Getting a heat pump installed by an unlicensed person is a false economy. Not only can it void your manufacturer warranty outright, but it also breaches New Zealand law — putting you, your family, and your home at serious risk. Here's what every Kiwi homeowner needs to understand before signing off on an installation.
Why Licensing Matters for Heat Pump Installation
In New Zealand, heat pump installation involves both refrigerant handling and electrical work — two areas that are legally restricted work. Under the Electricity Act 1992, all electrical connections must be carried out by a registered electrician. Refrigerant handling requires a person certified under the relevant industry standards, as refrigerants are controlled substances with environmental and safety implications.
The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) oversees who is legally permitted to carry out electrical work in NZ. If someone who isn't registered performs the electrical side of your heat pump installation, they are breaking the law — full stop.
What Happens to Your Manufacturer Warranty?
Most heat pump manufacturers — including major brands sold in NZ — include a clause in their warranty terms stating that the unit must be installed by a qualified and licensed installer. If this condition isn't met, the warranty is typically void from day one.
This means:
- Parts and labour cover disappears, even if the fault is clearly a manufacturing defect
- Compressor warranties (often the most valuable, sometimes covering 5–7 years) are cancelled
- The manufacturer can decline any claim without further investigation
- You may have no recourse if the unit fails within months of installation
Always read the warranty documentation that comes with your unit before installation begins. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or your supplier directly and ask them to confirm in writing what installer qualifications are required.
Your Rights Under the Consumer Guarantees Act
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 provides some baseline protections for NZ consumers, but these apply to the supplier and manufacturer — not to a dodgy installer. If an unlicensed installer causes damage or the unit fails due to poor workmanship, pursuing a remedy can become complicated and costly. Your best protection is always a properly licensed installer from the outset.
The Legal Risk to You as the Homeowner
Here's something many homeowners don't realise: you can be held responsible if unlicensed electrical work is carried out on your property, even if you didn't know the installer wasn't registered. Under NZ law, it is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure work is done by appropriately licensed tradespeople.
If an incident — such as a fire or electric shock — occurs and investigators find the installation was done illegally, your home insurance policy may also be voided. This is a significant financial and safety risk that simply isn't worth taking.
WorkSafe NZ takes electrical safety seriously, and unlicensed electrical work is a serious safety concern.
What About the NZ Building Code?
Depending on your installation type (e.g., ducted systems or significant structural penetrations), a building consent may be required. MBIE Building Performance provides guidance on when consent is needed. Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists some exemptions, but you should always confirm with your local council whether your specific installation requires consent. An unlicensed installer is unlikely to navigate this correctly.
Healthy Homes and Rental Properties
If you're a landlord installing a heat pump to meet the Healthy Homes heating standard, using an unlicensed installer creates additional risk. If the installation is non-compliant, the heat pump may not count toward your Healthy Homes obligations — and you could face penalties.
How to Verify Your Installer is Qualified
Before any work begins, ask your installer:
- Are you a registered electrician? Ask for their EWRB registration number and verify it on the EWRB website
- Are you certified to handle refrigerants? This should be covered by their trade qualifications
- Will you provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)? This is a legal requirement for electrical work and is your proof the job was done correctly
- Are you an authorised installer for this brand? Some manufacturers require brand-specific training for full warranty cover
When to Call a Professional
Always use a licensed heat pump installer for any installation, relocation, or refrigerant-related service. This is not optional — it is a legal requirement in New Zealand. A qualified installer will:
- Ensure the electrical work is compliant and issue a Certificate of Compliance
- Handle refrigerants safely and legally
- protect your manufacturer warranty
- Advise on whether a building consent is needed
- Size the unit correctly for your space
You can find qualified, local heat pump installers on tradedirectory.co.nz — it's always worth getting two or three quotes and checking credentials before committing.
Sources & Further Reading
- Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) – Verify a registered electrician
- WorkSafe NZ – Electrical safety
- MBIE Building Performance – Building consent guidance
- Tenancy Services – Healthy Homes heating standard
- Consumer NZ – Your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act
- BRANZ – Home heating and insulation guidance
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