Ducted heat pump systems - sometimes called central or whole home heating systems - are becoming an increasingly popular choice among homeowners in New Zealand due to their discreet appearance and ability to heat and cool an entire house at the press of a button. Unlike traditional heat pumps, which are clearly visible ‘boxes on the wall’, ducted systems are hidden away in the attic or under the floor, and all you see inside are discreet grilles, typically in the ceiling.
The other major difference is that instead of just servicing just one room or area (although small ducted systems can do just that if that is what is required), larger ducted systems can distribute conditioned air throughout multiple rooms at the same time, providing consistent comfort no matter where you are in your house.
Before deciding to install a ducted heat pump system however, it's important to understand the costs involved. OneAir has been installing ducted heat pumps in both residential and commercial properties for over 10 years and this article will draw upon this experience to highlight and highlight some key factors that influence the price and provide tips on both how you can save money with the installation but also how to operate them efficiently so you save over the longer term as well.
What is a Ducted Heat Pump System?
A ducted heat pump system consists of an outdoor and an indoor unit that connects to a series of ducts within the home. These ducts are installed in the ceiling, under the floor, or inside bulkheads, and they carry heated or cooled air to different rooms via vents in the ceiling, wall or floor. While in their standard form, central systems do not allow individual temperature control in each room, it is possible to add zone control systems which allow homeowners to control the temperature in each zone of the house, making ducted systems ideal for large homes or homes with multiple living spaces. Not only do they provide year-round climate control, but they also tend to be more energy-efficient than many other forms of heating systems.
Factors Affecting Installation Costs
The cost of installing a ducted heat pump system in your home can vary depending on several factors. Let's take a closer look at the key elements that will influence your overall expenditure.
1. Size of the Home
One of the most significant determinants of a ducted’s cost is the size of your home. The size of the heat pump unit itself will need to match the heating or cooling demand of the home. Typically, homes with multiple floors or expansive square footage will require more powerful (and expensive) systems.
Small homes (1-2 bedrooms): For smaller properties, you can expect a relatively lower cost as fewer ducts and vents will be required. A small ducted system may cost between $5,000 and $8,000.
Medium homes (3-4 bedrooms): For average-sized homes, expect costs to range from $8,000 to $12,000. This price includes the additional ductwork and a larger capacity heat pump system.
Large homes (5+ bedrooms): Homes with extensive living areas or multiple levels could see costs upwards of $12,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the system's complexity and layout.
2. Ductwork Requirements
If your home already has ductwork in place (for instance, from an older heating or cooling system), the cost of installation could be significantly reduced if they are in a suitable condition to be re-used. However, if your home needs entirely new ductwork, the cost will clearly be higher not just because of all the materials needed, but the labour to install them all as well. Installing new ducts involves more labor, and materials like high-quality insulation can als. The type of insulation and material used in the ducts impacts efficiency, and it's essential to use high-quality materials to avoid heat loss.
3. Type of Ducted System
There are various types of ducted heat pump systems, each with different pricing points. High-efficiency systems with advanced inverter technology tend to cost more upfront, but offer savings over time due to lower energy consumption. Choosing the right system that matches your needs and long-term goals is essential.
Standard ducted systems: A basic ducted system can start around $5,000 for smaller homes, but prices rise with size and additional features like WiFi and Zone control.
Inverter ducted systems: These systems are more efficient and adaptable, leading to long-term savings, but they come at a higher initial cost—starting around $7,000 to $9,000 for mid-sized homes.
4. Location and Climate Considerations
Your location within New Zealand can also play a role in the installation cost. For example, homes in colder regions like the South Island may need more robust systems capable of handling extreme winter temperatures. Additionally, if your home is located in a remote area, expect to pay more for transportation and labour as contractors may need to travel farther to reach you.
5. Installation Complexity
The complexity of the installation process can significantly impact the final cost. If your home has limited space for ducts, complex architecture, or other obstacles that make installation more challenging, labour costs will rise. Homes with limited ceiling or floor space for ductwork may require creative solutions, which can add to the labour hours and materials required.
TIPS:
Early planning: For all new builds, inform the engineer or architect that you want centralised heating and cooling right from the outset. This lets them know to allow for sufficient ceiling space for the indoor units as well as duct runs and avoids expensive redesign work.
Short is good : Generally speaking, the shorter the distance between the indoor and outdoor units, the cheaper the install will be. This is because copper is the most expensive installation material, so the less that is needed the better. Long copper runs may also require a gas top up, which further adds to the installation materials cost.
