Contributed by Shamus No Shock Electrical
You’ve likely already heard about Healthy Homes, it’s a government policy that aims to increase the quality of rental homes in New Zealand. These new regulations introduce specific minimum standards for insulation, heating, moisture, drainage, ventilation, and draught-stopping for all rental properties.
Landlords are required to provide one or more fixed heater(s) that can directly heat the main living room of every rental property. Heat pumps are the ideal solution, but it must be the right size. Here is a tool provided by the government to work out what your property needs.
However, at No Shock, we believe that the Healthy Homes minimum requirement is not enough. Not for what is required for a healthy home – and the difference could be just 2kw. Also, if your property is not being rented, then you can get away with installing a smaller one.
So it’s best to have a chat with us first. Then you’ll know what a healthy home is in regards to heating it up and cooling it off.
Where should I put my heat pump?
First, there are two kinds – ducted or standard – and which one you choose will determine the best place to put it. Ducted systems work the same, just on a much larger scale. A central unit is installed in your ceiling space which extracts air from the outside, runs it through a compressor, and pumps the warm or cold through vents in each room.
For efficiency, you’d want to put the outdoor unit in the warmest location – on a north or west-facing wall if you can. Then it doesn’t have to work so hard to heat or cool. They’re also easiest to install on an external wall, internal walls usually have additional installation costs.
It’s a balance. Not too hot, not too cold. Away from dust and debris to avoid blockages. Good airflow is crucial as well as accessibility for servicing. Avoid excessive vibration and ensure good drainage. So as much as we could spill all the info about the best position – it’s worth a visit and a chat to put our experience to good use.
Aren’t they all the same?
I mean, you could just Google it and go with the best review, but they’re all good for different reasons.
Mitsubishi is best for energy efficiency and has the best floor pump, Panasonic has the best overall performance, Carrier has patented technologies, and Fujitsu is the most convenient and apparently best for asthmatics.
At No Shock, we’re not fans (pun intended) of Haier because quite frankly it fits into the cheap and nasty category – and no one likes an ugly heat pump.
Heat pump post-installation
You must look after your heat pump on a regular basis. There are a few ‘bits’ that need upkeep; the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve. In simple terms, the bits that bring in and then push out the hot or cold air.
We also offer to service heat pumps to ensure the bacteria and odours are removed from the air in the home. And in this day and age of airborne yucks (Covid, Flu, Colds, etc), why wouldn’t you check on your air on a regular basis – ideally once a year before winter kicks in. And for commercial heat pumps either six-monthly or three-monthly intervals.
Misconceptions, tips, and tricks
- One of the biggest misconceptions is that your house will be completely heated with just one unit. It won’t, the Healthy Homes initiative is purely based on the main living area.
- Believe it or not, air can’t go around corners.
- The heat pump is designed for the room it’s in.
- You don’t need all those buttons.
- The effects of heating or cooling with a heat pump are not instantaneous.
- If you leave it on the auto setting your unit will keep working from hot to cold, cold to hot, over, and over – creating a large power bill. We can give advice on settings for winter, summer, and the seasons in between to ensure efficiency.
You’ve heard it before, and we’ll say it again, a property is a big investment and it’s worth investing in electrical solutions that make life safer and easier.
