Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What size heat pump will I need for my home?
A. Like you, each home is unique. How big is your house? How many doors and windows? What’s the insulation like? What’s your budget? The key to selecting the right heat pump for your home is an assessment and discussion of your needs with one of Heat Pumps NOW's experienced and qualified Christchurch specialists.
Click here to arrange a free on-site survey and quote or call us on (03) 377 7393.
Click here to arrange a free on-site survey and quote or call us on (03) 377 7393.
Q. Will a heat pump heat my entire house?
A. Heat pumps are like powerful, very efficient fan heaters. A typical heat pump provides the same amount of heat as three fan heaters, but costs about the same as running one. If you can heat your whole house today from one room, then one heat pump might be all you need.
Typically, heat pumps are sized and installed to heat a single room or open area. To heat your whole house, you may need several heat pumps, or a ducted heat pump system.
Typically, heat pumps are sized and installed to heat a single room or open area. To heat your whole house, you may need several heat pumps, or a ducted heat pump system.
Q. How much does it cost to run a Heat Pump?
A. This depends on the amount of heating required. Heat pumps transfer heat from air outside and in this way produce three to four times more warmth. Its efficiency is 300% to 400%, which means for every 5kW of heating you pay for around 1.5kW of electric energy.
Running your heat pump is roughly one quarter the cost of electric heating and about one third the cost of gas heating. Heat pumps are one of the most cost-effective ways of keeping your home warm and dry.
Running your heat pump is roughly one quarter the cost of electric heating and about one third the cost of gas heating. Heat pumps are one of the most cost-effective ways of keeping your home warm and dry.
Q. How can I maintain my heat pump?
A. Just like your car, a regularly serviced heat pump will perform better than a neglected one. A heat pump with clogged air filters works harder to provide the same amount of heat as a clean one, which ultimately adds to your power bill. It’s simple enough. Just vacuum the filter from the indoor unit when you clean the rest of your house to ensure a good airflow. Also, keep the area around your outside heat pump unit clear from greenery and debris.
Click here to arrange a full clean and service of your heat pump now.
Click here to arrange a full clean and service of your heat pump now.
Q. Why are heat pumps so much cheaper to run?
A. Heat pumps simply "transfer" heat from outside, to inside your home. All other heaters use an electrical element, gas, or open fires to convert energy into heat. A heat pump only needs electricity to drive the fans and compressor. The result is around 4 times less energy needed, saving you money by reducing your power bill. Using less electricity also means heat pumps are great for the environment. For more about how heat pumps work, click here.
Q. How environmentally safe are heat pumps?
A. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) recommend heat pumps for heating, because they use significantly less energy to heat your home than any other type of heating. This reduces both pollution and the release of green house gases, which makes heat pumps better for the environment. Being very energy efficient also helps to keep your power bill low. Check the model you are buying for its Energy Star rating.
Q. How long do heat pumps take to install?
A. Heat Pumps NOW's experienced and qualified installers usually take around 5 to 6 hours to install a straightforward back-to-back heat pump system. More complex heat pump installations including multi-systems and air-ducted systems can take longer. To find out more contact us on (03) 377 7393.
Q. Do heat pumps need a drain?
A. Yes. Whether heating or cooling your home, the outdoor or indoor units will dehumidify and the resulting water needs to drain away. That’s why heat pumps are typically mounted on an outside wall. If not, a condensate pump can lift the water to the ceiling and drain out. Including a condensate pump in an install generally increases the cost of the installation.
Q. How important is the heat pump installation process?
A. The sizing, positioning and installation of your heat pump are critical to heating your home properly. As well as ensuring your heat pump is in the right place to do the job, the accredited, experienced and qualified installers at Heat Pumps NOW do some plumbing and electrical work. If installed by an amateur, we guarantee you’ll have problems with your heat pump later. Always choose an accredited expert to install your heat pump.
Q. Can I just buy a second hand heat pump?
A. Lots of second hand heat pumps have become available out of red-zoned houses in Christchurch. In Heat Pumps NOW's experience, second-hand heat pumps have an 80% failure rate. Most people who buy a second hand heat pump end up needing to buy a replacement in less than six months.
Here's why:
- Installing and uninstalling heat pumps is a tricky business, which is why you should always use an accredited heat pump installer. If the heat pump is uninstalled and transported improperly, gas can escape and parts can get damaged, meaning the heat pump won’t work at its new Christchurch location.
- Second hand heat pumps aren't covered by manufacturer's warranty's and guarantees, so there's no way of knowing how well it will work or how long it might work for. The only way to know whether or not your second hand heat pump will work is to buy it, pay to have it installed and turn it on to check.
To protect your rights as a consumer, and to ultimately save you money in the long run, Heat Pumps NOW recommends buying a brand new heat pump with manufacturer warranty's and guarantees, and installed by an accredited heat pump installer. For a free quote, contact us on (03) 377 73393.
Here's why:
- Installing and uninstalling heat pumps is a tricky business, which is why you should always use an accredited heat pump installer. If the heat pump is uninstalled and transported improperly, gas can escape and parts can get damaged, meaning the heat pump won’t work at its new Christchurch location.
- Second hand heat pumps aren't covered by manufacturer's warranty's and guarantees, so there's no way of knowing how well it will work or how long it might work for. The only way to know whether or not your second hand heat pump will work is to buy it, pay to have it installed and turn it on to check.
To protect your rights as a consumer, and to ultimately save you money in the long run, Heat Pumps NOW recommends buying a brand new heat pump with manufacturer warranty's and guarantees, and installed by an accredited heat pump installer. For a free quote, contact us on (03) 377 73393.