Pros and cons of a heat pump
Heat pumps are becoming the most popular form of heating due to the fact they are more efficient long term for both cost and sustainability. In addition to this, the modern technology within heat pumps allows for more sustainable evenly distributed heating in comparison to more outdated alternatives. Ducted heat pumps disseminate cool or hot air through ducts to every desired area of the house, utilising the same heat pump, and the same amount of energy. Heat pumps are essentially better for the pocket, environment and comfort.
As with everything, there are cons to heat pumps - you are doing the right thing by weighing up the pros and cons to ensure you are making the right decision for your personal scenario.
Bear in mind, if you are looking to rent your home out at any point, New Zealand landlords are now legally required to have a form of heating in living rooms as part of the healthy home standards. Speak to our professionals for a free heating solution quote for your property.
Here, let’s look into the pros and cons of heat pumps as your form of heating.
Pros of a heat pump
Most sustainable form of heating and cooling
Heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuels like that of your other heating alternatives. As a result, harmful pollutants and emissions are avoided altogether, making them the most environmentally friendly way to heat your home.
Their technology means less energy is used overall, which leads to the next pro of cheaper running costs. The energy efficiency is in fact a significant 400%. Essentially, four units of heat or cool air are created for every unit of energy. In comparison to alternative heating and cooling, where only one unit is disseminated for every unit of electricity, you reduce your energy consumption by 75%.
How do heat pumps use less electricity? Heat pumps withhold the latest advanced technology whereby hot or cold air is pulled from certain areas of the room or outside then disseminated throughout the building. Ducted heat pumps are even more effective by pushing it through ducts in each room to ensure an even distribution.
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Cheaper to run
Considering heat pumps use 75% less energy than other heating or air conditioning options, your power bills can be dramatically reduced! If you are within a household that constantly requires a heater during the cooler months and fans in summer, you will benefit from these savings even more.
Cons of a heat pump
Upfront cost
How much do heat pumps cost in New Zealand? Heat pumps will initially cost around $2K (small high wall) to $14K (large ducted heat pump system) to install. With less energy required to run, this cost is paid off, and then some, with the significant savings in energy bills over the lifetime of the heat pump. While you will need to fork out the installation cost initially, heat pumps are still the cheapest heating option long term.
However, if you are on a strict budget, heat pumps may need to be an investment you either save for or put on finance. Switching to a temporary form of heating may not be financially wise as it will cost you in the purchase and the high energy bills.
Heat pump installation placement
Heat pump installation requires installers to drill through the wall and join the inside heat pump unit itself to a unit outside. For this reason, the placement of the heat pump needs to be parallel to a wall leading outside. The level of difficulty will vary depending on the building structure. On a positive note, using experienced professionals for your heat pump installation will ensure the best placement.
If design is an important element to you, there are various types of heat pumps to choose from. Floor console heat pumps are a discrete option to avoid being front and center when you enter the room. Additional discrete types and placements such as high wall heat pumps, are available. Ducted heat pumps help ensure you place the unit in a room that is more logical, while allowing for aesthetically pleasing ducts throughout the residence or building.
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