Hot water is one of the biggest energy uses in a New Zealand home. A heat pump water heater works like a fridge in reverse: it pulls heat from the outside air and moves it into the water, so most of the energy is coming from the air rather than your power meter.
We install split and all-in-one heat pump water heaters across Auckland, usually as a replacement for an old electric or gas hot water cylinder. We look at your space, your power plan and your household before recommending anything, because a heat pump that is badly placed or wrongly sized will not deliver the savings you are paying for.
Pricing: quotes are free, and every job gets a fixed price before we start, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Heat Pump Hot Water Jobs We Handle Across Auckland
- Heat pump hot water cylinder
- Heat pump hot water installation
- Replacing electric cylinders
- Heat pump hot water servicing
- Running cost comparisons
- Solar-ready systems
How the savings work
EECA's market research found that importers and manufacturers claim a coefficient of performance of roughly 3 to 4, which means about three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity, and energy savings of 60% to 80% against traditional electric and gas water heating. Those are manufacturer claims based on test standards. EECA also notes there is currently no mandated energy-efficiency testing for heat pump water heaters in New Zealand, and it is running a real-world monitoring project in homes. We are upfront about that and pick proven brands with local support.
Split or all-in-one?
There are two main layouts, and the right one depends on your house.
- Split systems: an outdoor unit like an air conditioner, piped to a cylinder inside or outside. Flexible on placement and the most common choice in Auckland homes
- All-in-one units: the heat pump sits on top of the cylinder. Simpler to install, but needs plenty of surrounding air and somewhere sensible for cool exhaust air
- Outdoor cylinder versions: free up indoor space entirely, popular on townhouses with no spare cupboard
- Timer and night-rate control: many systems can be set to run when your power is cheapest
How It Works
Is your home a good fit?
Auckland's mild climate is good for heat pumps: they work hardest in cold air, and Auckland rarely gets the frosts that slow them down further south. The practical questions are where the outdoor unit can go (noise near bedrooms and neighbours matters), whether there is room for the cylinder, how the condensate will drain, and whether your switchboard has capacity. Villas with cylinders in central hallway cupboards often suit a split system, with the outdoor unit tucked down the side of the house. If there is nowhere sensible for the outdoor unit, we will say so and talk through gas hot water or a standard cylinder instead.
Cost factors
We give a free quote once we have seen the site. A heat pump costs more upfront than a standard electric cylinder; the payback comes from lower running costs over its life. The price depends on the system type and capacity, distance between the outdoor unit and cylinder, removal of the old cylinder, any electrical work, mounting pads or brackets, and seismic restraint for the cylinder.
Installation done right
A heat pump water heater is still a hot water cylinder, so it gets the same valves, tempering valve and seismic restraint as any other install. On top of that we set the outdoor unit level and clear of obstructions, run and insulate the refrigerant or water lines, plan the condensate drain, and set the timer to suit your power plan. Electrical connections are completed by a registered electrician.
Why Choose Cheeky's Plumbers for Heat Pump Hot Water
Site checked before we recommend
We look at where the outdoor unit can go, noise near bedrooms and neighbours, condensate drainage and switchboard capacity before suggesting a system.
All-in-one only with real air
An all-in-one unit needs a large volume of air around it, so we only recommend one where there is real space, such as a garage, and use split or outdoor systems elsewhere.
Timer set to your power plan
We set the system to heat when your power is cheapest, so the running-cost savings show up on the bill.
Straight about the numbers
Efficiency figures are manufacturer claims, not mandated NZ test results, so we price the job on realistic running-cost savings and stick to proven brands with local support.
Full cylinder install standard
Valves, a tempering valve and seismic restraint go in as on any cylinder, and the electrical connection is completed by a registered electrician.
Heat Pump Hot Water FAQs
How much power does a heat pump hot water system save?
Manufacturers claim energy savings of around 60% to 80% compared with standard electric water heating, according to EECA's market research. Real savings depend on your usage, power plan and installation.
Do heat pump water heaters work in winter?
Yes. They are less efficient in cold air, but Auckland's mild winters suit them well.
Are heat pump water heaters noisy?
The outdoor unit makes a similar hum to an air conditioner. We place it away from bedrooms and neighbours where we can.
Can I replace my gas hot water with a heat pump?
Yes. Many Auckland homes switch from gas to a heat pump. We remove or cap the gas appliance safely and certify the gas work.
Is there a government rebate for heat pump hot water in New Zealand?
We do not price our jobs on rebates. Check EECA's website for any current programmes before you buy.
How long does installation take?
Most installs are completed in a day, plus the electrician's connection.
Heat Pump Hot Water Across Auckland
Our heat pump hot water team works in every Auckland suburb. Find your local plumbers:
Heat Pump Hot Water Guides
- What Size Hot Water Cylinder Do I Need? NZ Sizing Guide
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Hot Water Cylinder in NZ?
- Hot Water Heat Pumps in NZ: Costs, Savings and Are They Worth It?
Related Services
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Water through the ceiling at 2am does not wait for business hours, and neither do we.
View serviceSee all hot water services or every service we offer.