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If you're looking to stay warm in winter and also keep cool in summer, then you are looking for a heat pump! Heat pumps are the most efficient way of using electricity to heat your home in winter and cool (and dehumidify) your home in summer.
This guide provides advice on how to choose the right heat pump for your home so that you can enjoy a comfortable indoor temperature in the most energy efficient way.
Note: To have an energy efficient home means more than just having a good heater - it's also about having a well insulated house and using your heating wisely. Before you purchase a heat pump, we recommend that you have adequate household insulation in place. (See the webpage on Pink® Batts® insulation for more information. )
What is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps consist of an indoor unit and an exterior unit. Think of a heat pump as a refrigerator working in reverse. They have a network of pipes that contain gas constantly working to expand in one part of the network and compress in another. The gas that is being compressed by the exterior unit increases in temperature and this heat is then pumped inside. The gas is then returned to the outside unit and the process works in reverse, expelling cold air. When the heat pump is used as an air-conditioner, the entire process is reversed.
Consider Energy Efficiency and the Environment
A heat pump that is correctly sized, installed and used as directed can heat your designated area using less energy than other equivalent electric heaters. This in turn means you save on your electricity bill. Plus, heat pumps benefit our environment. These benefits start at home where the filters in some heat pumps clean the air to remove dust and pollens. They're also "cleaner" than other forms of fuel heating (eg. log fire) so help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (and reduce your carbon footprint).
Look at the energy rating label on the heat pump to help you compare between models. The more stars, the better the energy efficiency of that heat pump.
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You can also look for the ENERGY STAR logo, as only the most energy efficient products are allowed to display it. The ENERGY STAR is the global mark of energy efficiency, awarded to the top 25% most energy efficient products in a category. ENERGY STAR criteria covers cooling as well as heating performance. That’s important if you use your heat pump for cooling in summer as well.
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Choose a Quality Brand
Choose a brand you can trust with at least a 5 year warranty on parts and labour.
Calculate your Room's Heating Requirements
How many rooms do you want heated? One heat pump will not produce enough heat to regulate a whole house unless you live in a studio apartment. You can buy a single heat pump to heat a single room, or a "multi system" to heat 2, 3 or 4 areas. (Or even a fully ducted system if you wish to heat your whole house.)
Calculate the area (size) of the room that you'd like to heat. Multiply the width (in metres) by the length (in metres) of the room to be heated and then use the following table to get an approximate idea of the heat pump capacity you will need. The indoor units of different heat pumps have different heating capacities, measured in Watts. More Watts means more power and the ability to heat a larger room. To remain energy efficient, you need to select a heat pump that has the heating and cooling capacity suitable for your calculated area. A cheaper unit may cost you more in the long run.
| Area to be heated* |
Heat Pump Capacity |
| 15 to 25m² |
3,000 Watts |
| 25 to 35m² |
4,000 Watts |
| 30 to 40m² |
4,500 Watts |
| 40 to 50m² |
5,500 Watts |
| 45 to 55m² |
6,000 Watts |
| 50 to 60m² |
6,500 Watts |
| 55 to 65m² |
7,000 Watts |
| 60 to 75m² |
8,000 Watts |
* Assumes ceiling height appprox 2.4m
Single storey dwelling, well insulated. |
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(Note, an accredited installer will be best qualified to recommend the most efficient model size for your needs.)
Other factors also affect the heating capacity required. If the room has good insulation, it reduces the amount of heating power needed. Consider also your window area (double glazed or not) and of course, your climate.
Research Filters
Look for filters that can remove pollen, dust, smoke and other microscopic airborne particles that contribute to respiratory problems like Ashtma and Hay Fever. Filters need to be cleaned at regular intervals to maintain their efficiency. Check that this is simple to do on the model you choose.
Plasma filters use an electrostatic filter and negatively charged ions to collect the finest dust and allergens (even mould spores) as well as absorbing unpleasant household odours like kitchen and pet smells.
