Heat Pumps

[JABlog]

Has anyone recently purchased heatpumps or installers do you have any advise, particularly interested in below models : I am looking at Fujitsu and Mitsubishi High Wall Air Conditioner . Fujitsu claims to have a better cop rating where else Mitsubishi model have better energy star rating? Both are new models released this year and it seems heat pump competition is rife out there with both units around $2k mark. usually $23-2800
Specs below:
Mitsubishi :


MSZ/MUZ-GE50VA

• Whisper Quiet
• 5.0kW Cooling / 5.8kW Heating kW Heating
• Energy Star rating 4.5 Cooling / 5.0 Heating
• 28 dB(A) indoor / 54 dB(A) outdoor
• Pure White Compact Flat Panel Design
• 7-Day Timer Optional
• Inverter R410A Highwall Unit
• Heating down to - 15°C
• H 295 x W 798 x D 232mm indoor
• H 850 x W 840 x D 330mm outdoor Day Timer Optional

Fujitsu Hi - wall Inverter Heat Pump
ASTG18LVCAPACKAGE



Features

• 6.0kw heating / 5.0kw cooling
• super efficient with an amazing C.O.P 4.
• Energy star rating 2.0 Cooling / 3.5 heating

[spaceman]

Not recently..... but word of warning.

Heat-pumps are much of a muchness, like tv's or fridges you pretty much get what you pay for. Cheapest is hardly ever the best, the same is true of the dearest.

The thing where I've seen quite a few nightmares (in other peoples properties) is with respect to the installation ........ I would swear that some of them got done by trained monkeys...... Make sure you use a reputable installer

Cheers
Spaceman

[DazRaz]

I have installed two Mitzi heatpumps over the last year. The were both Hypercore models so cost about 1K more. Prevously had a clean heat project one installed at a property which didn't do the job. First -4 degree morning, it froze up and did nothing. When I called the service agent for the brand, I was told to get the tenant to use a hose and spray water into the outdoor unit! As if that is ever an acceptable option.

When I looked at heat pumps for my PPOR, multiple installers advised sticking with Mitzi or Daikon as they handle colder environments better. Will never have a project dictate which brand I install again!

[Winston001]

Mitsubishi manufacture two different grades (so I am told). The ones advertised on TV are the consumer models but the type made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are much better quality.

Otherwise, Daikin have a solid reputation.

[muppet]

Getting the most from your heat pump

Getting the most from your heat pump

29 June 2011


Leaving your heat pump running when you don't need it won't cut your running costs, despite what some people believe, says the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
It's one of several heat pump myths that consumers have sought EECA advice on recently, and it can increase your heat pump running costs significantly and unnecessarily says Senior Technical Advisor Andrew Smith.
"Most New Zealand homes heat up and cool down quickly, so there's no benefit at all in leaving your heat pump running all the time if you're not home - you're simply paying to heat an empty house."
Another common myth is that cranking up the heat pump's thermostat to maximum will heat your home up faster - it won't, says Mr Smith.
"Setting your thermostat to maximum can actually make your heat pump run less efficiently, so there's no advantage in setting it higher than you need it."
"Having healthy indoor temperatures is really important, what ever type of heating you use."
"By using your heat pump properly with the timer and thermostat, and ensuring your house can hold in the heat with good insulation and curtains, you can get a healthier, more comfortable home that costs a lot less to keep warm."
Heat pump myths busted

A heat pump can be a really effective and convenient way to heat your home if used properly. So don't let myth stand between you and a home that's cheaper and easier to heat to a comfortable and healthy level - here are the facts.
Fact: It's worth learning to use the remote properly.

You can use it to adjust the thermostat, and to set the timer - you can even set your heat pump up to come on half an hour before you get home or wake up in the morning.
Fact: There's no benefit to running it when you don't need it.

If you're leaving your home, or not using the room being heated, it's cheaper to turn your heat pump off. A properly sized and installed heat pump shouldn't take long to reheat the room once you turn it back on.
Fact: Cranking up the thermostat won't heat your home up faster.

Setting the thermostat to the maximum won't heat up your room any quicker, and it can make your heat pump run less efficiently. Don't set the thermostat higher than you need it.
Fact: Heat pumps still cost money to run.

