Getting a heat pump installed is one of the best investments you can make for home comfort in New Zealand's variable climate. Most residential installations are completed in a single day — typically between three and six hours — and the process is more straightforward than many homeowners expect. Here's a clear rundown of what to expect from start to finish.
Before the Installers Arrive
A little preparation goes a long way. Make sure the area around the proposed indoor unit location is clear of furniture and wall hangings, and that there's easy outdoor access to where the outdoor unit (the condenser) will sit. Installers will need a clear path between the two locations to run the refrigerant lines, electrical cabling, and drain hose.
If you have pets or young children, it's a good idea to keep them out of the work areas. Drilling, cutting, and working at height on ladders is involved, so a tidy, uncluttered space helps the job go smoothly and safely.
What the Installers Will Do First
When the team arrives, they'll typically start with a quick site check to confirm the planned locations for both the indoor and outdoor units. They'll verify wall thickness, check for any obstacles like insulation batts or noggins inside the wall cavity, and confirm the electrical supply situation.
Expect them to lay down drop sheets to protect your flooring and furnishings — a good installer will treat your home with care.
The Installation Process Step by Step
1. Mounting the Indoor Unit
The indoor unit (evaporator) is mounted on a bracket fixed securely to the wall. The installer will drill a core hole (usually 65–75 mm diameter) through the wall to route the refrigerant lines, drain hose, and electrical cables outside.
2. Installing the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser unit is placed on a purpose-made bracket or a concrete pad at ground level. It needs adequate clearance on all sides for airflow — your installer will follow the manufacturer's specifications for this. The unit should be positioned away from direct prevailing weather where possible, and never in an enclosed space.
3. Running the Line Set
The refrigerant lines (copper tubing wrapped in insulation), the drain hose, and the electrical cable are bundled together and run between the two units. These are usually clipped neatly along the exterior wall inside a PVC line cover (sometimes called a raceway or trunking) for a tidy finish.
4. Electrical Connection
Connecting the heat pump to your home's electrical supply is restricted electrical work under New Zealand law. It must be carried out by a registered electrician — this is non-negotiable. Many heat pump installation companies employ or subcontract a registered electrician for this part of the job. You can verify electrician registration through the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
The installer will issue you with a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the electrical work. Keep this document safe — you'll need it if you ever sell your home.
5. Refrigerant Handling
Refrigerant lines are pressure-tested and then vacuumed down to remove moisture and air before the refrigerant is released from the outdoor unit. Handling refrigerants is also restricted work — only certified technicians are permitted to do this under NZ regulations.
6. Testing and Commissioning
Once everything is connected, the installer will power up the system and run it through both heating and cooling modes to confirm it's operating correctly. They'll check airflow, temperature output, drainage, and remote control function. This commissioning phase usually takes 20–40 minutes.
What You Should Check Before They Leave
Before signing off on the job, take a few minutes to:
- Test the remote control yourself and confirm you understand the basic settings
- Ask for a walkthrough of the filter cleaning process — you'll need to do this every 4–6 weeks
- Confirm the drain hose outlet location and that it's draining freely
- Check the exterior line cover is neatly fixed and weatherproofed around the wall penetration
- Receive all documentation: the CoC, warranty cards, and the owner's manual
For guidance on getting the most out of your heat pump's energy efficiency, Energywise has excellent NZ-specific advice.
Does a Heat Pump Installation Need a Building Consent?
In most cases, a standard residential heat pump installation is exempt from building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act. However, there are exceptions — for example, if structural work is involved or the installation is in a commercial building. Always confirm with your local council if you're unsure. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on consent exemptions.
How Long Will It Take?
As a general guide:
| Installation Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Single split system (standard) | 3–5 hours |
| Multi-split system (2–3 indoor units) | 5–8 hours |
| Ducted system | 1–2 days |
These are approximate — complexity, wall construction, and access all affect timing.
When to Call a Professional
All heat pump installation work should be carried out by a qualified, experienced installer. The electrical and refrigerant components are legally restricted to licensed professionals. Attempting DIY installation is illegal, unsafe, and will void your warranty. WorkSafe NZ sets out the safety obligations that apply to this type of work.
If your heat pump is playing up after installation — unusual noises, poor heating, or water leaking from the indoor unit — contact your installer promptly. Most reputable companies offer a workmanship warranty on top of the manufacturer's product warranty.
You can find qualified, local heat pump installers in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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