Heat pump guidesStart with the question you've actually got.

Buying a heat pump, or replacing an old one

Start with size. A heat pump that's too small struggles on frosty nights and one that's too big keeps switching itself on and off, and both are hard to put right once it's on the wall.

What size heat pump do I need? explains the kilowatt figures and the cold-weather check, and the size calculator gives you a starting number. How to choose a heat pump then covers the type of unit, the energy label, where both units go and the warranty conditions.

Something's not right with your heat pump

Blowing cool air, dripping, smelling odd, rattling or flashing a code? Each has its own guide: not heating, leaking water, smells and noises and error codes.

Each one starts with the checks that are safe to do yourself, then says plainly when it's time for a technician.

Working out what it uses in power

We don't publish running cost figures, because your tariff, your house and your hours decide them. What a heat pump costs to run shows two ways to estimate yours from the label, and the running cost tool does the sums with your own power rate.

Rentals, grants and council rules

Landlords: the healthy homes heating guide covers the standard for the main living room. Owner-occupiers asking about a grant should read our Warmer Kiwi Homes guide first. It's EECA's programme, and EECA decides who's eligible, not us or an installer.

Consents and noise explains when council rules still apply to a heat pump and why the outdoor unit's spot matters to the people next door.

Hiring someone to do the work

How to choose an installer, checking an installer's registrations and reading a heat pump quote cover who can legally connect a heat pump and what a complete written quote includes.

Read whatever helps and skip the rest. When you're ready, tell us about the job and we'll pass it to one local specialist.