Heat Pump & Air Conditioning Installation Auckland

A well-maintained heat pump typically lasts 12-15 years. Consider replacement if your unit is over 10 years old, requires frequent repairs (repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost), has rising energy bills despite servicing, uses R22 refrigerant (now phased out), or struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures. Modern units are significantly more energy-efficient—often 30-40% more efficient than 10-year-old systems—so upgrading can pay for itself through lower power bills.

Indoor water leaks usually indicate a blocked condensate drain line (most common), frozen evaporator coil due to low refrigerant or restricted airflow, or incorrect installation causing improper drainage. While not immediately dangerous, it can cause water damage to walls, ceilings, and furnishings if left unattended. Turn off the unit and contact us for same-day assessment. We'll clear blockages, check refrigerant levels, and ensure proper drainage to prevent recurrence.

In New Zealand, refrigerant handling requires a Trade Cert (refrigeration licence), and electrical connections must be done by a registered electrician. DIY installation voids warranties, risks refrigerant leaks (harmful to environment and costly to fix), creates fire hazards from improper electrical work, and often results in poor performance due to incorrect sizing or placement. Professional installation ensures legal compliance, optimal efficiency, and full manufacturer warranty protection. We provide transparent quotes—often the peace of mind and warranty protection are worth far more than any DIY savings.

Clicking when starting/stopping is normal. However, persistent clicking indicates faulty relays or capacitors. Buzzing suggests electrical issues, loose parts, or refrigerant problems. Grinding or squealing means worn bearings or fan motor issues requiring immediate attention to prevent compressor damage. Rattling often indicates loose panels, debris in the unit, or failing fan blades. Don't ignore unusual noises—they typically worsen and lead to more expensive repairs. We diagnose noise issues quickly and carry common parts for same-visit repairs.

Correct sizing is critical—oversized units short-cycle (reducing efficiency and lifespan), while undersized units run constantly and struggle to maintain temperature. We calculate the right size based on room dimensions, ceiling height, insulation quality, window area and orientation, climate zone (Auckland's specific conditions), occupancy levels, and heat-generating equipment. As a rough guide, 2.5kW suits 15-20m² rooms, 5kW for 30-40m², and 7kW for 50-60m². We provide free on-site assessments to ensure proper sizing, placement, and system recommendations tailored to your specific property.

Set temperature to 22-24°C in summer (each degree lower increases costs 10%). Use timer/scheduling to avoid cooling empty rooms. Clean filters monthly (dirty filters increase power use by 15%). Close curtains/blinds during peak sun to reduce heat load. Seal gaps around doors and windows. Service annually to maintain efficiency—unmaintained units use up to 25% more power. Consider upgrading to an inverter heat pump if you have an older fixed-speed unit—inverter technology adjusts compressor speed rather than switching on/off, reducing running costs by 30-50%. We can assess your current system and recommend efficiency improvements.

Yes, we specialise in multi-room and ducted systems for homes requiring whole-house climate control. Multi-split systems use one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units (2-8 rooms), each with independent temperature control. Ducted systems hide all components in ceiling cavities with discreet vents in each room—ideal for new builds or renovations where aesthetics matter. We assess your home's layout, insulation, and usage patterns to recommend the most cost-effective solution. Ducted systems typically suit 150m²+ homes, while multi-splits work well for 2-5 key rooms. Both options are more efficient than running multiple single units.

Our comprehensive service includes: cleaning indoor and outdoor coils (improves efficiency by 15-20%), replacing or washing filters, checking and tightening electrical connections, testing capacitors and contactors, inspecting refrigerant levels and pressures, checking condensate drainage, lubricating motors if needed, testing thermostat accuracy, and checking overall system performance. Annual servicing prevents unexpected breakdowns, extends system lifespan by 3-5 years, maintains energy efficiency (saves $100-200 annually in power), and keeps warranties valid (most manufacturers require proof of annual professional servicing). Neglected units accumulate dirt, lose efficiency, and develop faults that lead to expensive compressor failures.