Just push the button ... Instant heat
Nothing is nicer, than to arrive home from work and at the push of a button you have instant heat. Modern heat pumps are a very energy efficient form of comfort heating, and with this they have become an extremely popular option for heating & cooling the home.
They have come a long way from looking like a white fridge on the wall (my opinion). They are now sleek, with a choice of either black, white, and even red being offered by some brands.
Where to start?
You need to do your homework and find the right heat pump for your needs. Most importantly, finding a reputable specialist who can give you professional advice and provide excellent after sales service with a full manufacturer’s warranty is key. A quality installation by an approved installer or dealer is of the utmost importance when it comes to your heat pump’s overall effectiveness, performance & long-term reliability. Plus, before choosing a size or style or model of heat pump, you need to consider the pros and cons There is no need to have a huge heat pump to heat your bed sit! A heat pump specialist can give you professional advice on which size and location best suits your layout.
High wall units are the most common heat pumps in New Zealand. They are usually long and thin, mounted close to the ceiling and circulate enough air to heat a room evenly.
Warm, dry, and comfortable
They can easily provide a level of allround comfort and can quickly bring a room up to temperature and then maintain it and when used correctly they are an economical form of heating.
Plus, a bonus is that you do not have to bring in firewood, kindling, fire starters or cockroaches!
If you run the heat pump in “cooling” or “dry” mode. It will remove moisture from the air. Bear in mind that water removal is modest compared to purpose-built dehumidifiers.
Most heat pumps incorporate a washable filter unit that removes dust and particles from the air. This could be an important feature for people with asthma and allergies. Regular cleaning of these filters is necessary to keep the unit working at maximum efficiency.
An extra is cooling
A reverse-cycle heat pump is a home heating system that can both heat and cool a room providing comfort in both summer and winter conditions.
You need to consider
Placement of your heat pump as well as your compressor is a key factor to enjoying your heat pump.
The inside unit of a heat pump should produce little more than a low fan sound in low-speed mode. Positioning of the outside compressor is equally important, so consider any impact it may have when installed near sleeping areas and close to neighbour’s sleeping areas.
What type of heat pump should I buy?
Split system or a multi split system or a ducted system. . . ceiling mounted, low wall or floor mounted? . . . sounds confusing, but it is not!
A split system
Single split systems are by far the most used heat pumps these days and they are usually the most cost-effective option. Single split systems work well in a large lounge or the main living area of an open plan home and or a bedroom/s.
Multi-split systems
In a multi-split system, the exterior unit connects to more than one interior unit. Often, one interior unit is in the living space and another in the bedroom area.
Ducted systems
These have a single, large capacity interior unit mounted in the ceiling space, or under the floor. The heated (or cooled) air is pumped through insulated ducts to ceiling or floor outlets in many or all the rooms in the house.
Wi-fi
Wi-fi control via an AP is a popular option for people who want to control their heat pump. This is particularly useful for professional or shift workers who come and go at different hours. You can control your heat pump from anywhere that you have cell phone coverage with a standard connectable compatible home router.
And finally
Do your homework, talk to people who own a heat pump, and chat to qualified installers and suppliers.
Make sure you make the right choice of heat pump to suit your home and your lifestyle!