The quick truth
Christchurch winters are cold and frosty. A well-chosen heat pump keeps the whole home warm for less, and it can cool bedrooms in summer too. This guide explains the best options for local homes, with simple tips to save money and avoid common mistakes.
1) Why heat pumps suit Christchurch
Heat pumps move heat rather than make it, so they give around three to four units of heat for every unit of power used. They work well here because modern models keep heating in low temperatures and handle frosty mornings with a built-in defrost. For best results, pair the unit with good insulation and keep doors closed to the room you are heating.
2) Pick the right type for your home
- High-wall single room
Best for lounges, open plan living, or bedrooms. Fast to install and budget friendly. Choose a quiet model for night use. - Multi-split
One outdoor unit with two or more indoor units. Good for homes without space for ducting. Lets you heat or cool different rooms at different times. - Ducted heat pump
Hidden system for whole-home comfort. Great in single-storey or new builds. Works well with AirTouch zone control so each room can be set to a different temperature.
3) Sizing made simple
The right size depends on room area, ceiling height, insulation, and how much sun the room gets. As a rough guide, small bedrooms often need 2.5–3.5 kW, lounges 5–8 kW, and large open plan areas 8–10 kW or more. An undersized unit will run hard and still feel cool. An oversized unit may short cycle. Contact us for a free measure and quote to size it properly.
4) What it costs in Christchurch
Price changes with capacity, brand, and how tricky the install is. High-wall units are usually the lowest cost to fit. Multi-split and ducted systems cost more but heat more rooms. When comparing quotes, check what is included: electrical work, wall brackets, condensate drainage, wi-fi control, and removal of the old unit for heat pump replacement.
5) Running cost tips for winter
Set living areas to 20–22°C and bedrooms a little lower. Use Heat mode, not Auto. Close curtains and doors, and clean filters every month in winter. Use timers so rooms are warm when you wake up, rather than blasting heat later. If your unit struggles on cold mornings, book with us for heat pump servicing to check airflow and sensors.
6) When to replace rather than repair
Consider an upgrade if the unit is 10–15 years old, noisy, smells, needs frequent repairs, or power bills keep rising. New models are quieter and more efficient, and many add wi-fi and better filters. A planned heat pump installation avoids breakdowns on the coldest week of the year.
7) Smart controls and zoning
AirTouch zone control lets you heat only the rooms in use, which is ideal for busy households. Schedule school mornings, turn spare rooms down, and keep the lounge cosy without wasting power elsewhere. This works best with a ducted heat pump system.
8) Christchurch proof checklist
- Outdoor unit lifted off the ground and away from bedroom windows
- Correct size for the room and proper airflow around the unit
- Drainage set so there are no indoor leaks
- Cables and pipework tidy and UV protected
- Local support for parts and service
Ready to choose?
Hiko Heating supplies and installs Christchurch heatpumps for single rooms, multi-room, and full ducted systems. For a free quote or fast replacement, call Mitch on 027 629 0052 or email mitch@hikoheating.co.nz. Get warm now and be summer-ready later.
