Are you feeling the burn with the rising heating costs this year and want to find out the cheapest way to heat your home?
There’s nothing like the feeling of returning home to a warm and dry home after a long winter’s day. But we all know winter comes with higher heating bills.
Homes across New Zealand stay warm in many ways, and some heating solutions are more expensive to run than others.
However, more than ever, kiwi households are now choosing to heat their home with a heat pump due to their energy-efficient and cost-effective ways.
The cheapest way to heat your home now is with a heat pump!
Find out why along with some handy tips that will keep your heat pump running costs even lower.
Do heat pumps use a lot of electricity?
Although heat pumps use electricity, heat pumps work differently from standard heating options like electric heaters, as heat pumps extract warmth from outside, transferring it into your home. When it’s warm outside, it reverses directions and acts like an air conditioner, removing heat from your home.
For that reason, they have a high ratio of heat output to energy input – which works in your favour by using less energy consumption.
The usage of electricity will depend on the following.
- The space you are heating
- Lifestyle
- The type of home or commercial space
- Insulation, flooring, and curtains can even play a part
Are heat pumps the cheapest way to heat your home?
A heat pump’s running costs depend on how long you use it, the space being utilised and its energy output.
A heat pump will more than pay for itself in a decent-sized living area.
According to energywise.govt.nz, a heat pump used 6 hours per day for 6 months of the year with an energy output of 6KwH will cost around $400 per year to run.
Using a heat pump instead of an equivalent electric heater in your living space can save you around $500 a year.
As you can see from the graph below by Gen Less, heat pumps are the cheapest to run on average. Not only are they cost-effective and energy-saving but they are also eco-friendly.
Reduce your heat pump costs even lower with these tips
Keep temperature settings low
One of the cheapest ways to heat your home with a heat pump is to keep the setting low (18ºC or – 20ºC). Don’t set your heat pump to the maximum as it won’t heat the room any quicker, but it will use more energy.
Programme it to turn on 15 minutes before you need it instead.
Only heat the space you are using
Don’t turn on heat pumps in bedrooms or rooms you’re not using. In addition, turn off your heat pump when it’s not in use.
Choose the correct sized model
Having the correct sized unit for your space and level of insulation is important. Too small and the heat pump will use more energy to keep the space warm.
Too large and it’ll be less efficient as you’ll have to keep switching the unit off to stop it from overheating.
Clean the filter
Clean your indoor and outdoor heat pump filter regularly, at least once a year. It’s simple and quick to do this yourself unless the placement of the outside unit is difficult to get to.
Close doors and curtains to keep the heat in
Letting as much sunlight in during the day as possible is great, but when the sun isn’t shining it’s best practice to cover your windows and close your doors as these have a high thermal conductivity – meaning they’ll allow all the heat out. Your heat pump will have to work harder to maintain the temperature.
Use the timer function
We all get busy with our lives and can forget to turn our heat pumps off. This is where the timer function that most split systems and ducted systems have. This will allow you to have more control!
Our Smart Wi-Fi-controlled heat pumps allow you to control them remotely using an App on your Smartphone.
Look for the Energy Star rating
The higher energy stars a heating system has – the cheaper it will be to operate. The Energy Star rating helps to demonstrate your heat pump’s efficiency. The lowest energy-efficient heat pumps available in New Zealand are 250% efficient (they give $2.50 heat for every $1 of electricity used). The most efficient models on the market are over 500% efficient.
Energy Star qualified heat pumps use up to 30% less energy compared to a non-qualified model.
Invest in a heat pump today and save money in the future
The cost of a heat pump doesn’t have to break the bank. Many New Zealanders are now switching to heat pumps because they are cost-effective.
Knowing that one size does not fit all is important when you’re looking to invest in a heat pump.
Choosing the right model for your space, using it correctly and regular maintenance could see you saving on those hefty winter power bills for years to come – which makes heat pumps the cheapest way to heat your home.
We only install the Mitsubishi Electric range of products because we know they are cost-effective and energy-efficient systems. Mitsubishi Electric has many different heating units that are perfect for any home or commercial space.
Each unit is designed to meet specific requirements while not compromising technology and high standards.
Let us help you choose the best heat pump for your custom needs. Our experienced team can recommend an efficient and cost-effective heat pump so you can be sure you will be getting the most bang for your buck.
Get the expert advice you can trust by contacting us today!
