About Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Heat Pumps Award
Canstar's Most Satisfied Customers Heat Pumps Award reveals the heat pump brand that delivers the best consumer satisfaction to its customers.
We ask Kiwi heat pump owners to rate their satisfaction with their choice of heat pump brand by Overall Satisfaction, as well as important criteria such as Functionality, Quietness and Value for Money.
Numbers crunched by Canstar’s researchers:
- 341 Customers Surveyed
- 11 Providers Assessed
- 5 Providers Shortlisted
- 1 Award Winner
The best heat pump brands in NZ
The brands rated are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.
1. Daikin
Daikin is a stand-out performer in Canstar's latest Heat Pump Awards. Not only is it the only brand to achieve a 5-Star rating for Overall Satisfaction and Value for Money, it's a top rating it earns across five out of six of our award categories.
Overall, Daikin has more 5-Star ratings than the other four heat pump brands in our research combined.
Founded in Japan in 1924, Daikin has been an established brand in New Zealand for nearly 30 years. It has a complete range of products offering heating and cooling solutions for every home, from one room apartments up to large multi-room homes.
Its wall-mounted reverse-cycle models include the:
Alira: features technology that reduces contaminants in the home, such as bacteria, mould and pollen.
Cora: operates quietly to deliver efficiency and performance.
Lite series: whisper quiet and features a flat-panel design, intelligent eye technology plus simple controls.
Standard Series: delivers all the essential features you'd expect, and comes in a large range of heating capacities, to ensure a fit for any sized home.
Zena Vogue: a premium heat pump featuring a contemporary design.
Daikin also retails one floor-standing model, the Aura.
2. Mitsubishi Electric
A world-leader in heat pump technology, Mitsubishi Electric's heat pumps are designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. The brand's unique technologies include HyperCore, which delivers full-rated heating capacity right down to -15ºC and Plasma Quad Plus advanced filtration – a two-stage plasma technology that filters air of smells, dust, moulds and other common household allergens.
The brand's most popular reverse-cycle (both heating and cool) models include:
Standard GS High Wall Heat Pumps: delivers energy efficient heating and cooling at an economic price.
EcoCore AP Series: these high-wall heat pumps feature next-gen EcoCore technology that is designed to use less power. They are also some of NZ's quietest heat pumps, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
Designer EF Series: the EcoCore Designer Series features great energy efficiency and built-in wi-fi control. Created with a slim-line design, these heat pumps are available in a choice of colours including black, silver and white.
Black Diamond High Wall Heat Pumps: designer style packed with advanced features, including Dual Barrier Coating to maximise energy efficiency, a 3D i-See Sensor for customised comfort and Plasma Quad filtration. Available in black, red and white.
3. Haier
Popular Chinese manufacturer Haier is known for delivering well-priced home appliances. Its reverse-cycle heat pumps covers three models, each available in a range of heating/cooling power outputs:
Quartz: delivers effective heating and cooling with anti-viral, anti-bacterial UV protect.
Quartz Plus: delivers all the features of the Quartz range with more efficient heating, for lower power consumption.
Pinnacle: features Intelligent Air, for improved efficiency, wi-fi and voice control.
4. Panasonic
Japanese company Panasonic offers single- and multi-room heat-pump solutions. Its single room range of heat pumps encompasses two wall-mounted models:
Panasonic Aero Z Series: the premium heat pump includes built-in wi-fi, i-Auto-X for fast cooling, and nanoe X air purification. Remote and voice control available through the Panasonic Comfort Cloud app. Available in sizes ranging from 2.0kW to 9.5kW.
Panasonic Developer RZ Series: Features Aerowings technology to direct airflow and an anti-bacterial filter. Available in sizes 2.05kW to 9.5kW.
5. Fujitsu
Fujitsu is an established supplier of heat pumps and air-conditioning systems in New Zealand. It retails two wall-mounted, reverse-cycle heat pump models:
Comfort: features powerful mode for instant warmth, and ultra-fine temperature adjustment for perfect climate control. Available in sizes 2kW to 9.5kW.
