How to compare heat pump quotes

Two heat pump quotes for the same room can differ by more than a thousand dollars, and the gap is not always about one installer being greedy. One may include a larger unit, a longer pipe run, a Wi-Fi adapter or removal of an old heater. Another may leave those out and add them on the day. This guide shows you how to compare like with like.

What should a heat pump quote include?

A good quote is written and itemised. It names the indoor and outdoor model numbers, states the rated heating and cooling capacity in kW, lists everything included in the installation, prices the extras, and sets out the warranty and who honours it. If a quote only says "5 kW heat pump supplied and installed, $3,900", ask for the details before comparing it.

• Exact model numbers for the indoor and outdoor units, so you can look up the specification sheet.
• Rated heating capacity (kW), and ideally output at low outdoor temperatures if you live somewhere cold.
• Energy star rating from the Zoned Energy Rating Label. Consumer NZ notes the label treats all of New Zealand as the cold zone.
• Pipe length included, often a back-to-back install or a set number of metres, and the price per extra metre.
• Electrical work, including a new dedicated circuit if needed and a Certificate of Compliance.
• Brackets and mounting: wall bracket, ground pad, anti-vibration mounts, pipe covers.
• Drainage for the condensate line, and whether a pump is needed.
• Extras: Wi-Fi control, removal of an old heat pump or heater, switchboard upgrades, scaffolding for a second storey.
• Warranty: manufacturer's term, installer's workmanship guarantee, and any conditions such as regular servicing.
• Timing and payment: install date, deposit and when the balance is due.

How do I compare quotes side by side?

Put the quotes into a simple table and fill in every row. Blank cells show you exactly what to ask each installer. Compare the heating capacity first: a cheaper quote for a smaller unit is not a saving if the room needs more heat.

Why do heat pump quotes vary so much?

Most of the difference comes from the unit size and brand, the length and difficulty of the pipe run, and the electrical work. A back-to-back install on a single-storey house is the cheapest job. Running pipes through a roof space, up two storeys or across a long wall adds labour and materials. Top5.nz's August 2026 cost guide puts basic back-to-back labour at $850–$2,000 and extra pipe at $50–$80 per metre.

What are the red flags in a heat pump quote?

Be cautious of a quote with no model numbers, a price given over the phone without anyone looking at the room, or pressure to sign on the day. These often lead to a unit that is the wrong size or extra charges once work starts.

• No site visit or no questions about room size, insulation, windows and ceiling height.
• A capacity recommendation that is much smaller or much larger than the other quotes, with no explanation.
• "Standard install" with no definition of what that includes.
• No mention of who does the electrical work or whether you get a Certificate of Compliance.
• A large deposit demanded well before the install date.
• Vague warranty terms, or a warranty that depends on conditions you haven't been told about.
• Reluctance to show refrigerant or electrical registration. See choosing a heat pump installer.

How many quotes should I get?

Two or three is usually enough. One quote gives you nothing to compare against, and more than three often adds confusion without much benefit. Try to give each installer the same information: room sizes, which rooms you want heated, whether you want cooling in summer, and any preference on brand, Wi-Fi or indoor unit style.

Is the cheapest quote the best value?

Not always. A heat pump runs for many years, so efficiency, reliability and installation quality usually matter more than a few hundred dollars upfront. Consumer NZ lists buying an unreliable brand and ignoring the energy star rating among common mistakes. Weigh the running cost, warranty and brand record alongside the price. See our running costs guide and brand guides.