Save on Winter Bills: The Ultimate Guide to Heat Pump Energy Efficiency

The last week has seen freezing with it crisp mornings, cool evenings, and the undeniable need for a warm, comfortable home. For many Kiwi households, heat pumps are the go-to solution for reliable heating. They are incredibly efficient, but are you getting the most out of yours?

As a leading heating solutions provider serving Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty, OneAir understands the unique challenges of keeping your home warm and your energy bills affordable during the colder months. We're here to help you unlock the full potential of your heat pump and ensure your family stays toasty without breaking the bank.

This guide isn't just about technical jargon; it's about practical advice, easy-to-follow tips, and knowing when to call in the experts. Let's dive into how you can achieve superior heat pump efficiency, leading to significantly lower heating bills and a more comfortable home this winter.

Understanding Heat Pump Efficiency: More Than Just "Hot Air"

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of optimising your system, let's briefly touch on what makes heat pumps so efficient. Unlike traditional heaters that generate heat, heat pumps work by transferring it. In winter, they extract warmth from the outside air (yes it’s there, even on chilly days!) and move it indoors. In summer, the process reverses, pushing warm air - and moisture -  out.

This heat transfer mechanism is incredibly energy efficient. For every unit of electricity a heat pump uses, it can produce up to four or more units of heat. That’s why they are considered the most efficient heating option available in New Zealand. But this efficiency can be compromised if your system isn't well maintained or if it's the wrong size for your home.

Your Winter Checklist: Simple Ways to Boost Heat Pump Efficiency

We’re well into winter now in New Zealand, with several more weeks of chilly nights and mornings left to endure.. If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to check that  your heat pump is running properly to make sure you aren’t paying more for power than you need to be. Here are some simple, yet effective, steps you can take to immediately improve your heat pump efficiency and start seeing lower electricity bills.

1. The Mighty Filter: Your First Line of Defence

This is arguably the most crucial and easiest maintenance task you can do. Your heat pump's air filter traps dust, dirt, allergens, and other airborne particles - and there’re a lot more of them floating around in the air than you may think. Especially if you have a carpet, pets or live in a dusty area with lots of traffic or construction going on for example, your filters can fill up in no time. Why this matters is because a clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your heat pump to struggle to pull air through the indoor unit. This extra effort means less effective heating, but the extra hard work requires more electricity being needed, even if it may not be obvious from looking at it.

• How often? Ideally, check your filters every four months, especially during peak heating season. If you have pets, allergies, or use your heat pump frequently, a bi-monthly check and clean would be wise.

• How to do it: Always turn off your heat pump at the isolator switch before you start. Locate the filters (usually behind the front panel of your indoor unit) and gently remove them. For most filters, simply vacuum off loose dust, then rinse them under warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals. To prevent mould growth from forming, make sure they are completely dry before reinserting them. Slide them back into place in the exact the opposite way you removed them, close the panel, and turn the power back on.

2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Your outdoor unit is the workhorse of your heat pump system, constantly absorbing heat from the outside air. It's exposed to the elements, and over time, dust, algae leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and even insects can accumulate on, around or even inside it.

• Clear the area: Ensure there's at least 20 cm of clear space around all sides of the outdoor unit for optimal airflow. Trim back any overgrown bushes or vegetation and make sure the pesky kikuyu grass isn’t starting to find its way inside the unit.

• Remove debris: Gently remove any visible leaves, dirt, or other blockages from the top and sides of the unit. A soft brush with some lightly soapy water will work best here.

• Check the fins: The metal fins on the outdoor unit (they look like a radiator) can get dirty. If they appear dirty, you can gently spray them with a garden hose. Never use a high-pressure water blaster, as this can damage the delicate metal fins and prevent them from working as efficiently they should.

• For South Islanders (and those at higher altitudes in the North Islands): If you experience heavy snow or ice, ensure the outdoor unit isn't completely buried or encased. While heat pumps have a defrost cycle, excessive build up will hinder its operation. Never chip away ice with sharp objects; instead, gently melt it with warm water.

3. Ducted Do’s and Don'ts

For ducted systems, DO make sure your return air filters are clean and allow air to flow freely through them. Blocked or dirty filter media can significantly reduce your heat pump's performance and lead to high power bills, especially because ducted systems are generally much more powerful than high walls units and use more electricity as a result. . Make sure all supply air grilles  are open and there are no items of furniture, curtains, or anything else in the way that might obstruct airflow. Give them a quick dust with a soft cloth. If you have your return grille(s) in the hall, DON’T close bedroom doors (unless they are undercut by around 10-20mm), but leave them slightly ajar to allow the air from inside the bedrooms to flow back to the return grilles. 

