Don't Get Burned! 5 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Heat Pump Installer in Auckland

• Always ask if your installer is a registered electrician who will issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) – it’s a legal requirement in New Zealand.
• A good installer will have extensive local experience, positive reviews, and be happy to show you examples of their recent work in Auckland.
• Check what brands they specialise in and why. Accredited installers often provide better warranties and have deeper product knowledge.
• Your quote must be detailed, transparent, and confirm that the mandatory Certificate of Compliance is included in the final price.
• Clarify the workmanship warranty. This is separate from the manufacturer’s warranty and covers the quality of the installation itself.

When choosing a heat pump, it's easy to get caught up comparing brands, features, and kilowatt ratings. But we've seen firsthand that the quality of the installation is just as important, if not more so. A premium unit installed poorly will never perform as it should.

It’s true.

A bad installation can lead to higher power bills, poor performance, annoying noises, and a shorter lifespan for your unit. Worse, it can be unsafe and non-compliant with New Zealand’s building and electrical codes, potentially voiding both your manufacturer's warranty and your home insurance.

Treating the installation as a critical investment is the key to unlocking years of comfort and efficiency. To help you find the best heat pump installers in Auckland , we’ve put together five essential questions. Their answers will tell you everything you need to know.

This is the most important question you can ask. In New Zealand, a heat pump must be connected to the mains power supply by a qualified professional. This is considered “prescribed electrical work,” and it can only be legally performed by an EWRB-registered electrician.

After the work is complete, they must issue you a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). This is your proof that the installation is safe and meets all legal standards, including the NZ Building Code and AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules. Allowing an unregistered person to do this work can result in fines of up to $10,000 for the homeowner .

A common mistake we see is homeowners hiring a general "installer" who isn't a registered electrician. They might be cheaper, but the risk isn't worth it. At Auckland Heatpump Services, every one of our installations is carried out by a registered electrician to guarantee compliance and safety.

What a good answer sounds like:  "Yes, absolutely. Our installers are registered electricians. We have full public liability insurance, and you will receive a Certificate of Compliance within five working days of the job being completed."

Experience matters. An installer with thousands of successful jobs under their belt has encountered and solved almost every challenge imaginable. In our 15+ years and over 6,000 installations, we’ve worked in every type of Auckland home, from historic villas in Ponsonby to new builds in Flat Bush.

This local knowledge is vital. An experienced Auckland installer understands how to account for the city’s high humidity, the corrosive salt air in coastal suburbs, and the unique quirks of our building stock. This affects everything from where the outdoor unit is placed to what type of system will perform best.

Don't be afraid to ask for proof. A reputable company will be proud to show you photos of recent work, point you to their Google reviews, and provide references on request.

What a good answer sounds like:  "Of course. We've been operating in Auckland for over a decade. You can see dozens of our recent projects and customer reviews on our website and Google profile. What kind of property do you have? We've likely worked on a similar one recently."

There are many great heat pump brands on the market, but no single brand is perfect for every situation. A professional installer will recommend a unit based on your specific needs, not just what they happen to have in stock.

We've found that installers who specialise in a few trusted brands (like Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu) have deeper product knowledge. They are often accredited dealers, which means they’ve received specific training from the manufacturer. This accreditation can also unlock better warranties, such as a full 5-year parts and labour warranty , which gives you extra peace of mind.

A good installer will ask about your room size, insulation, and priorities—like quiet operation, energy efficiency, or smart controls—before recommending a model.

What a good answer sounds like:  "We primarily work with brands X, Y, and Z because we find them to be the most reliable and efficient for Auckland's climate. We are an accredited installer for all of them. Based on your room layout and budget, I'd recommend this specific model because..."

This question is really about transparency. A clear, detailed quote is the hallmark of a professional company. It shows they have properly assessed the job and are being upfront about all costs.

Your quote should clearly itemise the specific heat pump model, the cost of the unit, and the cost of labour. It should also state what’s included in the installation—like copper piping, wall brackets, electrical wiring, and the outdoor isolator switch. Crucially, it must confirm that a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is included in the price. The CoC is a legal requirement, not an optional extra.

A vague quote can be a sign of hidden fees to come. For a better understanding of what drives costs, you can check out our Auckland heat pump installation cost guide.

What a good answer sounds like:  "Yes, our quote is all-inclusive for a standard back-to-back installation. It covers the unit, all materials, labour, and the legally required Certificate of Compliance. If we discover any non-standard work is needed, like a switchboard upgrade, we will discuss and quote that separately before we begin."

Every new heat pump comes with a manufacturer's warranty, which covers faults with the unit itself. But what about the installation work? That's covered by a separate workmanship warranty, and it’s vital you understand what it includes.

A common mistake we've observed is people assuming the manufacturer's warranty covers everything. It doesn't. If the unit fails due to an installation error—like a refrigerant leak or faulty wiring—you'll be relying on your installer to fix it.

A good workmanship warranty should last for several years. It should cover any issues related to the installation, such as leaks, drainage problems, or insecure mounting. This is also a good time to ask about aftercare. A dedicated installer will offer ongoing maintenance to keep your system running efficiently. Regular servicing is important, as clogged filters can increase a heat pump's power consumption by 10–35%.

What a good answer sounds like:  "We stand by our work with a 5-year workmanship warranty, matching the manufacturer's warranty on the unit. If you have any issues related to the installation, just give us a call and we'll fix it free of charge. We also offer annual heat pump servicing to keep your system in top condition."

Armed with these five questions, you're now ready to sort the experts from the amateurs. But don't stop there. We always recommend getting at least two quotes and insisting on an in-person site assessment—a quote given over the phone is just a guess.

A true professional will talk about more than just the unit. They'll discuss insulation, room volume, and the best placement to ensure optimal airflow and minimal noise. They understand that a heat pump is a complete climate control system, and they take a holistic approach to give you the best result. To learn more about what a quality installation involves, see our expert guide to heat pump installation.

At Auckland Heatpump Services, these aren't just questions we can answer—they're the standards we've built our family business on. Our registered electricians ensure every job is safe and compliant, our experience guarantees a quality result, and our workmanship warranty gives you complete peace of mind. If you're looking for an installer who ticks every box, get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation.