How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost in NZ? (2025 Guide)
Heat pumps are the most popular home heating solution in New Zealand — they're energy-efficient, handle both heating and cooling, and work well in our climate. But costs vary widely depending on the unit type, size, and installer. Here's what to expect.
Heat Pump Supply & Installation Costs
| System Type | Unit Cost | Installation | Total Estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Small wall-mounted (2.5–3.5kW) | $800 – $1,400 | $500 – $800 | $1,300 – $2,200 | | Standard wall-mounted (5–6kW) | $1,200 – $2,000 | $600 – $900 | $1,800 – $2,900 | | Large wall-mounted (7–9kW) | $1,800 – $3,000 | $700 – $1,000 | $2,500 – $4,000 | | Multi-room system (2–3 indoor heads) | $3,000 – $6,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $4,500 – $9,000 | | Ducted whole-home system | $8,000 – $20,000+ | Included | $8,000 – $20,000+ |
Prices include GST. Supply-only unit costs vary by brand — Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, and Panasonic are the most common in NZ.
What Affects the Cost?
Room size: A larger room needs a higher-capacity unit. Undersizing a heat pump is one of the most common mistakes — a qualified installer will calculate the correct kilowatt rating based on room dimensions, insulation, and ceiling height.
Pipe run length: Installation costs increase if the outdoor unit needs to be located far from the indoor unit — extra pipework and wiring add to the total.
Wall type: Brick or concrete walls cost more to drill through than timber framing. Old homes with asbestos cladding require specialist tradespeople.
Brand: Premium brands like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Daikin carry higher upfront costs but typically offer better energy efficiency (higher COP ratings) and longer warranties.
Location: Installers in Auckland and Wellington tend to charge more than regional installers.
Warmer Kiwi Homes Subsidy
If your home was built before 2000 and has a Community Services Card, you may qualify for the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme — which provides up to 80% off insulation and heat pump installation costs.
Check eligibility at energyefficiency.govt.nz.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump
- Single room: A wall-mounted split system is the most cost-effective option
- Open-plan living: Choose a high-capacity unit (6–8kW+) or consider a multi-head system
- Whole home: Ducted systems deliver even heating throughout but cost significantly more upfront
- Rental properties: A basic 5kW Mitsubishi or Daikin typically satisfies Healthy Homes Standards heating requirements
Getting the Best Quote
Post your heat pump installation job on QuickTrade — compare quotes from HVAC-certified installers, check their reviews, and choose with confidence.