How long do heat pumps last?

Consumer NZ puts heat pump life expectancy at 10–15 years. Regular cleaning and servicing help units reach the upper end.

Is it worth fixing a 10-year-old heat pump?

Minor faults, yes. For major faults like a failed compressor or circuit board, Consumer NZ suggests repair may not be worthwhile on units older than seven years.

Can a new heat pump use the old pipes?

Sometimes, if the pipe size suits the new unit, the pipe is in good condition and the manufacturer allows it. This should be confirmed for the specific model during a site assessment.

Is removal of the old heat pump included?

In most replacement quotes, yes, including refrigerant recovery. Ask for it to be listed on the quote.

Does Warmer Kiwi Homes pay for a replacement heat pump?

Generally not if you already have a working fixed heater. EECA's heat pump grant requires no existing operational fixed heater, among other criteria.

Heat Pump Replacement Cost NZ (2026)

Q: How much does it cost to replace a heat pump in NZ?

A single high-wall replacement typically costs $2,500–$4,500 installed, including removal of the old unit. Multi-room systems cost about $5,000–$8,000 and ducted systems from about $10,000.

How much does it cost to replace a heat pump in NZ?

A like-for-like replacement of a single high-wall heat pump usually costs $2,500–$4,500 installed. Replacing a multi-room system costs about $5,000–$8,000, and a ducted system from around $10,000. A replacement can cost a little less than a brand-new install when the existing pipework, cable and outdoor position can be reused.

Heat pump replacement prices in NZ (installed, NZD incl. GST)
What you are replacing	Typical price	Notes
Single high-wall split, like for like	$2,500–$4,500	Old unit removal usually included
Multi-room system	$5,000–$8,000	Depends on number of indoor units
Ducted system	From $10,000	Existing ducts may be reusable if in good condition
High-wall, upsizing to a larger living-area unit	$3,200–$4,800	May need new pipe sizes or a new circuit

Replacement ranges from Airmax. Living-area pricing from Top5.nz new-install data. Get a site visit before relying on any figure.

How long does a heat pump last in NZ?

Consumer NZ gives heat pumps a life expectancy of 10–15 years. Units that are regularly cleaned and serviced, correctly sized and installed in a sheltered spot tend to reach the upper end. Coastal salt air, poor drainage and years of running flat out shorten life.

Age alone is not a reason to replace a working unit. The trigger is usually a major fault, rising running costs, noise, or a room that has never been heated properly because the original unit was too small. Regular servicing is the cheapest way to get more years from a heat pump.

Should you repair or replace your heat pump?

Repair minor faults such as noisy fans, sensors and drain problems. Consider replacing when a major part like the circuit board or compressor fails on a unit older than about seven years, which is Consumer NZ's guidance. A common installer rule is to replace if the repair would cost around half the price of a new unit.

Typical out-of-warranty heat pump repair costs (NZD)
Fault	Typical repair cost	Repair or replace?
Thermostat or sensor fault	$100–$300	Usually repair
Other electrical component	$150–$500	Usually repair
Refrigerant leak found and fixed	$300–$800	Repair if unit is young and leak is fixable
Fan motor	$400–$700	Repair on a younger unit
Reversing valve	$400–$800	Weigh against unit age
Compressor failure	$1,200–$2,500	Replace if older than about 7 years
After-hours call-out surcharge	+$200–$300	Book during business hours if you can

Repair costs from OneAir. Repair-or-replace guidance on major faults from Consumer NZ. Always get a written diagnosis first.

Before paying for any repair, check whether the unit is still under the manufacturer's warranty and whether the fault is covered. Ask for the model number and the fault code in writing so you can get a second opinion.

Can the existing pipework be reused?

Sometimes. Copper refrigerant pipes can often be reused if they are the right diameter for the new unit, in good condition without corrosion or kinks, and within the new unit's length limits. Reuse saves labour and avoids opening walls, which matters in apartments and finished interiors.

Newer units using R32 refrigerant can specify different pipe sizes from older R410A or R22 systems. Some manufacturers offer approved methods for reusing old pipework; Mitsubishi Electric NZ, for example, markets pipe reuse for its R32 systems replacing older R22 or R410A units. Compatibility has to be confirmed for the specific model during the site assessment, and old pipes may need flushing. If it cannot be confirmed, new pipes are the safer choice.

Usually reusable: wall brackets and outdoor unit stands in good condition, cable routes, drain paths, and pipe penetrations.
Often replaced: corroded or damaged pipe, pipe of the wrong size for the new unit, undersized electrical cable, and perished insulation on pipes.
Worth checking: whether the original outdoor position is noisy for neighbours or exposed to weather. Replacement is a chance to fix it. See noise, placement and council rules.

What happens to the old heat pump and its refrigerant?

A certified refrigerant technician should recover the refrigerant with proper recovery equipment before the old unit is disconnected, then the unit is taken away for disposal or recycling. Most replacement quotes include this. Ask that removal, refrigerant recovery and disposal are listed on the quote so there is no surprise charge.

Old units running R22 are the most likely to need full replacement if they leak. R22 is an HCFC controlled under the Ozone Layer Protection Regulations, new HCFCs are no longer imported, and servicing relies on recovered gas. A leaking R22 unit is rarely worth recharging.

Is it worth upsizing when you replace?

Only if the current unit genuinely struggles. If the room never reached temperature on cold nights, a larger unit may be justified. If you have since added insulation or double glazing, you may need the same size or smaller. Size from the room, not from the old unit's label.

Our size calculator gives a starting point, and the sizing guide explains the adjustments for ceiling height, insulation and climate. Newer models with higher star ratings can also cut running costs; see heat pump running costs.

Can you get a grant to replace a heat pump?

Usually not. The Warmer Kiwi Homes heat pump grant (up to 90%, capped at $3,450) requires that the home has no existing operational fixed heater, such as a working heat pump or wood burner, along with other conditions like owning and living in a pre-2008 home. If your old heater no longer works, check your eligibility directly with EECA.

Details are in what Warmer Kiwi Homes actually covers. Before you commit, read how to compare heat pump quotes, or see our fixed-price packages.

Heat pump replacement cost NZ (2026)