About to Have a Heat Pump Installed? Check These 5 Warning Signs First
- Geraldine C.
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Don't Let a Poor Installation Undermine Your Investment
So, you've finally decided to install a heat pump in your home — smart move. With New Zealand’s ever-increasing heating costs, heat pumps are the best choice for energy-efficient heating and cooling. Plus, with warranties now covering five years or more, it might seem like you’re all set for full peace of mind (for that amount of time at least).
But here’s the catch: even the best heat pump system can underperform or fail prematurely if the installation wasn’t done correctly.
That’s because the number one factor in heat pump performance is the quality of the design and the professionalism of the installer.
Before the installers even set foot in your door, there are five essential criteria to watch out for. These red flags can save you time, stress, and thousands of dollars in the long run. Let’s dive into the must-check items before installation begins.
Heat Pump Installation Warning Signs
1. Unqualified or Poorly Trained Installers
Why it matters: Heat pumps involve both electrical and refrigerant components — and in New Zealand, that means strict compliance with national standards.
What to look for:
At least one team member must hold a full NZ Electrical Registration. This is essential to issue an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC), a legal requirement under the NZ Electrical Safety Regulations.
Your installer should also be an Approved Gas Handler, which is required for working with refrigerant gases. These gases are not only pressurised but also potentially hazardous if mishandled, not to mention bad for the environment as well.
Bonus points if one or more of the team has recent manufacturer training certifications. Brands like Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, and Daikin regularly offer upskilling for their latest models — ensuring the technician knows the features and best installation and operating practices of your specific system.
Red flag: If your installer can’t show proof of these credentials or fobs off your question with “Don’t worry about that”, “Yeah, nah..” or “She’ll be right mate,” it’s time to look elsewhere…
2. Lack of Insurance Coverage
Why it matters: Accidents happen. If something goes wrong during installation — from drilling into plumbing to damaging electrical circuits to accidentally setting your house on fire when welding copper pipes — you want to be covered.
What to look for: Ask for their current Public Liability Insurance Certificate (also known as a “Letter of Currency”).
Make sure it includes:
At least $2 million in coverage
A policy date that’s current — not expired or pending renewal
Bonus : A Property being worked on policy
Red flag: A trustworthy business will show you their insurance upfront. If the installer seems reluctant, disorganised, or claims you don’t need to worry, that’s a serious concern and time to re-think the choice of installer.
3. Outdated or Old, Warehouse-Stored Heat Pump Units
Why it matters: You want the latest tech, not something that's been collecting dust in a warehouse for years and years. Older stock may lack new energy-saving features or carry a shortened warranty.
What to look for:
Check the manufacturing date on the unit’s specification plate. This is often listed in the format “MM/YYYY.”
Ask your installer when and where the unit was purchased — was it from a certified NZ distributor, or brought in as a parallel import from overseas? Is it surplus from an old job, or worse still, a flood-damaged unit being sold as new?
Best practice: Choose units manufactured for the NZ market as overseas models may not be compliant with NZ regulations or have the features local models come standard with. Make sure it was manufactured within the past 12 months to ensure you get full product support and access to the latest features (like smart controls, Wi-Fi compatibility, and improved efficiency ratings).
Red flag: If the unit’s manufacturing date is more than 18 months old and your installer can’t explain why, you may be receiving outdated stock that the installer is disposing of at your expense..
4. Cheap or Non-Compliant Installation Materials
Why it matters: A heat pump is only as good as the parts and materials supporting it. That includes copper piping, insulation, electrical cable, and mounting brackets to name but a few.
What to look for:
Fire-rated copper insulation — this reduces fire hazards and is best-practice meets New Zealand building code requirements
Electrical materials with valid AS/NZS certification — especially important for switches, isolators, electrical cables and circuit protection
Ask where materials are sourced from. Reputable suppliers like Ideal Electrical, J.A. Russell, or Corys are known for quality, certified parts and will be able to supply certification paperwork in the event of anything going wrong and insurance companies asking questions.
Bonus tip: The quality of copper is key as it connects the indoor and outdoor units and keeps the high-pressure refrigerant gas safely contained within the system. Ask the installer to name the brand of copper tubing they use. High-grade copper is preferred due to durability and thickness.
Red flag: If the installer says they “just grab what’s cheapest from wherever,” think twice about proceeding. Substandard parts could mean leaks, electrical faults, or voided warranties down the track.
5. Suspicious or Overly Perfect Google Reviews
Why it matters: Online reviews are a handy way to gauge a company’s reputation — but they aren’t foolproof.
What to look for:
Choose companies with 10+ years in business, 200+ reviews, and a rating of 4.5 stars or higher
Scan through low-star reviews. The real test is how the company responds to complaints. Are they helpful, apologetic, and solution-focused? Or defensive, rude and dismissive?
Why perfect 5.0s are suspicious: It’s natural for any business to have the occasional unhappy customer — especially after serving thousands. A perfect score could be a sign of review manipulation or filtering.
Red flag: If a company has glowing reviews but no negative feedback at all, it may not be the whole story. Transparency matters more than perfection.
Protect Your Home, Your Wallet, and Your Peace of Mind
Installing a heat pump is a smart, energy-efficient way to stay comfortable year-round — especially in New Zealand’s ever-changing climate. But the installation process is just as important as the product itself, possibly even more so. Take note and avoid the list of heat pump installation warning signs to protect your investment.
A well-installed unit will run quietly, efficiently, and reliably for many years. A poorly installed one? That could mean constant breakdowns, higher power bills, and a short-lived investment.
Before any installer walks through your door, take the time to ask the right questions. These five warning signs could be the difference between a stress-free experience and a costly headache.
Need help finding a qualified, trustworthy heat pump installer in your area?
Get in touch with a qualified and certified professional who understands Kiwi homes and New Zealand regulations — your comfort (and your wallet) will thank you.