Fujitsu offer a self cleaning filter (exclusive to the Nocria model range). This filter automatically cleans itself, sterilises dirt and dust and refreshes the air.
Dimplex have a Bio Filtration System where a 3 stage filter system (air filter ? carbon filter ? bio-filter) removes dirt, dust and odours along with fungi and microbes from your household. Through the use of active enzymes the Dimplex bio filter not only traps but destroys airborne germs from passing through the air, creating a clean, warm and dry healthy home.
Types of Heat Pumps
Split Systems - Most heat pumps are split systems - they have an outdoor unit which contains the compressor and an indoor unit that conains the fan to circulate the air. (This arrangement enables the indoor unit to be smaller and quieter.)
Hi-Wall Splits - Currently the most popular type of heat pump, where the indoor unit gets mounted on a wall. Look for advanced technology and functionality including: a remote control, reverse cycle, sleep and digital timer and moisture removal.
Ceiling Wall - Nocria - These units are exclusive to Fujitsu and are designed to sit very high on the wall, just below the ceiling and above eye-line to remain unobtrusive. They can also be used successfully in low ceiling situations. They offer the exclusive automatic filter cleaner and are top energy savers.
Compact Cassettes - The most discreet indoor unit option, with only a grill showing in the ceiling.
Floor standing - The indoor unit stands on the floor like a conventional heater. They are lightweight and ultra slim.
Ducted systems - A layer split system where the compressor unit can be stored outside or in your roof space. The warm (or cool) air is distributed via insulated ducting connected to ceiling or floor units.
Browse our Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps page for heat pumps online.
Inverter Technology
The word "inverter" in modern heat pumps refers to their ability to maintain the programmed temperature by just ticking over (they throttles back, reducing thermal output and power requirements.) They do not turn on and off to control temperature. This makes them quiet and efficient to run. Inverter systems are up to 30% more efficient than standard fixed speed systems, saving power and reducing energy costs. The inverter systems can also reach the set temperature up to 4 times faster than standard systems.
Other Factors to Consider
Minimum Operating Temperature - (Sometimes known as H2 Output Capacity.) If you live in a colder area where night temperatures tend to zero, make sure you ask about the minimum operating temperature before you purchase the heat pump. When the outside unit of a heat pump detects ice, it stops producing heat and goes into a mode to automatically de-ice. In colder areas you need to ensure the heat pump will still operate in icy conditions.
Placement of the Heat Pump - The placement of the heat pump within the room is important. They are ideally suited to face a room rather than face an opening internal door. Also, a back-to-back placement is ideal (where the inside unit and the exterior unit are on opposite sides of the same wall.) Most installed prices advertised in the media are for back-to-back installations, so make sure you obtain a full quote for installation prior to purchase.
Sleep Mode - adjusts the temperature in several steps (up when cooling, down when heating) so that the system works less hard and more quietly when you're sleeping. You can programme how long you want the sleep mode to operate.
How to Use a Heat Pump Efficiently
Firstly, choosing the right sized unit is one of the best ways to save energy and money. The heating capacity of the unit needs to be suitable for your square metre area. Secondly, an accredited heat pump installer should install the unit and advise you on how to use it.
Usually the most efficient settings are 20-22°C in winter and 22°C in summer. The airflow should be directed into the room rather than facing an opening internal door. Make sure you close doors and windows before you switch your unit on. Consider switching it off if you leave the area for an extended period. Clean your heat pump filters as directed.
Save on Heat Pump Installation Costs with DVS
If your home was built before 2000 and you have insulation that meets the standard requirement you could qualify for a further $500 off the cost of installing a new clean heating system from DVS.
The EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) will be partly funding heat pump installation costs and household insulation (Pink Batts) costs if the house and house owner meet the eligibility requirements. Click here to find out more and see if you may be eligible for EECA funding (or use the "Ready to Get Started?" cube on the right.)
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