on neighbours.

How long does hot water heat pump installation take?

Most hot water heat pump installations take 3 to 5 hours. You will have hot water the same day.

Takapuna and North Shore Auckland

Hot Water Heat Pumps Takapuna

Your hot water cylinder is probably the biggest power user in your home. A hot water heat pump can cut that bill by up to 75%. Craig and the team install hot water heat pumps across Takapuna and the North Shore.

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Up to 75% cheaper to run Replaces your existing cylinder Free on-site assessment Licensed plumbers and electricians

Fully licensed trade professionals who know NZ plumbing standards inside out. Craig works with registered plumbers and electricians on every hot water install.

Hot water heat pump installation in a Takapuna home, North Shore Auckland

Why Your Hot Water Bill Is About to Get a Lot Smaller

Hot water heating makes up about a third of the average NZ household's power bill. Most homes are still using an old electric resistance cylinder, which heats water by cooking it with an element, the most expensive way to do it.

How it actually works

It works like a fridge in reverse. Instead of pumping heat out to keep your milk cold, it sucks heat in from the air to get your water steaming hot. Because it's moving heat instead of making it, you stop paying to cook your water with an old element.

For a typical 3-person North Shore household, that's a saving of around $284 a year switching from an electric cylinder. A family of four can save $1,000 or more per year. Over the life of the unit, the savings dwarf the upfront cost.

Up to 75% cheaper than LPG

Homes still on LPG hot water see the biggest savings. Typical saving: $500 to $800 per year.

Up to 60% cheaper than an electric cylinder

The most common upgrade on the North Shore. Typical saving: $284 to $1,000+ per year depending on household size.

Works with solar panels

If you have solar on your roof, a hot water heat pump running on your own electricity is the most cost-effective hot water option available.

Hot water heat pump unit installed outside a North Shore Auckland home

Three Types of Hot Water Heat Pump

Not all hot water heat pumps are installed the same way. The right type for your home depends on your outdoor space, where your current cylinder sits, and your budget. Craig will go through all three options with you on the site visit.

Option 1

Integrated unit

The heat pump and cylinder are combined into one outdoor unit. Simplest to install and the most common choice for North Shore homes with good outdoor access. Craig installs it outside and connects it to your existing plumbing.

Split unit

The heat pump sits outside, the cylinder can be inside. More flexible for homes where outdoor space is tight. Great for those North Shore side-alleys where you don't want a massive tank blocking the path. Split systems also have larger compressors, so they heat water faster, better for big families.

Most flexible

Option 3

Retrofit to existing cylinder

If your current cylinder is in good condition, Craig can retrofit a heat pump unit to connect to it rather than replacing the whole system. This is the most cost-effective option if the cylinder has years of life left in it. Craig will check the cylinder on the site visit and tell you honestly whether it's worth keeping.

Most affordable

Is a Hot Water Heat Pump Right for Your Home?

Most North Shore homes are a good fit. Here is what works well and what to watch for.

Works well for

Homes with an existing electric hot water cylinder to replace or retrofit
Homes currently on LPG hot water, the savings are even bigger
Homes with solar panels, run the heat pump on your own power
Larger families who use a lot of hot water each day
Homes with outdoor space or a large garage for the unit
New builds where the system can be planned in from the start

Worth considering first

Very small apartments with no outdoor space or ventilation for the unit
Homes where the hot water cylinder is in a tight unventilated cupboard with no split option
Households with very low hot water usage where payback period is longer
Homes already on a very low hot water tariff where savings may be smaller

Hot Water Heat Pump Cost in Takapuna

All prices include supply and installation. Costs vary by unit type, size and installation complexity.

System Type	Best For	Estimated Cost
Retrofit to existing cylinder	Cylinder in good condition, most affordable upgrade	$2,500 to $4,500
Integrated unit, 180 to 250 litre	Average household of 2 to 4 people, good outdoor space	$3,500 to $6,000
Large integrated unit, 300 litre+	Larger households or high hot water use	$5,500 to $8,000
Split system	Tight sections, big families needing fast recovery	$5,000 to $9,000
Premium unit with advanced controls	Solar integration, smart scheduling, large homes	$7,000 to $13,000+

All prices include supply, installation, plumbing connections and commissioning. The only accurate price is an on-site quote from Craig.

Hot Water Heat Pump Brands We Install

Craig installs the major brands with strong track records in NZ homes. Not tied to any supplier, so you get the right unit for your home, not whatever earns the highest margin.

Reclaim Energy Stiebel Eltron Rheem Mitsubishi Electric Rinnai

Craig will recommend the right brand and size for your household and installation location.

Hot Water Heat Pump Questions We Get Asked All the Time

Is it going to annoy the neighbours?

Modern units are about as loud as a standard dishwasher, around 45 to 50 decibels. We're careful about where we mount them, away from bedroom windows and boundaries, so you get the savings without the noise complaints. If your section is particularly tight, Craig will go through the placement options with you on the site visit to make sure you stay on good terms with next door.

How much does a hot water heat pump cost in Takapuna?

Costs range from around $2,500 for a retrofit to an existing cylinder up to $13,000+ for a large premium system. A standard integrated unit for an average North Shore household runs $3,500 to $6,000 supply and installed. The only accurate price is an on-site quote, as installation complexity varies significantly between homes.

How long does installation take?

Most hot water heat pump installations take 3 to 5 hours. Craig and the team disconnect your old cylinder or connect the retrofit unit, make the plumbing connections, connect the electrics, and commission the system. You'll have hot water the same day.

Will it work in a Takapuna apartment?

It depends on your setup. The unit needs either outdoor space or a well-ventilated area. If your hot water cylinder is in a small internal cupboard with no ventilation, a standard integrated unit won't work. Craig will check on the site visit and let you know whether a split system makes sense for your apartment or whether there are other options.

How much will I actually save on my power bill?

The average 3-person Auckland household saves around $284 per year when switching from an electric cylinder, according to EECA's own calculator. A family of four can save $1,000 or more per year. If you're coming from LPG, savings are typically $500 to $800 per year. Craig can give you a rough estimate based on your current system and household size when he visits.