Lifestyle: features an apple-catechin filter that removes mould spores and harmful microorganisms, and automatic air-flow adjustment that adapts to changes in room temperature. Available in sizes 2kW to 9.5kW.
Other heat pump brands not rated by Canstar
Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.
- Gree
- Hitachi
- LG
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Toshiba
Gree
Gree might not be a household brand name, but it's been distributed in NZ for over 20 years and has 128 dealers and nine distribution centres nationwide. It has a range of four wall-mounted inverter heat pumps:
- Gree Kea AI Hi-wall
- Gree Kingfisher Hi-wall
- Gree Weka Hi-wall
- Gree Bora-X
Gree heat pumps come with six-year parts and labour warranties.
Hitachi
Hitachi is a well-known and respected name when it comes to heat pump technology. It has four wall-mounted inverter heat pumps, available in a range of heating/cooling power outputs:
S Series: includes premium features such as motion detection, advanced air filtration and higher energy efficiency.
airHome 400: control through airCloud Go app, Voice Control, Alexa and Google Home. Features ViroSense Z1 air purification filter.
airHome 600: packed with smart technology that helps reduce energy consumption and enhance sleep quality. Features AQtiv-Ion technology that helps to maintain air purity.
LG
LG is a multinational electronics company that is based in South Korea. It produces a wide range of electronic goods and home appliances. In New Zealand, it retails a range of 19 split-system heat pumps, across standard and deluxe models. Available in sizes 2.5kW to 9.4kW.
Each model features built-in wi-fi, for remote control from the LG ThinQ app, and a 10-year compressor-parts warranty.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Not to be confused with Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a separate entity to Mitsubishi Electric, and sells its own range of heat pump products. In NZ it retails four wall-mounted, reverse-cycle heat pumps:
Avanti: features a sleek design incorporating a range of features and functions. Models are best suited to small and medium spaces. Available in sizes 2kW to 5kW.
Avanti Plus: featuring an award-winning design and a 7-Star Super Efficiency energy rating, the Avanti Plus range is also super quiet. The range boasts energy-saving motion sensors and clean-air technology that delivers allergen- and odour-free air. Available in sizes 2kW to 6kW.
Bronte: packed with a range of features and functions, including Allergen Clear System, 3D Auto Mode and various timers, the Bronte series is perfect for bigger spaces thanks to its long-reach airflow. Available in sizes: 6.3kW to 10kW.
Ciara: its rounded, Italian design incorporates built-in wi-fi control and voice control compatibility. Available in sizes: 1.5kW to 7.1kW.
Toshiba
Toshiba has three wall-mounted inverter heat pumps, available in a range of heating/cooling power outputs:
Haori: Ultra-quiet operation and advanced design that allows you to match the heat pump's textile cover to the decor of your room. Available in sizes 2.5kW to 4.6kW.
Shorai Edge: Self-cleaning and featuring ionizer technology. Available in sizes 2kW to 7.1kW.
Seiya Classic: Features Magic Coil technology for healthier air, 3D airflow and optional wi-fi. Available in sizes 2kW to 10kW.
Choosing the right heat pump for you
There are many things to consider when choosing the right heat pump to match your home and budget.
However, one factor that's dominant in this year's award research is heat pump noise. Over a quarter (27%) of those in our survey say that their heat pump's quiet operation is the biggest driver of their heat pump satisfaction.
Ease of Use is also an important consideration, cited by almost a quarter (24%) of heat pump owners.
And it's interesting to note that, this year, Value for Money is the least important factor for our heat-pump consumers. Perhaps because all heat pumps offer great value in terms of the energy savings they deliver, compared to traditional heaters.
Overall, here's what our heat pump buyers cite as the biggest drivers of their consumer satisfaction:
- Quietness While Operating: 27%
- Ease of Use: 24%
- Functionality: 17%
- Reliability: 17%
- Value for Money: 15%
Types of heat pump
Air source heat pumps are by far the most common type of residential unit in New Zealand, there are three main models:
Split heat pumps
Split heat pumps have two main components – one inside and one outside of your home. The indoor unit is usually mounted on the wall or ceiling. The outside unit absorbs heat using coils and a refrigerant. This heat passes inside through pipes, where the heat is released. Reverse-cycle pumps use the same method for cooling, just the other way around.
