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There is no single best heat pump for every New Zealand home. The best one for you is the right size, efficient in cold weather, quiet enough for where it sits, backed by a solid New Zealand warranty and installed properly. Below is what to compare, then plain facts on each brand NZ DEPOT sells. We do not rank brands. Compare the specific models.
How to choose the best heat pump for your home
1. Get the size right first
EECA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, says a heater that is too small struggles and one too big costs you more. Size on heating capacity at your local winter low, not the number in the model name. The Tenancy Services heating assessment tool gives a kW figure for a room, and EECA says it suits owner-occupied homes too.
2. Read the Energy Rating Label
Every residential heat pump sold in New Zealand must come with a Zoned Energy Rating Label. It shows:
- a star rating of up to 10 stars, one for heating and one for cooling
- heating capacity at 7°C and 2°C outdoors, and cooling capacity at 35°C
- yearly energy use in kWh for hot, average and cold climate zones
- the noise level in dB(A)
Consumer NZ points out that the whole of New Zealand counts as the cold zone on the label, so use the cold zone figures. More stars and a lower kWh figure mean cheaper running. Only compare stars between heat pumps of similar capacity. EECA’s Efficient Appliance Calculator lets you compare models sold here side by side.
3. Check cold-weather performance
Heating output and efficiency drop as it gets colder outside. EECA notes that some heat pumps keep performing down to -20°C while others struggle below freezing. Standard tests can be run at 7°C, 2°C and -7°C, and manufacturers often test at other temperatures too.
A quick test from Consumer NZ: on the label, the most efficient models for colder areas have a 2°C heating figure close to, or above, the 7°C figure. If you live somewhere with a design temperature below 0°C, such as Christchurch at -4°C or Central Otago at -8°C, ask for the manufacturer’s performance chart and check output at that temperature.
4. Compare noise levels
Lower dB(A) is quieter. Consumer NZ gives 30 dBA as similar to a whisper and 70 dBA as a vacuum cleaner. Noise figures are optional on New Zealand labels, so some will not show them. Consumer NZ warns the outdoor unit can be quite noisy. EECA advises against placing it under or close to bedroom windows, and says it must meet council noise limits at the boundary.
5. Check the warranty and its conditions
Terms usually depend on professional installation. Here is what each manufacturer publishes for New Zealand:
| Brand | Manufacturer warranty, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Daikin | 5 years parts and labour on split, multi-split and ducted systems professionally installed in New Zealand homes |
| Panasonic | 5 years parts and labour on its air conditioning systems |
| Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | 5 years parts, labour and compressor on residential SR and DX series, installed by a licensed installer |
| Hitachi | 6 years parts and labour on the installed unit |
| Gree | Not confirmed from a New Zealand manufacturer source, ask us |
| Haier | 5 years on products under 25 kW system cooling capacity |
| Temperzone | Varies by model and application, see the manufacturer terms |
| Sinclair | Not confirmed from a New Zealand manufacturer source, ask us |
| Toshiba | Not confirmed from a New Zealand manufacturer source, ask us |
A manufacturer warranty sits on top of your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. EECA’s installation guide notes that the Act also requires the installer to fit a system suited to where it is installed.
6. Decide if you want Wi-Fi
Consumer NZ thinks Wi-Fi is worth having as long as the upgrade does not cost too much. It lets you switch the heat pump on from your phone before you get home. Some models include Wi-Fi as standard, while others need an adaptor.
7. Look at filters and upkeep
Most heat pumps have a washable filter. EECA recommends cleaning it about once a month in winter, because a clogged filter makes the unit use more power. Consumer NZ notes that some high wall models have self-cleaning filters, and floor or low wall units make filter cleaning easier.
8. Pick the right type of system
EECA says inverter units are recommended in most cases for their efficiency. A high wall heat pump is the most common choice for one room and suits cooling well. Floor consoles are mainly designed for heating. A multi-split system runs several indoor units from one outdoor unit. Ducted systems heat the whole house through vents, cost more upfront and, according to Consumer NZ, are slightly less efficient because of heat loss in the ducts. Near the coast or in geothermal areas, EECA says units need corrosion protection.
Looking for a heat pump? High wall sets from $859.99 incl. GST, delivered NZ wide. We arrange installation in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill.
The brands we sell: the facts
These notes come from each manufacturer’s own website. They are not a ranking.
