1. 1. Regularly clean the filters

      The indoor units have filters that catch dust, dirt and other particles. If the filters get blocked your heat pump will have to work harder to circulate the air, causing it to use more energy than normal.

   2. Annual maintenance

      Getting your heat pump serviced once a year will keep your unit running efficiently. During a maintenance visit our technicians check and clean filters, assess all connections to make sure there are no blockages or corrosion, and ensure the unit is operating smoothly. It also means that any issues are detected early, helping you to avoid costly repair bills.

   3. Insulate your home

      Eliminate heat from escaping through your walls, floor, and roof by insulating these areas to trap in the warmth, and seal window and door gaps. We also recommend closing curtains in the evening and doors to rooms you don’t need to heat.

   4. Set the timer

      Use your heat pump smarter by setting the timer to power up when you need it to. Instead of leaving your heat pump cranking all day, set the timer to warm up before you wake up in the morning or when you are due home from work.

      You can do this from your remote, or you can ask us about heat pumps that come with clever apps or devices that enable you to control your heat pump on the go.

   5. Keep it at a comfortable temperature

      Avoid cranking up your heat pump in bursts to quickly heat up a room. This will only makes your heat pump work harder and uses up more energy. Instead, set it at your ideal temperature and allow the heat pump to keep the room at a consistent level. The recommended temperature for a healthy home is between 18-22 degrees.

   6. Have the right unit for your space

      The size and placement of the heat pump are also key for optimal energy efficiency and savings. If your unit is too small for the space, it will be working overtime to keep the room at the right temperature which uses more energy and will be costing you more in power.

Here at Degree we know heat pumps inside and out and everything in-between. If you would like some advice or want to book a technician to service your unit, give us a call on 04 570 0295 or email office@degree4comfort.co.nz

They are safe and don’t make a mess

The great thing about heat pumps is there is no mess and they are safe for the whole family. They are usually up high near the ceiling where young children cannot reach them, and floor models do not have hot surfaces that children or pets can touch. This also gives you peace of mind knowing that you can safely leave the heat pump on during the night when you are asleep. Unlike fires, heat pumps do not create smoke, ash or emit moisture into the air.

When cooling or dehumidifying your home there is no need to empty the reservoir of water as your heat pump is plumbed in and has a permanent drain to the outside.

Heat pumps are super convenient

You can control the temperature of your house or office with the touch of a button. Heat pumps can warm or cool a room down within minutes and can then maintain that temperature throughout the day, or until you change it. You can even leave your heat pump on during a cold winter’s day and it won’t cost you the earth. Some models have apps that you can download on your mobile device that enable you to turn on your heat pump when you are on your way home. How smart is that?!

Heat pumps don’t require a lot of maintenance, just an annual clean by one of our technicians to keep the indoor and outdoor units working optimally.

They are energy efficient

Heat Pumps are the most cost-effective form of heating using electricity because they move heat rather than generate it. This means that to achieve four kilowatts of heating or cooling power, they use an average of less than one kilowatt of electricity. That’s a very cost effective way to heat your home compared to other forms of heaters such as panel, oil and convector heaters.
This means you will save on your power bill and will enjoy this benefit for years to come. Different brands and models vary when it comes to efficiency so check for the Energy Star or the ratings from EECA.

Environmentally and allergen friendly

When your heat pump circulates the air in your room, the filters clean and purify the air removing dust, mold spores, odours, smoke and other particles. They are excellent for adults or children who suffer from asthma and allergies. The brands with these filters that Degree sell are Fujitsu, Daikin and Panasonic – all brands that we supply and install!

Multifunctionality

Don’t be fooled by the name, heat pumps do more than just heating. They can also be used as an air conditioner in summer to cool down your home, or as dehumidifier – perfect for drying carpets or upholstery after a clean.
Learn more about the different heat pump functions here

We know that finding the right heating solution that is energy efficient and sufficient for a space can be confusing. We’re here to help you understand the heat pump options available and what is required under the new standards.

The new law outlines minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, drainage and draught stopping in rental properties.

Here’s what you need to know about the standards for heating:

• The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 18˚C.
• The standards are focused on the main living room because it’s the largest room for general, everyday living.
• Heaters must be fixed and be at least 1.5kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum capacity needed for the size of the main living room.
• If you use a heat pump, it must have a thermostat to enable it to heat as well as cool.

How we can help

A heat pump is an ideal solution because it enables you to keep your property at the required temperature all year round, including providing cooling in the warmer months. This heating solution also ticks all the boxes for the Healthy Homes Standards.

We have been heating Wellington homes for over 15 years and will provide you with expert advice on the best heat pump for your property. Book your free consultation here.

