A heat pump is a system that extracts heat from one place and channels it to another. The heat transfer is done through the evaporation and condensation of a gas/liquid refrigerant, like in your refrigerator or air conditioner.
All three devices use refrigeration technology to achieve their intended purpose. But a heat pump takes things to a whole new level because it can heat as well as cool, depending on your temperature control requirements.
The system comprises two units; one which is mounted inside your home and another that is installed outside. The system has:
In heating mode, the coils containing the refrigerant are exposed to the air outside. The refrigerant can absorb heat even when the outside temperature dips to -20 degrees Celsius.
Once the refrigerant begins to boil, the compressor compresses it and routes it to the coils in the indoor unit. A fan in the indoor unit blows air over the heat exchange coils, transferring the heat to the indoor environment.
As the refrigerant cools, it condenses and flows back to the outdoor unit and the process repeats itself. The reversing valve allows you to turn the flow of the refrigerant in the opposite direction.
So, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor coils. In doing so, it absorbs heat energy from the indoor environment. Then, it flows to the outdoor unit where it cools and condenses, and is sent right back inside.
1. A peaceful and noise-free indoor environment: Their fan technology makes Fujitsu's heat pumps among the quietest in the market. Although many models come with 4 fan speeds, in the quiet fan mode, these operate at a very low 19 dB. Even a whisper is louder at 30 dB!
2. The most energy-efficient units in the market: Fujitsu has more heat pumps with Energy Star ratings than any other brand out there. These units can offer $4.60 worth of energy or more for every $1 that you spend to operate the pump.
3. Heat pumps that are backed by Better Heat & Trade Guarantee, Fujitsu is the only brand that currently offers an assurance that their heat pumps will provide the promised performance. You can get a free, no-obligation report from our Fujitsu Heat specialists to know about operational costs, performance, features, and best usage tips.
4. Products made to withstand New Zealand weather: With salt-laden air common in most parts of the country, outdoor units of heat pumps are the first to give way due to corrosion-related damage. But all Fujitsu outdoor heat pump units are coated with a special corrosion-resistant material. So, you get better performance and an increased life span from the system. That's more value for your money!
In terms of system design and the area that they can serve, heat pumps can be divided into 3 categories:
1. Single-split: As its name suggests, this system is meant for a single room and has one outdoor and one indoor unit.
2. Multi-split: This is a larger system meant to serve multiple rooms in the house. It can have 2 or more indoor units as required. But, they are all connected to one large outdoor unit.
3. Ducted: In terms of layout, this system is similar to the multi-split system. The difference is that the single outdoor unit feeds multiple concealed indoor units that are served through a network of ducts.
Single and multi-split systems are further segregated based on the features and mounting point of the indoor unit. More on this in the last section -"Where can heat pumps be installed?"
With a ducted or a multi-split heat pump, you can create a multi-zone system in which a single outdoor unit will heat up your entire home. But, it is crucial to get the heat pump sized appropriately.
- If you choose an oversized unit, it will cycle more rapidly than it should, which will lower the life expectancy of the system
- If you pick an undersized unit, it will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature. This will also stress the system and cause the outside coil to defrost frequently.
Unfortunately, there are no standard solutions when it comes to picking the size of the heat pump for your home. A myriad of factors have to be considered, which can only be done after a complete and thorough assessment of your requirements.
So, don't pick the first product that you see. Instead save yourself the hassle and money by calling us on 0508 247 266 for heat pump service Auckland. Homeowners and businesses can get a free, no-obligation assessment and quote, if you call now.
Because every home and every family has unique requirements, the price range for a heat pump setup can vary significantly. But as a general guide, this is what you should expect to pay.
For a more accurate cost estimate, call us, Heat Pump Services, at 0508 247 266.
If you choose top quality equipment and have it installed by qualified technicians in Auckland, the unit can easily last you for 10 to 15 years. However, failure to maintain the components will impact the performance and the lifespan of the system.
With a reputable provider such as Heat Pump Services Auckland, you have all bases covered. Our technicians follow a four-step process to ensure that you get:
- The best heat pump Auckland system customised to suit your requirements at cost effective rates.
- Thorough installation that gets peak performance from the unit.
- Complete knowledge on how to operate the system for peak efficiency and performance.
- Regular heat pump services and maintenance, so you get more value for your investment.
To find out the running costs of a heatpump compared to other forms of heating go to Energywise.govt.nz. To save energy costs it is important to get the right size heat pump for the space you’re heating. If your heat pump is too small it will have to work harder and therefore cost you more to run. Good installation is fundamental to how well a heat pump performs – make sure you choose an experienced installer.
For the indoor heat pump unit, you get multiple mounting options. Aesthetics, airflow efficiency and cost dictate the choice of most homeowners. Your options include:
Standard high wall: A common residential heat pump Auckland setup where the indoor unit is mounted 1-2 inches below the ceiling in this system.
Ceiling cassette: The unit is mounted in the ceiling instead of on the wall. Because these units offer four directional airflow, they are well suited for temperature control in large spaces.
Under ceiling: The indoor unit is mounted on the wall but closer to the ceiling than the high wall setup.
Floor console: These units can be installed inches above the skirting board or they can be made to stand on the floor. You can also have them installed as a replacement to the fireplace.
Because installing the outdoor unit in the wrong location can impact the performance of the system, aesthetics cannot be the only consideration. Instead, the location is chosen on the basis of these performance factors:
The outdoor component needs plenty of air flow to provide peak performance. So, it cannot be placed in a closed area like the garage.
Since vegetation can be a hindrance to the air flow around the unit and plant debris can block the coil and the fan, the outdoor component has to be placed away from shrubbery.
Because of the drainage requirement, the outdoor unit needs a clearance of 10 cm above ground level.
Rigid and flat surfaces are the best for installing outdoor units.
Yes, the best way to keep your heat pump running smoothly is to get it maintained. We offer heat pump services to ensure that your machine is well-maintained and operating at its best.