They're cheaper to run than other electrical heaters, but you may find that you use a heat pump more often - and you still have to pay for the heat it produces.
Fact: Insulation is really important too.

Good insulation is just as important as good heating. Insulation makes it both easier and cheaper to keep your home warm, dry and healthy. Insulating your windows with good, thermal curtains will also help hold in the heat.
Fact: Some heat pumps are more efficient than others.

If you are buying a new heat pump, look for one with the blue ENERGY STAR® mark. The mark only appears on the top 25% most energy efficient heat pumps. ENERGY STAR qualified heat pumps are also required to perform efficiently at lower temperatures, where some other heat pumps may struggle to keep up.
Fact: Size matters.

And so does installation. For a heat pump to give optimal performance, it needs to be the right size for the space being heated, and it must be installed well. Ask your supplier for advice on the right size heat pump.

For more on heat pumps, other heating options, and making your home warm and healthy, visit EECA's ENERGYWISE website at www.energywise.govt.nz/your-house.
http://www.eeca.govt.nz/node/12764

[phillip30]

heat pumps

Hi All,

have bought a property to rent out, was wandering if it is worth installing a heat pump? any thoughts appriciated.


cheers


Phillip

[One]

Man, that's a broad question.

Have a look at the competition. Check nearby rentals on trademe and see what heating places have and see if you can work out the effect on the rent. That tells you whether it's financially worth it.

What heating your tenants are going to need/want depends on:
* where the rental is - Invercargill's different from Northland!
* whether they can get cheap firewood (if it's rural, go for a woodburner instead, esp if the area's prone to power cuts)
* how well insulated the house is
* how damp the house is
* what age and family configuration they are (students will tough it out to save power, people with babies shouldn't)

Don't forget the EECA subsidy.

[phillip30]

thanks Fanatical, seems most houses in this area have one, I will be fully insulating the house. Possibly I could try renting without and if it is an issue have noe installed.

cheers

Phillip

[Orkibi]

Check out http://www.energywise.govt.nz/fundin...-clean-heating If the tenant has community service cared you may be able to have part OR all of the instillation subsidized.

[Wayne]

Be careful that the tenants don't decide they need a gas flueless heater (because they don't have any other heating) and fill your house with dampness. A heatpump means you can tell people that gas heaters are not acceptable.

[phillip30]

insulation and heat pump providers in wellington

Hi All,

I was wandering if anyone could provide suggestions on providers for insulation and heat pumps. I have heard that often those not doing the subsidy are often cheaper. Any suggestions appriciated.

cheers

Phillip

[Marej]

It was my experience with insulation companies, that those belonging to the rebate scheme are not the cheapest. I ended up going with a company that did not belong to the scheme, and it was still the best price, but when comparing prices, check the R-values they are quoting for, as the higher the R value, the higher the price. I would just get 4 quotes and dont rule out companies that dont belong.

[sbw]

Hi Marej,

What R rating value did you go for?

I'm looking at installing the insulation myself. Currently looking at Expol - it looks relatively easy to install and has an R value of 1.4.

Haven't compared price to others yet. What have other people used? Does it really make a huge difference?

[Marej]

Hi Marej,

What R rating value did you go for?

I'm looking at installing the insulation myself. Currently looking at Expol - it looks relatively easy to install and has an R value of 1.4.

Haven't compared price to others yet. What have other people used? Does it really make a huge difference?

SBW, The link below tells you the required R values based on the area you are in, but the higher the r value the thicker the insulation, so get the thickest you can afford.
http://www.dbh.govt.nz/quick-energy-guide

Am in Auckland, and went with, Roof 3.3, Walls 2.3, Floors 1.5

Actually this link is better - http://www.smarterhomes.org.nz/design/insulation/, gives minimum building code requirements, as well as recommended best practice ratings.

[sbw]

So the higher the R value the more expensive too I guess.

Did you really notice a difference afterwards? Assuming it was your own home? Or did your tenants notice a difference?

I'd love to put insulation in all properties of mine, but reality is I can't really afford it from cash flow and don't really want to increase the lending at this stage.

Thanks for the links. Will check them out.

The think I like about Expol (and I assume it would be for all different types of underfloor insulation) is that you could do one room at a time. e.g. furtherest away from the heat/pump fire and gradually work away at it. Expol also looks pretty easy to install by myself