Healthy Home Solutions
We are Christchurch's Residential Heat Pump Specialists
As homeowners across New Zealand seek efficient and cost-effective ways to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, heat pumps have become a popular choice. Yet, a common question remains: "Is a heat pump expensive to run?" The answer depends on a number of different factors, including the type of heat pump you have, how old it is, and how you use it.
Heat pumps are designed to be highly efficient, utilising electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it. This efficiency is evident in the fact that for every 1kW of electricity consumed, a heat pump can produce approximately 3-5kW of heat energy. This contrasts starkly with traditional electric heaters, which typically convert each unit of electricity directly into heat, making them far less efficient.
Whether a heat pump is expensive to run will be influenced by various factors, such as the model of the heat pump, the size and insulation of your home, and the temperature settings you use. Compared to traditional electric heaters, which can cost between 19 and 40 cents per unit of heat, heat pumps are significantly more cost-effective.
Several factors contribute to the running costs of a heat pump, including:
Larger homes require more energy to heat, which can increase running costs. Similarly, homes that are poorly insulated or have drafts will need more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Homes that are well-insulated and oriented to capture natural sunlight will generally have lower heating costs. Insulation helps to retain the heat generated by the heat pump, reducing the amount of time the system needs to run.
Modern heat pumps are generally more efficient than older models. If you have an older unit, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model could reduce your running costs significantly.
The way you use your heat pump also impacts running costs. For example, setting your heat pump to a very high temperature or leaving it on when not needed can increase your energy consumption.
According to EECA Energywise, the running cost of a heat pump in heating mode during winter ranges from 3 to 16 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of heat produced.
Heating accounts for a significant portion of household energy bills during the winter months, so it's important to use your heat pump efficiently. Here are some tips for maximising the efficiency of your heat pump during winter:
During winter, it's recommended to set your heat pump to around 18-22 degrees Celsius. While it might be tempting to set the temperature higher, doing so will increase energy consumption without significantly improving comfort. If you're running the heat pump overnight, consider lowering the temperature to around 16-18 degrees to maintain comfort while saving energy.
Ensure that your heat pump is set to the Heat mode (often indicated by a sun icon on the remote). This setting is optimised for heating and will use less energy than other modes.
Use the swing setting on your heat pump to direct warm air downward. As warm air rises, this will help distribute heat more evenly throughout the room, improving overall comfort and efficiency.
Regularly cleaning your heat pump, including filters, and ensuring that both indoor and outdoor units are free from obstructions will help maintain efficiency and prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
Heat pumps aren't just for winter—they're also an efficient way to cool your home during the summer months. The cost of cooling with a heat pump is generally less than heating, with typical monthly costs ranging from $60 to $120, depending on factors like the size of your home and the efficiency of your heat pump.
To save on cooling costs, consider using the fan mode, which costs around 5 cents per hour. Additionally, setting the temperature between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius will provide a comfortable indoor environment without overloading the system.
When comparing heat pumps to other heating options, such as electric heaters or gas systems, heat pumps consistently come out on top in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This is due to their ability to move heat rather than generate it, making them the most energy-efficient electric heating option available.
For example, if you have a 6kWh heat pump and you use it for around 6 hours a day, 6 months of the year, your annual running cost could be around $400. This is based on an average cost, and actual expenses may vary depending on factors like the age of your unit, how often it's used, and your home's specific heating requirements.
It's important to note that while newer heat pumps tend to be more energy-efficient, even older units can still be more cost-effective than other forms of heating, such as fan heaters or standalone electric heaters.
One of the most frequently asked questions about heat pumps is whether it's cheaper to leave them running all day or to turn them off and on as needed. Heat pumps are designed to be energy efficient when running for extended periods, meaning that leaving them on can often be more cost-effective than repeatedly turning them off and on.
However, this doesn't mean you should leave your heat pump running when it's not needed. If you're leaving the house for several hours, it's best to turn the system off or use a programmable timer to have it turn on shortly before you return. This approach balances comfort and efficiency, ensuring that your home is warm when you need it while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
Here are some handy heat pump efficiency tips to minimise your heat pump's running cost:
Strategic Heating: Only heat the rooms you're using. Consider closing doors to unused areas to retain warmth.
Power Down When Not in Use: This may seem obvious, but switching off the heat pump when you leave the house saves energy.
Embrace the Insulation Advantage: A well-insulated home requires less heating, making your heat pump work less and saving you money.
Utilise Smart Features: Consider heat pumps with timers or smart Wi-Fi controls for remote adjustment and scheduled heating.
At DC Installation Services, we recommend Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps for their cost-effectiveness thanks to their advanced technology but also for their:
Quiet Operation: Enjoy the peace and quiet of a silent home environment.
User-Friendly Controls: Operate your heat pump with ease, even via Wi-Fi for remote access.
Stylish Design: Sleek and unobtrusive units complement your home's aesthetics.
Easy Installation and Maintenance: Our expert technicians ensure smooth installation and future maintenance.
Proven Quality: Mitsubishi Electric's reputation for exceptional performance speaks for itself.
Cold Climate Capability: Stay warm and cosy even during the country’s coldest months.
A heat pump can be a fantastic investment for your Christchurch home. Its efficiency and versatility offer comfortable year-round living while minimising energy costs. By choosing the right size and model, coupled with smart usage practices, you can reap the benefits of a warm and energy-efficient home.
Our friendly team can help you choose the perfect heat pump for your needs and guide you through the installation process. We're committed to providing Christchurch residents with top-quality heat pump solutions that offer both comfort and cost savings. Get in touch with us today to find the best heat pump solution for your home.
