Good news: setting a timer or weekly schedule on your heat pump is almost always something you can do yourself, no tradesperson required. The programming side — using the remote control, a smartphone app, or a plug-in timer — is not restricted electrical work, so any homeowner can tackle it. Where things get more complicated is if you want to add smart-home wiring or modify the unit's electrical connections, which is a different story entirely.
Why Timers and Schedules Matter
Running your heat pump on a schedule is one of the easiest ways to cut power bills and keep your home comfortable. Energywise recommends pre-heating or pre-cooling your home before you need it, rather than running the unit continuously. A well-set schedule means you're not heating an empty house, which can make a real difference to your energy costs — especially through a cold NZ winter.
Option 1: Use the Built-In Timer on Your Remote
Most heat pump remotes sold in NZ include a basic 24-hour or weekly timer function. The exact steps vary by brand (Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Daikin, Panasonic, and others all have slightly different menus), but the general process is:
- Press the Timer or Clock button on your remote.
- Set the current time if prompted.
- Choose an ON time and an OFF time.
- Select which days the schedule applies to (on models with weekly programming).
- Confirm and press Set.
Check your unit's user manual — it's usually available as a PDF on the manufacturer's website if you've lost the paper copy. The manual will show you the exact button sequence for your model.
Option 2: Use a Smartphone App
Many modern heat pumps support Wi-Fi control through a manufacturer app. Examples include:
- Mitsubishi Electric MELCloud
- Fujitsu anywAIR
- Daikin Online Controller
- Panasonic Comfort Cloud
These apps let you set detailed weekly schedules, adjust temperatures remotely, and sometimes monitor energy use — all from your phone. If your unit has a built-in Wi-Fi module, you simply download the app, connect it to your home Wi-Fi, and follow the in-app setup. No electrician needed.
If your unit doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, some manufacturers sell a Wi-Fi adapter that plugs into the indoor unit's control port. Installing this adapter is generally straightforward and covered in the adapter's instructions — but check the manual first, as some models require a technician to fit the adapter internally.
Option 3: Plug-In Countdown or Weekly Timer
If your heat pump plugs into a standard 10-amp wall socket (common with smaller portable or window units), you can use a plug-in timer switch between the wall socket and the unit's plug. These are available from Bunnings or Mitre 10 and require no electrical knowledge — just plug in and set the dial or digital display.
Important: This only works for units that run on a standard plug. Most split-system heat pumps are hardwired and do not use a standard plug, so this option won't apply.
Option 4: Smart Home Integration
If you want to integrate your heat pump into a smart home system (such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit), this is usually done through the manufacturer's app or a compatible smart plug/IR blaster — all DIY-friendly. However, if you want to install new wiring, a dedicated smart thermostat that requires hardwiring, or any modification to the unit's electrical circuit, that becomes restricted electrical work under NZ law.
What Is Restricted Electrical Work?
Under the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) rules, any work on fixed wiring — including connecting or modifying the electrical supply to your heat pump — must be carried out by a registered electrician. This includes:
- Installing a new circuit or isolating switch
- Hardwiring a smart thermostat or controller
- Modifying the indoor or outdoor unit's wiring
- Installing a new dedicated power circuit for the heat pump
Doing this work yourself is illegal and can void your insurance. Always use a licensed electrician for anything involving fixed wiring.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed heat pump installer or registered electrician if you need to:
- Install a new Wi-Fi adapter that requires internal wiring to the unit
- Add a hardwired smart controller or thermostat
- Troubleshoot why your timer settings aren't working (could be a fault with the unit)
- Commission a new heat pump or carry out any refrigerant work (this requires an HVAC tradesperson with a refrigerant handling licence)
For the programming and scheduling side, a qualified installer can also show you the best settings for your home's layout and NZ climate zone — worth asking about at your next service. You can find experienced local heat pump installers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Quick Comparison: DIY vs. Restricted Work
| Task | DIY OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Setting timer on remote | ✅ Yes | Follow your manual |
| Weekly schedule via app | ✅ Yes | Needs Wi-Fi module |
| Plug-in timer (plug-in units only) | ✅ Yes | Not for hardwired units |
| Fitting a plug-in Wi-Fi adapter | ✅ Usually | Check your model's manual |
| Hardwiring a smart thermostat | ❌ No | Restricted electrical work |
| Modifying unit wiring | ❌ No | Licensed electrician required |
| Refrigerant or commissioning work | ❌ No | Licensed HVAC technician required |
Safety Note
Never open the electrical enclosure of your heat pump or tamper with wiring. Even when the unit appears off, capacitors inside can hold a dangerous charge. If you're unsure about any step, stop and call a professional.
ISO 9001