We also have a range of heat pumps that you can purchase online and have delivered anywhere in New Zealand.
Visit onlineheatpumps.co.nz

Maintaining your heat pump

Heat pumps are an energy efficient way to heat a home and regular servicing is key to ensuring optimal performance. We recommend having your heat pump serviced every 12 months to check and clean your indoor and outdoor units.

We service all major heat pump brands including Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Daikin, Toshiba and Panasonic.

Got a heating question?

If you have any questions about a heating solution for your rental property, give us a call on (04) 570-0295 or email us at office@degree4comfort.co.nz

For more information on the Healthy Homes Standards visit www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/heating-standard/

How it works

The magic is in the cleverly designed air filters and temperature controls that remove airborne allergens such as pollen, fine dust particles and dust mites, as well as reducing humidity that causes mould. These filters are effective at trapping most microscopic airborne particles and absorbing and deodorising household smells and pet odours. Resulting in improved air quality and leaving your home feeling fresh and clean. 

Regulating the temperature of your home 

Reducing humidity in your home will combat mould, a common allergen for people with respiratory conditions. A heat pump enables you to regulate your air temperature all year round and generate good air flow around your home. Giving you cleaner air to breathe and keeping mould growth at bay. 

How do you know which products are allergy and asthma friendly?

Identifying which products are ideal for asthma and allergy suffers is easy with the Sensitive Choice blue butterfly badge.  The blue butterfly is a badge given to products that have been independently tested and approved by the Sensitive Choice New Zealand Programme. The badge shows allergy and asthma suffers that these products could be beneficial and enable them to live better with reduced allergen triggers.

There are three main heat pump brands in New Zealand with the Sensitive Choice approval – Fujitsu, Daikin and Panasonic. Here at Degree we are proud to supply and install these three brands.

Learn more about the steps these brands have taken to create healthier homes here:

Discover more products with the Sensitive Choice seal of approval

Don’t be fooled by the name ‘heat pump’, these are the same units that our friends over the Tasman refer to as ‘air conditioners’. It’s because in Australia they are more concerned about the cooling functionality whereas us Kiwis are more focused on the heating functionality. 

If you take a look at the remote for a heat pump you will see three buttons – heat, cool and dry. This is because your heat pump can do all three things. It means that you only need the one unit to keep your home at the ideal temperature all year round.

Keeping cool and fresh

Having an efficient way to keep cool during the summer is essential for feeling your best. It’s important to keep home and work environments cool with plenty of air circulating, leading to improved energy levels and productivity.

Cooling your home in the evening will reduce that hot sticky feeling you get when your home is too hot at night. By using the ‘cool’ function you will take the humidity out of the air and leave your home feeling fresh and cool, making it easier to sleep. 

Staying cosy and warm

Here in Wellington the summer likes to throw us the occasional cold day and it’s easy to change your heat pump to warm mode. It’s as simple as pushing the ‘heat’ button and setting the temperature to how you like it. 

Just as the heat impacts how we feel so does the cold. A heat pump keeps your home and work environment cosy and warm which is vital for good health during the cooler months. 

Using the dry mode

Planning to clean your carpets this weekend? We’ve got a tip for how to dry your carpets faster…simply use the ‘dry’ mode on your heat pump. This will draw the moisture out of the carpets. It’s also handy for drying out spills or use after you’ve cleaned your sofa or soft furnishings. 

A heat pump is the way to go for cooling, heating and removing moisture

It’s this multi-functionality combined with energy efficiency that makes heat pumps the popular choice for Kiwi’s. We love being able to use one tool for several uses and save in the process. Heat pumps are an energy efficient way to heat and cool your home or office.

With several options and styles of heat pumps to choose from it’s important to get expert advice on what will best suit your home or commercial premise. 

The client who loves all things “techy”

We recently installed the Ata Touch Ultimate system for our clients Paul and Donna in Upper Hutt. One chat about the clever Ata Touch lights turned into a conversation about the system as a whole and that got Paul hooked on the idea. So much so that he purchased a section to build a new home a few days later. Whilst the Ata Touch system can be put into existing homes, Paul and Donna liked the idea of starting from scratch to maximise the functionality.

Changing perceptions about water heating

As the design for the home developed, so did Paul and Donna’s understanding of what they could automate with Ata Touch and reduce their energy consumption. They originally had gas hot water heating in mind. However, this changed when they learnt that the hot water cylinder could be heated with the same heat pump that heats the home, working with the Ata Touch automation to enable the water in the cylinder to be heated on a schedule. This means that it was not continuously re-heating during the day when no-one is home. It’s simply a more efficient use of power.

“The fact that we save from not having monthly gas line bills also appealed to us. The cylinder heats up quickly, so we are never short on hot water. It’s a fantastic solution” said Donna.

Customised climate control

The ability to zone control is a real crowd pleaser and got the big thumbs up in this household. With touch switches installed in each bedroom, every family member can set the temperature in their own room for ultimate comfort.