Keep it grounded: While some installations may need roof or wall brackets due to space constraints, try to install the outdoor unit on the ground wherever possible. This keeps installation costs low by avoiding additional Hiab or other access solution costs, as well as the cost of the wall or roof brackets themselves.
Centralise : Allow clear space in your attic or underfloor so that the indoor unit can be located as much as possible towards the middle of the house. Short, even length duct runs saves on cost and will also be the most efficient design in terms of power consumption as well since your system works far harder when it has to push air over long distances than it does shorter ones.
Ceiling vs Underfloor: Should you have the option of both underfloor as well as in-attic installation options, the ceiling space one is usually the cheaper of the two as it generally requires fewer materials as well as less labour.
Cost Breakdown
To give you a clearer picture of the overall costs, here's a breakdown of the major expenses involved in installing a ducted heat pump system and estimated price ranges for each category.
Equipment Costs
The heat pump system itself is one of the most considerable costs, with prices varying based on the size, type, and efficiency of the system. Basic models start at around $5,000, while larger systems can reach up to $10,000 or more.
Labour Costs
Labour costs are another significant portion of the total price. Experienced HVAC professionals typically charge between $85 and $150 per hour. Given that Ducted systems take between 1 and 3 days to install depending on the complexity of the job and the location, the total labour charge can account for anywhere between $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size of the system and the ease of installation.
Additional Components
Other (optional) extras include WiFi, zone control systems, air purification and additional duct insulation, especially if your home has poor energy efficiency. Depending on your choices, these components can add $500 to $6,000 to the total cost.
Cost Savings and Efficiency
While ducted heat pump systems may have a higher upfront cost, they offer significant long-term savings and efficiency benefits that can offset the initial investment.
Energy Savings Over Time
Ducted heat pump systems are known for their energy efficiency. Modern heat pumps can convert up to 4 units of energy for every 1 unit of electricity they use. Compared to older, less efficient heating systems, this can translate to substantial savings on your energy bills over time—often reducing heating and cooling costs by up to 40% annually.
Zone Control and Reduced Energy Waste
One of the major advantages of ducted systems is the ability to implement zone control. This allows you to heat or cool only the rooms you are using, which prevents energy waste and further reduces operating costs. With a well-designed zone system, you can focus on the most frequently-used areas, such as living rooms and bedrooms, while avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling in unoccupied spaces.
Improved Efficiency Ratings
When considering a ducted heat pump system, look for units with high EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and COP (Coefficient of Performance) ratings. These measurements indicate how efficiently the system converts electricity into heating or cooling power. Higher-rated systems will provide more efficient climate control, leading to lower monthly energy bills.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The best way to determine the exact cost of installing a ducted heat pump system in your home is to schedule a professional assessment. An HVAC expert will evaluate your home's specific needs, considering factors like insulation, existing ductwork, how much direct sunlight your rooms receive and the local climate.
What to Expect from an On-Site Consultation
During the consultation, the technician will measure the size of your home, check the condition of any existing ducts, and assess how much work will be needed to install the new system. They will also discuss your preferences for zone control and efficiency features. Afterward, you'll receive a detailed quote outlining all the costs involved and the timeframe needed for the installation - typically from 1-3 days.
Long-Term Benefits of Ducted Heat Pump Systems
While the upfront cost of a ducted heat pump system may be higher than some alternatives, the long-term benefits make it a smart investment for many New Zealand homeowners.
Improved Comfort: With a ducted system, you can enjoy consistent temperatures throughout your home, eliminating the hot and cold spots that are common with other systems.
Increased Home Value: Installing an energy-efficient ducted system can increase the resale value of your property, as buyers are often willing to pay more for homes with modern, efficient climate control systems.
Environmental Impact: Ducted heat pumps are environmentally friendly, using significantly less energy than traditional heating systems and using environmentally-friendly refrigerant gas as well. .
Ready to Install Your Ducted Heat Pump System?
Installing a ducted heat pump system in your home can be a significant investment, but it's one that pays off over time in the form of increased comfort, a discreet appearance and higher property value. Because ducted systems are significantly more complex than a typical high wall, it is essential that you get an experienced HVAC specialist company to install them. Whether you live in a small house or a large property, a ducted heat pump system can provide the year-round climate control you need. Call OneAir today and receive free expert advice for your optimum HVAC home solution.