Perhaps ironically, the modern day breed of heat pump actually came out of the air conditioning and cooling industry. Click for more...

Air con manufacturers discovered by using a reverse cycle process that air conditioning units could also be used to generate a very clean and efficient heat as well. In New Zealand the residential market for heating is bigger than air conditioning, so these reverse cycle heating units have become commonly known as heat pumps. It is a fitting name because heat pumps from the major manufacturers like Mitsubishi and Fujitsu are very efficient source of clean dry heat, they literally pump it out.

When buying a heat pump there are a few questions to ask yourself: How much space do you need to heat? Heat Pumps from all manufacturers are rated according to their output. We recommend buying one with more than enough capacity to heat the space you have. This way it won't need to work too hard, will run more efficiently and will last longer.

What is your climate like? Manufacturers also provide information about output based on average outdoor temperatures, so you'll want to buy a unit to suit the kind of climate you live in.

How well insulated is your home? Heat pumps are great, but if your home is not well insulated and leaks heat through doors and windows then they will be much less efficient. You don't want to be heating the neighbourhood!

And finally, we do recommend you buy a well known and reputable brand that offers a good warranty. Noel Leeming carries heat pumps from Mitsubishi and Fujitsu, all top of the line brands who stand behind their products.