Many New Zealand homeowners have wisely invested in the amazing device that we know as a heat pump, which provides cosy warmth throughout the colder months. This wonder of modern technology is nothing short of miraculous when you think about it. A machine that sits quietly in your home keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, and all for less than a dollar per day in many cases!
This kind of affordable technology was unthinkable just a generation ago, but now heat pumps are fast becoming a staple of the kiwi home and as necessary as a fridge or television. As with all technology, heat pumps are advancing every year, becoming more efficient, smaller and quieter. This begs the question – when is it time to buy a new heat pump?
Spot the warning signs of a worn out heat pump
Heat Pumps are a relatively new technology, and as such, the improvements within each generation tend to be very noticeable. As a general rule, if your heat pump is over ten years old, you may want to look into investing in a new one. It may of course still work fine, but there are reasons to buy now rather than later…
Older heat pumps are less efficient than their successors, and with energy prices rising each year, you may stand to save a lot of money in bills by investing in a newer model. If you have noticed a sudden jump in your electricity bill, it may be the result of your heat pump hitting that “balance” between power usage and saving. Unfortunately, this isn’t going to reverse itself and those power bills will probably only go up.
If you have an older heat pump, then you may have noticed it needs more attention than it used to. As with any machine, the older it gets the more prone it is to malfunction. The filter needs to be cleaned more often, or maybe it’s starting to make noises when it didn’t use to. If you’ve had to call someone out to fix it, then this is a major red flag. The bottom line is, if your air heat pump constantly needs repairs, or if the cost of the repair is a third or more of a new unit, it’s time to replace the old one.
How to choose a new heat pump
If you’ve decided it is time for an upgrade, then choosing a new heat pump isn’t as straight forward as buying the latest model. There are several important factors to consider, such as:
Size – The size of the room you are trying to heat/cool down is probably the biggest factor in choosing a new heat pump. A heat pump that’s too large will cycle on and off too often, using too much energy and not providing even cooling and heating. It will not provide optimum air filtration or humidity control. One that’s too small will struggle to satisfy your home’s temperature needs.
Energy Efficiency – All heat pumps are marked with an energy efficiency rating, and this is a good indicator of how much electricity it will take to run. Obviously, this isn’t an exact science as there are many other factors which come into play when dealing with energy efficiency, such as windows and insulation, but this five-star rating is at least a good place to start.
Cost – Simply buying the most expensive unit isn’t necessarily the best option, and going for the cheapest rarely works out either. The heat pump you choose should end up being a balance between size, efficiency and price. Talking to an expert can help you find this balance, and match you with the best heat pump for your needs.
Experience and reputation counts when you choose a new heat pump
Heat and Cool have built up a solid reputation over the last ten years and we are proud of our service, our staff and the products we have chosen to represent. We are the leading suppliers of Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps in Auckland because we believe they’re the best brand on the market.
With 30 years in the appliance industry, Mitsubishi Electric consistently stay up-to-date with new technologies. They understand New Zealand’s climate conditions and the products that are best suited to the variety of Kiwi homes. Focusing on efficiency and reliability, Mitsubishi Electric produces high-quality heat pumps that tick all the boxes – not to mention they are “whisper quiet”.
If you feel it’s time to either invest in a heat pump, or upgrade your old one, then Heat and Cool can help. Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to talk you through our range of products, and which is best suited to you and your home.
Winter has gone (in principle at least!) and summer is on the way. A heat pump doesn’t just keep you warm, it also acts as an air conditioner to cool you down on those hot summer nights. When that Kiwi summer kicks in and the needle starts to head towards the 30 degree mark, it’s time to shut the doors & windows and get a nice cool ambient temperature going.
Take a look at our specials page and see what fantastic deals we’re offering at the moment. Buy a heat pump now and keep your family cool in the coming months.
If you have any questions about us, what we do, or how we can help with the purchase of a new heat pump, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 09 827 4784, or drop us a line through our Contact Page.
And don’t forget to check out our Specials page here where we have deals going all the time.
You might just get yourself a bargain!