Installing a heat pump is one of the most popular home upgrades in New Zealand, and for good reason — a well-chosen, correctly installed unit can dramatically cut heating and cooling costs while improving comfort year-round. But knowing which trade to call, what the job actually involves, and what the rules are can be confusing. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
The Right Trade: Heat Pump Installer
In most cases, the answer is a qualified heat pump installer. This is the primary trade you need for this job. They have the training, tools, and experience to handle this type of work safely and effectively.
In New Zealand, heat pump installation involves handling refrigerants, which are controlled substances under relevant NZ legislation governing ozone-depleting and synthetic greenhouse gas substances. Anyone who purchases, handles, or recovers refrigerants must hold a current refrigerant handling licence issued under that Act. Reputable installers will hold this licence as a matter of course — always ask to see it before work begins.
Many heat pump installers in NZ are also registered electricians or work alongside one, because the electrical connection of a heat pump is restricted electrical work under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations. This means it must be carried out or supervised by a licensed electrical worker registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Never allow an unlicensed person to make the final electrical connection.
What a Heat Pump Installer Will Do
A heat pump installer will assess the situation, diagnose the cause, and recommend the best course of action. They will provide a quote for the work before starting. In practice, a thorough installation visit typically covers:
- Site assessment — room size, insulation levels, ceiling height, window area, and orientation to size the unit correctly for your NZ climate (a Northland home has very different needs from a Queenstown one)
- Unit selection — recommending the right capacity (kW output) and type (wall-mounted, floor console, ducted, multi-split)
- Indoor unit installation — mounting the head unit on the wall or ceiling, drilling penetrations for refrigerant lines and condensate drainage
- Outdoor unit placement — positioning the compressor unit for airflow, noise, and protection from prevailing weather (coastal NZ installations need marine-grade or corrosion-resistant units)
- Refrigerant line installation and charging — connecting and pressure-testing the refrigerant circuit
- Electrical connection — wiring the unit to the switchboard (restricted electrical work)
- Commissioning and testing — running the system through heating and cooling modes, checking temperatures and pressures
- Handover — explaining controls, filter cleaning, and maintenance schedules
Could Other Trades Be Involved?
Sometimes a job involves multiple trades. Your primary tradesperson can advise if other specialists are needed. Common situations where additional trades come in include:
| Situation | Additional Trade Needed |
|---|---|
| No suitable power circuit at the installation point | Registered electrician to run a new circuit from the switchboard |
| Ducted system requiring new ceiling or wall penetrations | Builder or plasterer for GIB repairs |
| Condensate drain connecting to the household drainage system | Licensed drainlayer or plumber (check with your PGDB-registered tradesperson) |
| Structural wall penetration in a timber-framed home | Builder familiar with NZS 3604 framing requirements |
| Rental property requiring compliance documentation | Installer familiar with Healthy Homes heating standards |
Consent and Compliance in NZ
For most standard residential heat pump installations, building consent is not required under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 — but this is not a blanket rule. You should always confirm with your local council before work begins, particularly if:
- The installation involves significant structural penetrations
- You are in a heritage zone or the building is listed
- A ducted system requires substantial new ductwork through the structure
The electrical work associated with the installation must be completed with a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by the licensed electrical worker. Keep this document — you will need it if you sell the property.
For rental properties, the Healthy Homes Standards require landlords to provide a fixed heating device capable of heating the main living room to at least 18°C. A correctly sized heat pump typically satisfies this requirement, but the installer should be able to confirm compliance and provide documentation.
For further guidance on the NZ Building Code (including clause H1 Energy Efficiency, which relates to heating loads), visit MBIE Building Performance.
Choosing the Right Installer
Not all installers are equal. Here is what to look for:
- Refrigerant handling licence — mandatory; ask for the licence number
- Electrical registration — confirm via the EWRB register
- Brand authorisation — major brands (Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Fujitsu, Panasonic, etc.) often have authorised installer networks; using an authorised installer protects your warranty
- Experience with your climate zone — a coastal Hawke's Bay installer will understand salt-air corrosion; a Central Otago installer will know cold-climate performance ratings
- Written quote — always get a written quote before work starts, as your installer will provide one before commencing
- Multiple quotes — get at least two or three quotes to compare scope, brand recommendations, and pricing
- References or reviews — ask for recent local references or check online reviews
DIY vs Professional
This is not a DIY job. Handling refrigerants without a licence is illegal in New Zealand. Making the electrical connection without registration is also illegal and creates serious safety and insurance risks. The physical mounting of an indoor unit bracket might be done by a competent homeowner in some circumstances, but in practice the entire job should be left to your qualified installer — the liability and warranty implications of partial DIY are not worth it.
When to Call a Professional
Call a qualified heat pump installer as your first point of contact whenever you are:
- Installing a new heat pump in any room or building
- Replacing an existing unit — old refrigerant must be recovered by a licensed handler
- Moving an existing unit to a different location
- Adding a head unit to an existing multi-split system
- Commissioning a unit that was supplied but not installed by the retailer
- Troubleshooting a fault — refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, and compressor issues all require licensed tradespeople
If you are unsure whether your situation needs a builder, electrician, or plumber in addition to the heat pump installer, describe the full scope of work when you request quotes — a good installer will tell you upfront if another trade is required.
You can find qualified, local heat pump installers in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always get multiple quotes and check qualifications before committing.
Sources & Further Reading
- EWRB — Electrical Workers Registration Board — verify your installer's electrical registration
- MBIE Building Performance — NZ Building Code guidance including H1 Energy Efficiency
- Tenancy Services — Healthy Homes Standards — heating requirements for rental properties
- WorkSafe NZ — electrical safety and hazardous substances (refrigerants)
- BRANZ — independent NZ building research and best-practice guidance
- Standards NZ — NZS 3604 and other relevant NZ standards
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