- Are heat pumps cheaper to run than heaters?
- A heat pump uses electricity to 'transfer' heat. Electric heaters 'convert' electric energy to heat energy and are thereby limited by the amount of electricity used. A heat pump has no such limitation and can transfer two to three times the heat from outside air than can be 'converted' from the electricity it uses.
- Do heat pumps need maintenance?
Heat pump require for the indoor air filter to be cleaned approximately every 8 weeks. This is an easy task and instructions can be found in the manufacturer's manual which comes with your new heat pump.
We also offer a maintenance contract which is affordable and convenient, giving you complete peace of mind and confidence in the knowledge that your heat pump will be operating at it's peak performance all of the time. And you'll avoid those surprise service bills!
- Does a heat pump make the house stuffy or stale?
Unlike some other types of heating systems, heat pumps don't consume oxygen, so your home won't become stuffy and stale.
- Does Rimu Electrical do after hours call outs?
- Yes - Rimu Electrical do after hours call outs for electrical faults. Please call Bruce on 0274412671.
- Does Rimu Electrical install their own heat pumps?
We like to ensure the job is done properly, so we do all of our own installations. Some heat pump retailers sub-contract this important task out but that often means that no-one is to blame if things go wrong!
By installing all of our own heat pumps we have complete control of the installation process and can therefore be sure that the installation is always carried out to the highest standard. Plus you have a convenient single point of contact for advice or resolving any issues that may occur
- How big is the outdoor unit of a heat pump and where does it get installed?
- Outdoor units vary in size, but most are about the size of a large suitcase. The outdoor unit is normally located in a position that is unobtrusive, depending on the ability to run pipe work between the indoor and outdoor units. A 'back to back' installation, if possible, means costs are kept to a minimum.
- How do you adjust your heat pumps for optimum operating efficiency?
- The most efficient settings are 20-22 degrees Celsius in winter and 22 degrees Celsius if you want to take advantage of your heat pump in summer. Also, make sure that your doors and windows are closed before you switch your heat pump on, and switch it off if you leave your home for more than an hour.
- How do you clean a heat pump?
- Some heat pumps don't need replacements for dirty parts. Simply rinsing the filters in water makes them endlessly re-usable, while even parts of the fan can be washed and re-used, removing dust without creating waste.
- How do you determine the size of the heat pump that is best suited to your home?
Each home is as individual as its owner. When choosing a heat pump you need to consider the size of each room you plan to include in your new heating and cooling system, the type and extent of existing insulation, what activities you use the room for, ceiling or stud height and number and size of windows. This assessment is best carried out by experienced and qualified specialists such as Rimu Electrical.
The amount of heating needed will depend on the potential for heat loss through walls, windows and roofs. To minimise this loss, good insulation is recommended. By insulating first, the size of heat pump selected will be generally smaller and therefore cheaper to run. The aspect of the home is also an important factor as north facing rooms are generally warmer and require less heating.
If you wish to heat or cool a single room, a simple heat pump is generally all that's required. To control the climate in multiple rooms or create a ducted system, a larger and more powerful heat pump system is required.
- How do you operate a heat pump system?
- Heat pumps can be operated manually, with an infrared remote control, by text messaging from a mobile phone or via an internet browser. You can control all features such as On/Off, the temperature, fan speeds, the mode (such as 'heat' and 'cool') and the timer. Heat pumps can be programmed to turn on when you're away from home, ensuring a warm or cool room on your return.
- How environmentally friendly are heat pumps?
- Always look for the international ENERGY STAR mark on the heat pump you are purchasing. This standard is designed especially for New Zealand conditions and ensures that the unit is safe for the environment. Our Panasonic, Daikin, Mitsubishi and Fujitsu heat pumps use the latest environmentally friendly refrigerants, minimising any damage to the environment.
- How long do heat pumps take to be installed?
- Our experienced professional heat pump installers will usually take around 6 hours to install a back-to-back system. More complex installations including several single split systems, ducted systems and multi systems take longer.
- How much room do heat pumps require?
Heat pumps are designed to be unobtrusive in their size and style, with low noise levels. There are various types of heat pumps. Some can be fitted into existing fireplaces or be recessed into walls. Others can be mounted on walls close to the ceiling or ducted split systems can be hidden in the ceiling.
- How quite are heat pumps?
- In most cases they are very quiet. The source of noise in a typical Heat Pump is air impinging on the grille as it is forced out of the unit. Air noise is marginally higher than ambient background noise and is usually not distracting.
- How reliable are heat pumps?
- Heat pumps are very reliable, particularly the brands we recommend: Panasonic, Daikin, Mitsubishi and Fujitsu. They use the same process as a domestic refrigerator and have the same level of dependability and life expectancy.
- What are energy star ratings and are they important?
ENERGY STAR is New Zealand's mark of energy efficiency. It's awarded to around the top 25 percent most energy efficient appliances and products in a range of categories. Energy rating labels provide consumers with information on how much electricity an appliance uses in a year, plus a star rating to show how energy efficient it is. The label helps the buyer compare between models and choose the most energy-efficient appliance that suits their needs.
All new white ware and heat pumps available for sale in New Zealand must display an energy rating label. It is important as choosing an energy efficient appliance can save you lots on your power bill, and help the environment. For example, you can save up to 44% on running costs by simply choosing a 5.5 star energy rated heat pump instead of a 3.5 energy rated unit.
To check out these energy efficient appliances, look at ENERGY STAR'S website.
- What are simple ways to save on energy?
TIP 1 - Switch off lights when not in the room. Lighting accounts for around 15% of your energy use. Either use a pre-programmed timer or switch off your lights when out of the room or on holiday.
TIP 2 - Switch off appliances at the wall when not in use. Computers, TV's and other appliances that are never switched off add dollars to your power bill. So rather turn them off than leaving them on standby.
TIP 3 - Keep doors closed. Close the kitchen door when you use the oven and it will heat the kitchen. Keep the kitchen windows closed too. You will also keep the heat in the other rooms that you are heating.
TIP 4 - Insulate your home. Keep warm in winter and cooler in summer by installing wall and ceiling insulation. A well insulated home can be up to 7 degrees warmer in winter.
- What are the running cost of heat pumps?
The actual running cost depends on the amount of heating required. Assume 6Kw of heating is needed; electric heating is normally 100% efficient, so for 6Kw of heating you pay for 6Kw of electric energy. Heat pumps transfer two to three times more heat, meaning efficiencies of 200-300%.
In other words, to produce 6kW of heating, a heat pump would only require about 2kW of electrical energy. Inverter type heat pumps are even more efficient, being closer to 400% efficient.
