Getting a new heat pump installed? You’re making a brilliant choice for your Christchurch home
I remember when we first started Heat Pump HQ over 10 years ago, many Christchurch homeowners were still relying on old electric heaters or wood burners. Fast forward to today, and we’ve helped hundreds of families transform their homes with efficient, reliable heat pump systems that keep them comfortable through our unpredictable Canterbury weather.
There’s something really satisfying about walking into a perfectly climate-controlled home after battling those icy southerlies or surprise hot days that Christchurch loves to throw at us. That’s exactly what a properly installed heat pump gives you, year after year.
If you’re wondering about energy efficiency, modern heat pumps can be up to 600% more efficient than traditional heating methods.
Ready to stay comfortable all year round? Call us on 03 242 1023 for your free consultation and quote.
Why choose Heat Pump HQ for your installation?
As a locally owned and operated business, we understand Christchurch homes better than anyone. I’ve personally worked on everything from century-old villas in Fendalton to brand-new builds in Halswell, and each property has its unique challenges and opportunities.
What sets us apart isn’t just our technical skills (though our National Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and IRHACE membership speak for themselves). It’s how we treat your home and your family. We show up when we say we will, we explain everything in plain English, and we leave your place cleaner than we found it.
Our team specialises in both single room installations and multi-room systems, so whether you need targeted heating for one space or whole-home comfort, we’ve got the expertise.
“The thing I love most about this job is seeing the relief on people’s faces when their new heat pump fires up for the first time,” says owner Nate Thompson. “Especially when they’ve been dealing with cold, damp rooms or sky-high power bills. It’s genuinely life-changing for many families.”
Here’s what you can count on from us:
- 10+ years of installation experience across all Christchurch suburbs
- Certified and fully insured with all proper qualifications
- On-time arrival guarantee thanks to our booking system
- No-mess policy (we even bring our own vacuum!)
- Honest advice about what will actually work best for your home
- Ongoing support long after installation day
- Smart heat pump systems for modern convenience
Our expertise across Christchurch
We’ve been installing heat pumps throughout Canterbury, which means we know exactly how different areas perform. The coastal properties in New Brighton face different challenges than the inland homes in Rolleston, and we factor all of this into every installation.
For properties near the coast, we often recommend cold climate heat pumps that can handle our sometimes harsh Canterbury conditions.
Some of our most common installation spots include the character homes of Merivale and St Albans (where we often need creative solutions for older electrical systems), the modern builds of Wigram and Halswell (perfect for multi-zone systems), and everything in between.
I particularly enjoy working in the Port Hills areas like Cashmere and Mount Pleasant. The views are stunning, but the wind exposure means we need to be extra careful about outdoor unit placement and protection.
How our installation process works
We’ve refined our process over hundreds of installations to make it as smooth as possible for you:
- Free home consultation: I’ll visit your property to assess your heating and cooling needs, check your electrical setup, and discuss your budget and preferences. No pushy sales tactics, just honest advice about what will work best.
- Customised quote: You’ll receive a detailed quote within 24 hours, including equipment costs, installation labour, and any additional work needed (like electrical upgrades). We can also discuss heat pump subsidies that might be available to help with costs.
- Scheduling your install: Once you’re happy to proceed, we’ll book a time that suits you. Most single-room installations take 2-4 hours, while multi-zone systems might need a full day.
- Professional installation: Our certified technicians arrive with all necessary equipment and materials. We’ll protect your floors and furniture, complete the installation to manufacturer specifications, and test everything thoroughly.
- Handover and setup: Before we leave, we’ll show you how to operate your new system, program the remote, and answer any questions. You’ll also receive all warranty documentation and our maintenance tips.
Types of heat pump installation we provide
Single Room Heat Pumps: Perfect for bedrooms, lounges, or home offices. These units are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and ideal if you spend most of your time in one main area. Installation typically takes 2-3 hours. Check out our single room heat pump calculator to estimate sizing and costs.
Multi-Split Systems: One outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units throughout your home. Great for families who want individual room control without multiple outdoor units cluttering the property. Learn more about heat pump zoning options.
Ducted Systems: Hidden in your ceiling space, these systems provide whole-home heating and cooling through discrete vents. Popular in new builds or major renovations where aesthetics are important.
Heat Pump Water Heating: Replace your old electric hot water cylinder with an efficient heat pump system. Can cut your water heating costs by up to 70% compared to traditional electric systems.
Commercial Installations: We also handle office buildings, retail spaces, and light industrial installations throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.
What makes us a top-rated provider
Experience matters when it comes to heat pump installation. Over the years, we’ve learned that the small details make all the difference between a good installation and a great one.
For instance, we always use vibration dampening pads under outdoor units (your neighbours will thank you), we run refrigerant lines inside protective conduit where possible, and we position units to optimise both performance and aesthetics.
We also specialise in heat pump noise insulation solutions for properties where sound levels are particularly important.
“I’ve seen too many installations where corners were cut,” explains Nate. “Maybe the electrical work wasn’t up to standard, or the outdoor unit was placed where it would be noisy or inefficient. We take the time to do things properly the first time because that’s what creates happy customers and reliable systems.”
