What are the Different Types of Heat Pumps Available in NZ for Home Heating and Cooling?

Back to Advice

Optum’s Guide to NZ Heat Pumps

In New Zealand, we have a diverse climate and the needs of homeowners from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island varies dramatically.

This is a quick guide to heat pumps available in NZ and gives you an idea of the variety of heat pumps available that cater to different heating and cooling needs.  Heat pumps come in several types, each suited to different applications and climates.

Which heat pump you choose will depend on the following factors:

  • Type of property such as an apartment, a single use dwelling, or a multi-use dwelling
  • The size of the space you are heating, for example a tiny home vs. a 250sqm home
  • The size of the land around the property, for example an inner-city townhouse with a small garden vs. an acre block of land in the country
  • Environment where the property is located such as an alpine region vs. a city dwelling

Here are the main types of heat pumps:

  1. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
    • Air-to-Air Heat Pumps: These are the most common type in New Zealand, used for both heating and cooling homes.  They extract heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors.  They are typically used for heating and cooling spaces.
    • Air-to-Water Heat Pumps: These systems transfer heat from the outside air to heat or cool water, which can then be used for underfloor heating, radiators, and hot water supply.
  1. Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)
    • Horizontal Ground Source Heat Pumps: Suitable for properties with ample land space, these systems use horizontal loops buried in the ground to extract heat.
    • Vertical Ground Source Heat Pumps: Use pipes inserted into deep boreholes.  They are suitable for properties with limited land space and better for cooling purposes of the home.
  1. Water Source Heat Pumps
    • These systems extract heat from a water source such as a river, lake, or groundwater.  They are less common, but can be highly efficient depending on the availability of a suitable water source.
  1. Hybrid Heat Pumps
    • Combine a heat pump with another heating system, such as a gas boiler.  The heat pump is used when conditions are optimal, and the boiler kicks in during peak demand or very cold weather.
  1. Solar-Assisted Heat Pumps
    • Combine a heat pump with a solar thermal collector, such as solar panels, to improve efficiency and reduce electricity costs.  They use solar energy to assist the heat pump in providing heating and hot water.
  1. Exhaust Air Heat Pumps
    • These systems recover heat from the exhaust air of a building and use it to heat incoming fresh air or water.  They are often used in highly insulated, energy-efficient homes.
  1. Ducted Heat Pumps
    • These systems distribute heated or cooled air through a network of ducts and vents, providing even temperature control throughout the home.
  1. Split System Heat Pumps
    • Consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units.  They are versatile and can be used for heating or cooling individual rooms.
  1. Multi-Split System Heat Pumps
    • Similar to split systems but can connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit, allowing for independent temperature control in different rooms.

Each type of heat pump has its benefits and is suitable for different applications depending on the specific requirements of the home, the local climate, and the availability of energy sources.

If you would like further advice on installing a new Air-to-Water or Ground Source Heat Pump in your home contact Optum, the heat pump specialists in Queenstown, Wanaka, Arrowtown and Surrounds:

Call: 03 443 5718

Email: admin@optum.co.nz