What size do you need? Which brand is worth the money? This guide answers the questions I get asked every day on the North Shore. No marketing fluff. Just the facts from an installer who sees what actually works.
Here are the answers upfront.
In the order that actually matters, from someone who does this every day.
One room or the whole house? A single bedroom needs a different solution to an open-plan kitchen and lounge. If you want every room warm from one system, ducted is the answer. If you want one or two rooms, high-wall units are simpler and cheaper. Get this right first. It determines everything else.
The most important decision. Too small and it runs flat out all day never keeping up. Too large and it short-cycles, wasting energy. 100–130W per square metre for a well-insulated NZ room. Add 20–30% for high ceilings or south-facing rooms. Craig assesses before recommending anything.
High-wall is the most common and most affordable. Floor console suits rooms where wall mounting is not practical. Ducted is invisible and heats the whole house. The right type depends on your room layout, not your brand preference.
All eight brands we install are reliable. Choose based on what matters: quietness, warranty, air quality, no drafts, coastal protection or budget. Installation quality matters more than the badge on the front.
In NZ, refrigerant handling requires an EPA licence. Electrical work requires a registered electrician. An unlicensed install voids your warranty. Craig holds an EPA Refrigerant Handling Licence and works with registered electricians on every job.
Typical installed prices for North Shore homes. All include supply, installation and Certificate of Compliance.
Standard back-to-back install. Covers entry-level to premium brands (Haier Quartz through to Mitsubishi AP or Daikin Cora). Most North Shore bedrooms and lounges.
One outdoor unit running 2–4 indoor units. Less outdoor clutter than separate systems. Good for homes wanting multiple rooms covered without full ducted.
Fully hidden in the ceiling. One system heats the whole house. Best for new builds, renovations and anyone who wants nothing visible on the walls.
Prices include GST. Final cost depends on brand, kW size, pipe run length and access difficulty. Craig provides a fixed-price quote before any work begins.
We only install brands with local NZ parts availability. If something fails in year seven, we need to fix it in 48 hours, not wait six weeks for stock from overseas. Here is the quick version of each brand.
The Warmer Kiwi Homes grant covers up to 90% of the cost, capped at $3,450. Most eligible homeowners pay just $400 to $700 out of pocket. Craig is a registered provider and handles all the paperwork. Takes 2 minutes to check your eligibility.
How long should a heat pump last?
With annual servicing, 15–20 years. Without it? You'll be lucky to hit 10. Dust and salt air (especially in Takapuna and Milford) force the unit to work 30% harder. A service once a year keeps it running efficiently and catches problems before they become expensive.
Is an expensive heat pump worth it?
Premium brands like Mitsubishi and Toshiba cost more upfront but offer quieter operation, better cold-weather performance and longer warranties. If you are staying in the house long-term, the extra cost is usually worth it. For a rental or second bedroom, a Haier does the job without the premium price tag.
Can I install a heat pump myself?
No. In NZ, handling refrigerant requires an EPA licence and electrical connections require a registered electrician. An unlicensed install will void your manufacturer warranty and may not meet building code. It is also a safety risk. Every installation we do is fully licensed.
What is the difference between kW heating and kW cooling?
Heat pumps are rated for both heating output and cooling output. In NZ, heating capacity is the number that matters most. Cooling capacity is usually slightly lower. When a spec sheet says "3.5kW cooling / 4.0kW heating," that means the unit produces 4.0kW of heat. Use that number for sizing.
Do I need council consent?
Usually no. But on the North Shore, the boundary noise rules matter. I check the distance from your outdoor unit to your neighbour's windows at every quote. You do not want a noise complaint six months after install. See our boundary rules guide for the full detail.