Our attention to detail extends to your home too. We use protective covers for carpets and furniture, we clean up as we go, and we’ll even move furniture back exactly where it was.
Recent installations we’ve completed
Papanui villa transformation: Installed a 7.1kW Mitsubishi Electric system for a family of four, replacing three old panel heaters. They’re now saving over $800 per year on power bills.
Riccarton townhouse upgrade: Multi-split system installation across three bedrooms and main living area, perfect for a growing family wanting individual room control.
Halswell new build: Ducted system installation in a 200sqm home, providing whisper-quiet whole-home comfort with minimal visual impact.
Sumner coastal property: Special salt-resistant outdoor unit installation to handle the marine environment, complete with additional weather protection.
Areas we serve throughout Canterbury
We’re proud to serve the entire Christchurch metropolitan area and surrounding districts:
Central Christchurch: CBD, Hagley Park area, and inner suburbs East Christchurch: New Brighton, Parklands, Burwood, Dallington South Christchurch: Cashmere, Halswell, Spreydon, Somerfield West Christchurch: Riccarton, Fendalton, Burnside, Avonhead North Christchurch: Papanui, St Albans, Redwood, Northcote Port Hills: Heathcote Valley, Mount Pleasant, Sumner Outer areas: Rolleston, Lincoln, Prebbleton, Templeton
Common heat pump installation questions
How long does installation typically take? Single room installations usually take 2-4 hours, while multi-zone systems can take a full day. We’ll give you an accurate timeframe during your consultation.
Do I need electrical upgrades for my heat pump? Many older Christchurch homes need some electrical work, particularly if you’re replacing old night-store heaters. We’ll assess this during our site visit and include any necessary work in your quote.
Can you install heat pumps in heritage homes? Absolutely! We’ve worked on plenty of character homes throughout Christchurch. Sometimes we need creative solutions to work around heritage requirements, but there’s usually a way to make it work beautifully. We also offer heat pump covers for situations where aesthetics are particularly important.
What happens if my heat pump develops problems after installation? All our installations come with manufacturer warranty (typically 5-7 years), plus our own workmanship guarantee. We’re also available for ongoing heat pump maintenance and emergency repairs.
How do I choose the right size heat pump? Proper heat pump sizing is crucial for efficiency and comfort. We conduct a thorough assessment of your space, insulation levels, and heating requirements to recommend the perfect capacity for your needs.
How much will a heat pump installation cost? Costs vary depending on the type of system, your home’s requirements, and any electrical work needed. Single room units start from around $2,500 installed, while whole-home systems range from $8,000-15,000. We’ll provide a detailed quote with no hidden costs.
Helpful tips for maintaining your new heat pump
Once your heat pump is installed, a little regular care will keep it running efficiently for years:
Monthly cleaning: Gently clean the indoor filters with warm soapy water. Dirty filters reduce efficiency and can cause system strain.
Keep the outdoor unit clear: Remove leaves, debris, and ensure good airflow around the unit. In autumn, those Canterbury nor’westers can blow all sorts of rubbish into the fins.
Annual professional service: We recommend yearly maintenance to check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and catch any potential issues early. Our heat pump servicing plans can help keep your system running efficiently.
Prepare for winter: Before the cold hits, consider our winterisation services to protect your investment during Canterbury’s harsh winter months.
Use the timer functions: Programme your heat pump to warm up or cool down your home before you arrive. It’s more efficient than trying to quickly change the temperature when you walk in the door.
Check your power bills: A sudden increase in electricity usage could indicate your heat pump isn’t operating efficiently and needs attention. Our energy consumption monitoring services can help track performance over time.
Customer success story
“We’d been putting off getting a heat pump for years, thinking it was too expensive and disruptive. When winter hit last year and our power bill topped $400, we finally called Heat Pump HQ. Zachariah came out for the quote and was so knowledgeable about our 1920s bungalow’s quirks. The installation team was incredible – they had everything done in one morning and you’d hardly know they’d been there except for the beautiful new Daikin unit on the wall. Our power bills have dropped by $150 a month, and the house stays perfectly comfortable now. Best investment we’ve made in years!”
Delilah K., Merivale, installed March 2025
Your next steps to heat pump comfort
Ready to transform your Christchurch home with a professional heat pump installation? Here’s what to do next:
- Call us on 03 242 1023 for your free consultation
- Book online through our website if you prefer
- Ask questions – we love talking about heat pumps and helping you make the right choice
- Get your quote within 24 hours of our site visit
- Schedule installation at a time that works for you
Remember, the best time to install a heat pump is before you actually need it. Whether you’re planning ahead for next winter or trying to beat the summer heat, we’re here to help make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Contact Heat Pump HQ today – your future self will thank you when you’re warm and comfortable while your neighbours are still battling the cold!
Heat Pump HQ – Your trusted local heat pump specialists serving Christchurch and Canterbury since 2015. Certified, insured, and committed to keeping your home comfortable all year round.