Complete Heat Pump Buying Guide for New Zealand Homes

How to Choose the Right Heat Pump

Selecting the right heat pump for your home depends on several factors:

Room Size

Calculate the area you need to heat/cool. As a general rule:

  • Small room (up to 25m²): 2.5kW unit
  • Medium room (25-45m²): 3.5kW unit
  • Large room (45-65m²): 6.0kW unit

Energy Efficiency

Look for:

  • High COP (Coefficient of Performance)
  • Energy star rating
  • Annual running costs

Installation Location

Consider:

  • Wall space availability
  • Outside unit placement
  • Distance between units

Understanding Energy Ratings

Energy efficiency is measured in several ways:

COP (Coefficient of Performance)

A COP of 4.0 means the heat pump produces 4kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity used.

Energy Star Rating

More stars indicate better efficiency. Look for units with at least 4 stars.