We install Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu General, Panasonic, LG, Samsung, Toshiba and Haier. We are not paid more to recommend one over another. This guide tells you what each brand actually does well and who each one is right for.
We aren't paid more to recommend one over another. Here is what each brand actually does well and who it is right for.
Find your priority. See the winner. That's it.
Most people are not choosing between all eight. Here is the honest short version for the most common situations.
Basically inaudible at night. Runner up: Samsung — no airflow sensation at all.
Cleans the air 24/7, even when heating is off. Runner up: Fujitsu — Sensitive Choice approved filter.
WindFree disperses air through 23,000 micro-holes. You feel warmth, not wind. No other brand does this.
10 years total. Double the standard. Register within 90 days — Craig handles this at handover.
Anti-corrosion coating standard on every outdoor unit. Panasonic also has this as standard.
Most affordable we install. Fisher & Paykel backed — local parts, no waiting on overseas stock.
Fabric cover in 6 colours — looks like furniture. Runner up: LG ArtCool — slide in your own artwork.
The two most commonly installed brands on the North Shore. Proven, well-supported, parts always available.
All eight brands are reliable. A Haier installed correctly will heat your room better than a Mitsubishi installed poorly. The brand matters less than most people think.
What actually matters more:
Tell us about your home and we will tell you which brand and model we would put in if it were our house.
Is Mitsubishi Electric the best heat pump brand in NZ?
It is the most commonly installed premium brand and for good reason — quiet, reliable, good cold-weather performance. But "best" depends on what you need. If you want no-draft airflow, Samsung is better. If you want the longest warranty, Toshiba is better. If you want the best value, Haier is better.
Are Chinese brands like Haier as reliable as Japanese brands?
Haier is the world's largest appliance manufacturer and operates through Fisher & Paykel in NZ, which means local parts and service. They are not as premium as Mitsubishi or Daikin but they are reliable and well-supported. For a rental property or second bedroom they are a sensible choice.
Which heat pump brand is best for the North Shore?
For coastal or near-coastal properties, Mitsubishi Electric and Panasonic have Blue Fin anti-corrosion coating as standard on NZ installs, which is worth having near salt air. All other brands can have corrosion protection applied but it is not automatic.
Does the brand affect how much I pay to run the heat pump?
All modern inverter heat pumps from all brands on this page are efficient. The differences between brands in running cost are small compared to the differences caused by the wrong kW size for your room or a poorly positioned indoor unit. Getting the sizing and placement right matters more than the badge on the front.
Can I get any of these brands on the Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy?
Yes. Models across all eight brands can qualify for the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant, which covers up to 90% of the installed cost capped at $3,450 for eligible homeowners. Craig is a registered WKH provider. See our subsidy guide to check eligibility.