4. Smart Thermostat Usage: A Key to Efficiency

How you use your thermostat can significantly impact your energy bills.

• Set a steady temperature: Heat pumps are most efficient when they maintain a consistent temperature, rather than constantly cycling on and off. Find a comfortable temperature (generally between 19°C to 21°C for heating in winter) and let your heat pump do its job. Avoid frequently adjusting your thermostat up and down as that wastes power. Also putting extremely high set points such as 28 degrees will not make the room heat up faster, but it WILL significantly increase your electricity consumption .

• Utilise the timer function: Many heat pumps have a timer function. Use it to program your heat pump to turn on shortly before you wake up or arrive home, and to lower the temperature when you're away or asleep. This ensures you're only heating your home when you need it.

• Avoid "Auto" mode in deep winter: While "Auto" mode is convenient, it might switch between heating and cooling cycles unnecessarily. Stick to "Heat" mode during the chilliest parts of winter and switch it to “Cool” only when the weather warms up closer to summer.

• Optimise fan speed and louvre position: Ever notice that your horizontal vanes or louvres on your high wall heat pump are pointed steeply downwards when it is first starting up (in heating mode?) That’s because the unit is trying to force the hot air downwards and let physics work its magic and have the hot air slowly rise up, mixing with the cold air along the way. High fan speeds are only necessary right at the start : when the system needs to get the room to temperature as fast as possible. Once it reaches the desired set point, make sure that the fan speed slows down (it should do this automatically by itself without manual input being needed.  A lower fan speed will be more efficient and still able to  a comfortable temperature, and be a lot quieter as well (important for bedrooms in particular)..

5. Draught-Proof Your Home: Maximise Heat Retention

Even the most efficient heat pump can struggle if your home is leaking warm air. Draught proofing is a low-cost way to significantly reduce heat loss and keep those heating bills lower.

• Seal gaps: Check around windows, doors, and any other openings for draughts. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal them up.

• Curtains and blinds: Close curtains, shutters and blinds at night to add an extra layer of insulation and prevent heat from escaping through windows, especially single-pane ones.

• Insulation: If you're considering bigger projects, ensure your ceiling, walls, and underfloor are well insulated. This is a big investment, but one that pays off  in the long run for overall home energy efficiency.

When to Call the Professionals: Signs You Need Heat Pump Service or Repair

While the above tips are fine for routine maintenance, sometimes your heat pump needs a little more attention. Ignoring warning signs can lead to more costly repairs down the line or even the need for a full replacement. Keep an eye out for the below indicators that suggest it's time to call in the OneAir experts for a professional heat pump service or repair:

• Rising Energy Bills: If your power bills are significantly higher than usual, even after implementing the efficiency tips, it's a major red flag. This often means your heat pump is working harder to achieve the desired temperature, indicating an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Continuing to run a heat pump with low refrigerant levels for example, can cause fatal damage to the compressor .

• Inconsistent Heating or Cold Spots: Is one part of a room toasty warm while another feels chilly? Or perhaps your heat pump is blowing cold air when it should be heating? This could signal a problem with refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning component, or blocked airflow.

• Strange Noises: Heat pumps, especially ducted systems, should operate relatively quietly with only the gentlest of wind noise being perceptible (when the unit is on low speed). If you start hearing any other sound such as grinding, screeching, rattling, buzzing, or ticking sounds, it's a sign that something isn't right. These noises can indicate loose parts, motor issues, or even a failing compressor.

• Unpleasant Odours: A musty smell could indicate mould or mildew buildup in your unit or ductwork while a or bad smell could be a rodent that has died inside or around your system. A burning smell might point to an electrical problem. Don't ignore any these scents!

• Reduced Airflow: If the air coming from your vents seems weak or lacking in volume, your heat pump might be struggling to circulate air effectively. This could be due to clogged filters (even after cleaning), a failing fan, or duct issues.

• Frequent Cycling On and Off: Your heat pump should cycle on and off to maintain your set temperature. However, if it's turning on and off too frequently (short cycling), it's a sign of inefficiency and can put undue stress on the system. There can be multiple causes of this, and a professional is needed to determining the exact cause(s) for this symptom.

• Leaking or Excessive Moisture: While condensation water is a natural byproduct of heat pump operation, , significant leaking in or around your indoor or outdoor unit needs immediate investigation. The unit should be switched off immediately to prevent further leakage and a professional HVAC company contacted as it could indicate a clogged condensate drain, a refrigerant leak, or other serious issues. Refrigerant leaks, in particular, should only be handled by a licensed and qualified technician due to health risks.

If you notice any of these signs, don't wait until your home is freezing. Contact OneAir immediately. Our experienced technicians can diagnose the problem, perform necessary heat pump service and repair, and get your system running smoothly and efficiently again.

Is It Time for a New Heat Pump Installation?

Sometimes, despite regular maintenance and repairs, an older heat pump simply can't deliver the heat pump performance and efficiency you need. Modern heat pumps have made significant advancements in technology, offering new features superior performance, lower noise levels, and even smart home integration.

Consider a new heat pump installation if:

• Your Heat Pump is over 10 years old: The average lifespan of a heat pump is generally 10 to 15 years. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this age, parts are less likely to be available and even if you do find them, you could run into problems as outlined below.

• Frequent, Costly Repairs: If you find yourself needing a repair for a heat pump that is 10 years old or more, you need to think carefully before deciding to proceed with the repair, especially if the cost is $500 or more. This is because repairing one part does not guarantee that other parts may not fail in the (near) future, meaning that you could end up needing a part that is no longer in stock, or is very expensive (eg. a PCB or compressor replacement) repeatedly paying for repairs, the cumulative cost might outweigh the investment in a new, more efficient system.

• High Energy Bills Persist: Even with proper maintenance, if your heating bills are consistently higher than expected, it might be that your current unit is simply not powerful or efficient enough for your home's size or your preferred temperature requirements.

• Poor Performance: If your home struggles to reach and maintain a comfortable temperature, or if certain areas remain cold, an undersized or underperforming heat pump might be the culprit. A new system can be properly sized and installed to meet your specific requirements.

• Environmental Concerns: Newer heat pumps use more environmentally-friendly refrigerants that don’t damage the ozone layer anywhere close to the extent that earlier refrigerants did.

• You're Renovating or Building New: This is an ideal time to assess your heating needs and consider a state-of-the-art heat pump system that can be seamlessly integrated into your home's design, potentially with ducted systems for year-round, whole-home comfort.

Investing in a new efficient heat pump system can seem like a big decision, but the long-term savings on your energy bills, coupled with enhanced comfort and improved indoor air quality, typically make it an excellent investment. OneAir offers a range of high-quality heat pumps from leading brands, and our experts can help you choose the perfect system tailored to your home's size, layout, and your family's needs. We also provide professional installation services to ensure your new system operates at its absolute peak efficiency from day one.

Why Choose OneAir for Your Heat Pump Needs This Winter?

At OneAir, we're more than just HVAC contractors; we're your local partners in comfort and energy savings. With skilled technicians located in Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty, we understand the specific heating needs of all New Zealand homes.

• Experienced and Certified Technicians: Our team is highly trained and experienced in all aspects of heat pump installation, service, and repair for a wide range of brands and models.

• Customer-Focused Service: We pride ourselves on providing clear, honest advice and exceptional customer service. We'll never recommend a service or product you don't truly need.

• Commitment to Efficiency: Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible heat pump energy efficiency, ensuring your home is warm and your heating bills are lower.

• Reliable and Timely Service: We know how important a working heat pump is, especially in winter. We strive for prompt and efficient service to minimise any disruption to your home comfort.

• Comprehensive Solutions: Whether you need a simple filter clean, a complex repair, or a brand new efficient heat pump installation, OneAir has you covered.

Take Action Today!

As winter settles in, now is the ideal time to ensure your heat pump is in top condition. Don't wait until you're shivering or staring at a shocking power bill.

• Perform your DIY checks: Clean those filters and clear around your outdoor unit today!

• Schedule a professional service: If you haven't had your heat pump serviced recently, or if you're noticing any of the warning signs, contact OneAir for a comprehensive check-up. A professional service can often pinpoint minor issues before they become major, costly problems, ensuring your heat pump runs as efficiently as possible.

• Consider a new installation: If your heat pump is old, inefficient, or constantly needing repairs, talk to our team about the benefits of a new, efficient heat pump system. We can provide a no-obligation quote and help you explore the best options for your home and budget.

Contact OneAir today at 0800 ONEAIR (663247) or book a service, request a repair, or get a quote for a new heat pump installation. Let us help you make this winter your most comfortable and cost-effective yet!