How to choose a heat pump installer in NZ

The installer matters as much as the heat pump. A well-chosen unit fitted with a poor pipe run, the wrong size or no proper electrical certification can underperform, leak refrigerant or cause warranty problems. This guide explains what to check before you book a heat pump installer anywhere in New Zealand, and the questions that separate careful installers from rushed ones. Whoever does the work, including the installers we contract, check these things.

What qualifications should a heat pump installer have?

Two things matter most. Whoever handles the refrigerant should hold current refrigerant handling or filling certification, and the electrical connection must be done by a registered electrical worker who issues a Certificate of Compliance. Many installers hold both. Others use a partner electrician, which is fine as long as the paperwork is provided.

• Refrigerant certification: heat pumps contain refrigerant gas under pressure. Technicians who charge or recover it are expected to hold refrigerant handling and approved filler certification. Ask to see the licence card and check the expiry date.
• Registered electrician: check the name on the EWRB public register. It shows whether someone is registered and licensed and whether they have been disciplined recently.
• Certificate of Compliance: the electrician should give you one for the electrical work. Keep it with your house records.
• Trade training: relevant qualifications include the New Zealand Certificate in Air Conditioning Installation. Useful to ask about, but not a legal requirement on its own.

How do I check a heat pump installer is legitimate?

Check the business, the people and the paperwork. Look up the company on the NZ Companies Register to confirm it exists and see how long it has traded. Check the electrician on the EWRB register. Confirm dealer status with the manufacturer, and read recent reviews from several sources rather than one.

What questions should I ask a heat pump installer?

Ask how they sized the unit, where they plan to put both parts, what the price includes and who backs the warranty. A careful installer answers these easily and explains the trade-offs. Vague answers are a useful warning sign.

1. How did you work out the heating capacity for this room? Did you allow for ceiling height, windows and insulation?
2. What is the unit's heating output when it is cold outside, not only its rated output?
3. Where will the outdoor unit go, and how will you keep noise away from us and the neighbours?
4. How many metres of pipe are included, and what does each extra metre cost?
5. Who does the electrical work, and will I get a Certificate of Compliance?
6. Are you an authorised dealer for this brand? Who do I call for a warranty claim?
7. What is your workmanship guarantee, and does the warranty require regular servicing?
8. Is removal of my old heater or heat pump included?

Should I choose a brand dealer or an independent installer?

Either can do a good job. Authorised dealers for a brand have access to its training, parts and warranty support. Installers who sell several brands can suggest whichever unit suits your space. What matters most is that the installer is authorised for the brand they recommend, so the manufacturer's warranty is straightforward to claim. Our brand guides cover the main brands sold in NZ.

What are the warning signs of a poor installer?

• Quotes a price without seeing the room or asking about it.
• Can't or won't name the exact model being installed.
• Is unclear about who does the electrical work or about the Certificate of Compliance.
• Pushes the biggest unit available without explaining why.
• Asks for full payment upfront.
• Has no fixed business address, no company registration and no written terms.

How does NZ Heat Pumps handle a job?

We size the room, sell one fixed installed price for standard high-wall packages and manage the job. You pick the package your room needs and pay a refundable NZ$200 deposit; the installer's site check confirms the price before you commit, and the deposit is refundable until you accept. Ducted and multi-split jobs get a custom quote.

A contracted installer does the electrical and refrigerant work, and the Certificate of Compliance for the electrical work should be handed over at the end. We're contracting installers region by region, so bookings are on a waitlist until one is in place in your area. Ask who is doing each part of your install and to see their certification, just as you would with any installer. More on our about page.

If you are getting other quotes too, use our quote comparison checklist to line them up, and our heat pump cost guide to check the prices look reasonable.