Multi-split heat pumps
Multi-split heat pumps are the same as split heat pumps but with a larger single outdoor unit serving multiple indoor units. This enables one system to provide heating and cooling across multiple rooms, or even an entire house.
Ducted heat pumps
Ducted heat pump systems provide heating and cooling to an entire home without the need for noticeable indoor units. A ducted system includes a large outdoor unit and flexible ducting that runs through your floor and/or ceiling to provide heating and cooling through vents in your home. Ducted heat pumps are generally more expensive and are best fitted at the time of a home's construction.
Key points to consider when buying a heat pump
When purchasing any appliance, thorough research is always a good idea. Key things to consider before committing to buying a heat pump include:
Size
The size and output of your heat pump is important, and will depend on the size of your home and its location. Heat pumps are measured by their output and range from small 2kW models up to large 25kW units. It’s critical to get professional advice when choosing the size of your heat pump. An undersized unit may struggle to heat/cool your room, consume more electricity and prove uneconomical to run.
Energy efficiency
Heat pumps are usually more efficient than most heating/cooling appliances, but their efficiency varies between models.
Many modern reverse-cycle heat pumps come with inverter technology. Inverter technology delivers one of the most energy efficient ways to heat-cool your home. Rather than just switching a heat pump on and off, inverter technology works like the accelerator of a car, gently adjusting power to reach the desired temperature faster, then steadily maintaining it without fluctuations, for more efficient operation.
Filtration
Air filtration is an important consideration, especially if someone in your family suffers from asthma, other breathing difficulties or allergies. Some heat pumps contain inbuilt air-filtration systems designed to improve air quality.
Style & appearance
While appearance isn’t a huge factor when it comes to heat pumps, as most share very similar designs, it’s still worth looking out for styles that match your home décor.
Several brands tap into the black appliance trend, while others have silver or coloured finishes. Additionally, some brands feature curved front panels and other stylish designs.
Connectivity
Many heat pumps feature a variety of smart features. A popular example is wi-fi connectivity, which allows you to control your heat pump via a phone, tablet, online or as part of a smart home system.
While wi-fi might not be high on your priority list, the functionality certainly adds to the convenience of owning a heat pump, especially if you can turn on your heat pump remotely on your way home from work.
Cleaning your heat pump filters
Before your heat pump blows warm (or cool) air throughout your home, that air passes through a filter. And if that filter is clogged full of dirt and dust, then the air isn't going to be able to pass through it smoothly.
This could lead to your heat pump not heating or cooling effectively, or it going into overdrive to do the same job, driving up your power bill.
And if the situation gets too bad, it could even damage your heat pump. It's estimated that over 90% of heat pump failures are down to owners neglecting to clean them.
But performance aside, heat pumps can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, dust mites and harmful pollens. And regular cleaning your filters can avoid that happening.
How often should you clean heat pump filters?
In general, about every four to 12 weeks, depending on how often you use your heat pump. For those running it daily, closer to four weeks is best. If you only use it occasional, once every three months should be fine. Or if your heat pump is rarely used, every six months is okay.
But if you're unsure, simply remove your heat pump's cover and have a look at the filters yourself. If you can see a build-up of dust and dirt, then it's time for a clean!
How to clean heat pump filters
Removing the filter(s) is relatively simple. For more details of your model's filters, check its instruction manual. But in most models, you lift the front cover and slide out the filter. Easy as that.
To clean the filters, take them to a bath/shower or outside, and spray with a neutral or mild cleaner. Think something along the lines of a kitchen surface spray and wipe. Don't use solvents or harsh cleaners. You should then thoroughly rinse the air filters, and then let them dry fully before placing them back into the heat pump.
Some heat pump providers also suggest gently vacuuming the filters, to lift out dust and dirt. Again, check your instruction manual before cleaning.
Whichever method you go for, it's important your cleaning is careful. Heat pump filters are delicate and prone to tearing. But if you do rip your filters, you should be able to order replacements from your heat pump provider.