- Daikin: Daikin New Zealand’s wall-mounted ranges include Alira X, Alira, Zena Vogue, Cora, Standard Series and Lite Series, plus the Aura floor-standing unit, multi-split and ducted systems. Wi-Fi models work with the free Daikin D-Mobile app. Daikin says its split systems are approved by the Sensitive Choice New Zealand programme for people affected by asthma and allergies. The Standard Series comes in 9 models from 2.0 to 9.0 kW cooling and 2.7 to 10.3 kW heating.
- Panasonic: the Aero Z wall-mounted series has nanoe X and built-in Wi-Fi, with sizes from 2.0 kW cooling and 2.8 kW heating up to 9.5 kW cooling and 10.3 kW heating. The Developer RZ series has an anti-bacterial filter and a quiet mode. App control runs through Panasonic’s Comfort Cloud app.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI): MHI states that its heat pumps must be installed by a licensed installer or the warranty is void. Its current terms apply to equipment supplied after 01/01/2025.
- Hitachi: Hitachi Cooling and Heating products are made and sold by Bosch Home Comfort Group under licence from Hitachi. Its New Zealand wall-mounted ranges include airHome 400 and airHome 600.
- Gree: the products come from Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai, China.
- Haier: Haier New Zealand offers single room split systems, Super Match multi-split and Smart Power ducted systems, with control through the SmartHQ app.
- Temperzone: a privately owned company with head offices in Auckland and Sydney, and factories in Auckland, Hamilton and Sydney. Its range includes ducted split systems.
- Sinclair: the brand specialises in residential and industrial air conditioners and heat pumps. Its international website lists offices in the Czech Republic.
- Toshiba: made by Toshiba Carrier Corporation, established in 1999 and headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan.
What is in our range right now:
High wall sets start from $859.99. NZ DEPOT offers installation within 15 km of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua and Invercargill. Elsewhere, use your own licensed installer. Delivery takes 3 to 9 working days depending on location. Request a heat pump quote and we will compare models for your room and town.
Frequently asked questions
Which heat pump brand is best in NZ?
No brand is best on every model. Compare the actual models on cold zone stars and kWh, 2°C heating capacity, noise, warranty and installation.
What is the best heat pump for a cold area?
Choose a model whose 2°C heating figure is close to its 7°C figure, and check the manufacturer’s output at your design temperature. In Queenstown Lakes (-6°C) or Central Otago (-8°C), that matters more than the rated kW.
What warranty should I expect on a heat pump?
Of the brands we checked, published New Zealand manufacturer warranties run from 5 to 6 years, usually on condition of licensed installation. Check the terms for the exact model, and remember the Consumer Guarantees Act applies as well.
Is Wi-Fi on a heat pump worth it?
Consumer NZ says yes, if the upgrade is not expensive. Switching on from your phone makes it easier to heat only when you need to, which EECA recommends.
How long does a heat pump last?
EECA gives the lifespan of heat pump technology as 15 years. Its installation guide recommends regular filter cleaning and a routine service with a licensed service person.
More heat pump guides
Sources
- EECA, Zoned Energy Rating Label for heat pumps
- EECA, Good practice guide: heat pump installation, March 2022 (cold performance, noise, unit types, corrosion, Consumer Guarantees Act)
- EECA, Heat pumps (system types, lifespan)
- EECA, Buy an efficient heater (sizing, Efficient Appliance Calculator)
- EECA, Use your heat pump efficiently (filters, timers)
- Tenancy Services, Heating assessment tool guide
- Consumer NZ, How to buy the best heat pump (updated May 2026)
- Consumer NZ, Zoned Energy Rating Label: what you need to know (updated May 2025)
- Daikin New Zealand, Warranty
- Daikin New Zealand, Split system heat pumps
- Daikin New Zealand, Standard Series
- Daikin New Zealand, What to consider when buying a heat pump (D-Mobile app)
- Daikin New Zealand, Why choose Daikin (Sensitive Choice)
- Panasonic New Zealand, Air conditioning buyers guide (warranty, Comfort Cloud)
- Panasonic New Zealand, Single room air conditioners
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries New Zealand, Warranty terms and conditions (effective 01/2025)
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries New Zealand, Warranty FAQ
- Hitachi New Zealand, Your guide to buying a Hitachi heat pump
- Gree Electric Appliances, global website
- Haier New Zealand, Air conditioning
- Haier New Zealand, Warranty
- Temperzone, About us
- Temperzone, Warranty New Zealand
- Sinclair, international website
- Toshiba Carrier Corporation, Company overview
Ready to choose a heat pump? High wall sets from $859.99 incl. GST, delivered NZ wide. We arrange installation in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill.
