Firstly, did you know that the term ‘Heat Pump’ is unique to New Zealand when referring to what the rest of the world calls Air Conditioning? And as this article is going to talk about the cost of summer cooling in NZ, we are going to follow suit!
If you’re considering installing an Air Conditioner this summer, your first question is likely ‘How much will an air-con cost?’. This article will talk about the cost of installing an Air Conditioner in NZ. It will also discuss the factors to consider for finding the best solution that fits your space and budget.
There are several things that impact the cost and benefit of an Air Conditioner.
Some of the key things you’ll want to think about before you choose an Air Conditioner include:
You’ll also need to choose whether you want a standard split-system air conditioner or a whole-home ducted system.
You likely have a clear idea of the system you want for your home. This idea is based on factors such as the available space and the desired aesthetic. But there are also technical factors to consider for your family's comfort.
Because of this, we recommend an in-home assessment. That design and specification process considers:
All these influence the style and size of your air con set up. And size matters!
If you install an Air Conditioner that’s too small, it is going to struggle to supply your home with adequate cooling. It simply won’t have the capacity needed. As a result, your system will run longer and work harder to provide the same level of cooling - shortening its lifespan.
If the air conditioner is too big, it will turn on and off frequently to maintain the desired temperature. This leads to wasted energy and a higher electricity bill, which nobody wants.
Use our online sizing calculator to help identify what size air conditioner is right for your space, or book an in-home assessment with your nearest Rinnai stockist or installer.
Choosing the right equipment size is crucial for your space. It affects the unit's energy and cooling capacity. Because of the technical nature of sizing, the key to picking the right-sized Air Conditioner for your home is getting an in-home assessment. You can talk through and personalise your options with an accredited professional.
At Rinnai, we work with an accredited dealer and installation network across New Zealand that will come out to your home to work with you to design the perfect solution for you and your family’s needs.
The most popular and cost-effective solution is the ‘High-Wall Split’ Air Conditioner. These systems are a one-room cooling solution and have a single outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit. They're an excellent choice for New Zealand conditions.
The cool air produced is only focused in the room that houses the indoor unit. On one hand, this means they can be used quite efficiently, only cooling the room that you will be using. However, this also means that you may not be able to control the temperature in all of your rooms, leaving some parts of the house warmer over the summer months.
For whole-home comfort, a Ducted Cooling System may be the right solution. These systems supply cool air into every room in the house through ducts, usually located in the roof space or beneath the house. Ducted Cooling Systems are generally a great option for people who prefer a discreet cooling solution and would like to control the temperature of an entire house.
As a general rule, High Wall Heat Pumps cost between $2,000 and $4,000 inclusive of installation. Ducted ‘Whole Home’ systems range from around $8,000 to $15,000, also including installation costs.
The easiest way to get a better idea of costs for your home is to find your nearest stockist or installer and ask for a quote.
