Water heating is typically one of the largest single items on a household power bill, so the savings are meaningful. Manufacturers put the figure high - Panasonic suggests up to 80% off hot water heating costs - but your actual result depends on how much hot water you use, your existing system, and how the unit is set up. We'd rather give you a realistic estimate for your household at the consultation than quote you a headline number.

In most cases, yes, and it's the most common upgrade we do. Depending on the age and condition of your cylinder, we can either install a matched all-in-one cylinder system or connect a heat pump to your existing cylinder using a hydrobox module. We'll assess what you have and tell you which option makes better financial sense.

Yes. These systems are designed for New Zealand conditions and keep performing well through cold weather - Mitsubishi Electric rates parts of the Ecodan range to hold full capacity down to −15°C (Mitsubishi Electric). Rotorua winters are comfortably within that. Efficiency does drop slightly in colder air, which is normal and factored into any estimate we give you.

The outdoor unit faces the same challenge as any heat pump here, so corrosion protection matters. We apply proven protection treatments to vulnerable components at installation and check them at every annual service. It's the same approach we've refined across 40 years of installing heat pumps in this environment, and it makes a real difference to how long a system lasts.

Most residential installations are completed within a day, sometimes a little longer if plumbing or electrical upgrades are needed, or if the cylinder is in an awkward spot. We'll confirm the timeframe with your quote so you know exactly what to expect.

The outdoor unit is comparable to a standard heat pump, and modern models run quietly. Because hot water systems often heat overnight or during off-peak periods, we pay attention to where the unit goes relative to bedrooms and neighbours. Some models are specifically rated for low noise output, and we can point you to those if it's a concern.

Yes. Air-to-water systems can supply domestic hot water and run underfloor heating or radiators through the same equipment. It's a particularly good option for new builds and major renovations where the pipework can be planned in from the start.

Not much, but they're not maintenance-free. We recommend an annual service to check refrigerant levels, clean coils and filters, inspect connections and reapply corrosion protection. A well-maintained system will typically give you well over a decade of service, and the servicing cost is small against what the system saves you.