Compare heat pump brands in New Zealand at Canstar Blue. Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Haier, Panasonic and Fujitsu General were compared on Overall Satisfaction, Ease of Use, Functionality, Quietness, Reliability and Value for Money.
See our Ratings Methodology.
Mitsubishi Electric’s heat pumps are a red-hot favourite with Kiwi consumers, earning top 5-Star ratings across five out of six categories.
Our review compares heat pumps on customer satisfaction, so you can discover what other Kiwis think about our compared heat pumps brands before you go ahead and make a purchase. Think of it like asking hundreds of your closest mates which heat pump they think is best!
Canstar Blue surveyed 409 Kiwis who had bought a heat pump over the past two years for their feedback on the heat pump they bought.
Respondents rate their satisfaction with their heat pump brands from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall Satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall Satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.
Find more information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.
Mitsubishi Electric has always been a stand-out performer in Canstar Blue’s Heat Pump Awards: it has won five of our last six awards. And this year is no exception. Rated No.1 by Kiwi consumers, the brand earns top 5-Star ratings across all categories, except Value for Money, for which it earns a 4-Star rating.
A world-leader in heat pump technology, Mitsubishi Electric’s heat pumps are designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. The brand’s unique technologies include HyperCore, which delivers full-rated heating capacity right down to -15ºC and Plasma Quad Plus advanced filtration – a two-stage plasma technology that filters air of smells, dust, moulds and other common household allergens.
The brand’s most popular reverse-cycle (both heating and cool) models include:
Standard GS High Wall Heat Pumps: delivers energy efficient heating and cooling at an economic price.
EcoCore AP Series: these high-wall heat pumps feature next-gen EcoCore technology that is designed to use less power. They are also some of NZ’s quietest heat pumps, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
Black Diamond High Wall Heat Pumps: designer style packed with advanced features, including Dual Barrier Coating to maximise energy efficiency, a 3D i-See Sensor for customised comfort and Plasma Quad filtration.
The winner of our previous Heat Pumps Awards in 2021 and 2016, Daikin pulls in another great set of ratings. It earns top 5-Star ratings for Value for Money and Functionality, plus strong 4-Star ratings across all other categories, including Overall Satisfaction.
Founded in Japan in 1924, Daikin has been an established brand in New Zealand for nearly 30 years. It has a complete range of products offering heating and cooling solutions for every home, from one room apartments up to large multi-room homes.
Its wall-mounted reverse-cycle models include the:
Alira: utilises Daikin Streamer Technology that reduces the presence of contaminants in the home, such as pollen, bacteria and mould.
Lite series: features a contoured, matte-white, flat-panel design, intelligent eye, whisper-quiet operation and simple controls.
Standard Series: delivers all the essential features you’d expect in a large range of heating capacities, to ensure a fit for any sized home.
New Cora: the ultimate balance of performance, efficiency and quietness designed to perform in harsh NZ conditions.
Zena Vogue: a premium heat pump wrapped in a contemporary design.
Although Haier misses out on a 5-Star rating, it earns a strong set of ratings from consumers. In every category rated, it earns a strong 4-Star rating.
Popular Chinese manufacturer Haier is known for delivering well-priced home appliances. Its range of reverse-cycle heat pumps covers two models:
Flexis: Haier’s premium model includes wi-fi and voice control, self-cleaning and an eco sensor, which detects when you’re not in a room to save power. It’s available in models from 2.6kW to 8kW.
Tempo: a standard range of models that feature voice control and wi-fi, available in models from 2.5kW to 7kW.
Earning a 4-Star Overall Satisfaction rating, Panasonic scores some great ratings. Apart from Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin, it’s the only other brand to earn 5-Star ratings, for Functionality and Value for Money. It earns 4 Stars in all other categories measured.
Panasonic is a brand that has a long history of making quality home appliances and electronic goods. Its range of heat pumps offers, single- and multi-room and whole-house solutions, each featuring cutting-edge technology:
Aero Series: more compact and sleeker than ever, ranging from 2kW to 8kW, Aero Series models are the perfect fit for any room, whatever its size. The range features Panasonic’s nanoeX air purification system that deodorises and purifies the air in your home, with or without heating or cooling. Models feature voice control and wi-fi.
Rounding out our award ratings this year, Fujitsu General’s heat pumps earn consistent ratings. It’s the only brand to earn 3 Stars, a solid rating that it achieves across the board.
Fujitsu is an established supplier of heat pumps and air-conditioning systems in New Zealand, with a well-know range of products. Its wall-mounted, reverse-cycle heat pumps come in a range of four models:
Comfort: features powerful mode for instant warmth, and ultra-fine temperature adjustment for perfect climate control. 2kW-7.1kW
Classic: all the features you’d expect in a heat pump perfect for any family home, including timer, super-quiet and eco-mode. 2.5kW-9.2kW
Lifestyle: perfect design encapsulates an apple-catechin filter that removes mould spores and harmful microorganisms, and automatic air-flow adjustment that adapts to changes in room temperature. 2.5kW-9.4kW
Designer: a sleek and slimline range of heat pumps that feature long-life ion-deodorisation filters that remove odours, and sensors that detect movement to deliver optimum efficiency and temperature control.
Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.
GreeGree might not be a household brand name, but it’s been distributed in NZ for over 20 years and has 128 dealers and nine distribution centres nationwide. It has a range of just three wall-mounted inverter heat pumps:
All Gree heat pumps come with a six-year, parts and labour warranty.
Although not receiving enough reviews to make our award this year, Hitachi is a well-known and respected name when it comes to heat pump technology.
It has a range of three wall-mounted inverter heat pumps:
E Series: sleek designs with flexible features, including wi-fi control.
S Series: includes premium features such as motion detection and advanced air filtration.
P Series: for the ultimate in smart-home technology. Its Intelligent Image Sensor detects the number of people, location and activity in the room and adjusts cooling/heating accordingly.
Editor’s NotesNot to be confused with the winner of this year’s award, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a separate entity to Mitsubishi Electric, and sells its own range of heat pump products. In NZ it has a range of three wall-mounted reverse cycle heat pumps:
Avanti: features a sleek and stylish design and incorporates a range of convenient features and functions. Ranging from 2.0kW up to 5.0kW, models are best suited to small and medium spaces.
Avanti Plus: featuring an award-winning design and a 7-Star Super Efficiency energy rating, the Avanti Plus range is also super quiet. The range boasts energy-saving motion sensors and clean-air technology that delivers allergen and odour-free air.
Bronte: packed with a range of features and functions, including Allergen Clear System, 3D Auto Mode and various timers, the Bronte series is perfect for larger spaces thanks to its long reach airflow.
ToshibaThe winner of our 2015 Heat Pump Award, Toshiba continues to deliver outstanding heat pump performance in New Zealand homes. It has three heat pumps in its range:
Seiya: ten models offer heating from 2.5kW-11.5kW. Features Magic Coil technology for healthy fresh air, 3D airflow and optional wi-fi.
Edge: Toshiba’s new inverter air conditioner with the most stylish and modern design yet. Whisper-silent, it’s available in seven models, from 2.5kW–8.0kW.
Haori: slim and stylish, the Haori heat pump offers total customisation. Peel and stick textile covers to match the décor of any room. Also features Ultra Pure Filter and Plasma Ioniser.
There are many things to consider when choosing the right heat pump to match your home and budget. However, it’s essential to consider certain key factors when making your purchase.
Here is what the heat pump consumers in our survey said were the main things they considered when rating their purchases.
Given a heat pump is something that you want to work efficiently at the flick of a switch, it’s no surprise ease of use and reliability are the top two considerations.
The fact that quietness is less of a concern probably reflects the fact that most modern heat pumps are whisper-quiet, meaning noise is less of a concern:
Air source heat pumps are by far the most common type of residential unit in New Zealand, there are three main models:
Split heat pumps have two main components – one inside and one outside of your home. The indoor unit is usually mounted on the wall or ceiling. The outside unit absorbs heat using coils and refrigerant. This heat passes inside through pipes, where the heat is released. Reverse cycle pumps use the same method for cooling, just the other way around.
Multi-split heat pumps are the same as split heat pumps but with a larger single outdoor unit serving multiple indoor units. This enables one system to provide heating and cooling across multiple rooms, or even an entire house.
Ducted heat pump systems provide heating and cooling to an entire home without the need for noticeable indoor units. A ducted system includes a large outdoor unit and flexible ducting that runs through your floor and/or ceiling to provide heating and cooling through vents in your home. Ducted heat pumps are generally more expensive and are best fitted at the time of a home’s construction.
When purchasing any appliance, thorough research is always a good idea. Key things to consider before committing to buying a heat pump include:
The size and output of your heat pump is important, and will depend on the size of your home and its location. Heat pumps are measured by their output and range from small 2kW models up to large 25kW units. It’s critical to get professional advice when choosing the size of your heat pump. An undersized unit may struggle to heat/cool your room, consume more electricity and prove uneconomical to run.
Heat pumps are usually more efficient than most heating/cooling appliances, but their efficiency varies between models.
Many modern reverse cycle heat pumps come with inverter technology. Inverter technology delivers one of the most energy efficient ways to heat-cool your home. Rather than just switching a heat pump on and off, inverter technology works like the accelerator of a car, gently adjusting power to reach the desired temperature faster, then steadily maintaining it without fluctuations, for more efficient operation.
Air filtration is an important consideration, especially if someone in your family suffers from asthma, other breathing difficulties or allergies. Some heat pumps contain inbuilt air filtration systems designed to improve air quality.
While appearance isn’t a huge factor when it comes to heat pumps, as most share very similar designs, it’s still worth looking out for styles that match your home décor.
Several brands tap into the black appliance trend, while others have silver or coloured finishes. Additionally, some brands feature curved front panels and other stylish designs.
Many heat pumps feature a variety of smart features. A popular example is wi-fi connectivity, which allows you to control your heat pump via a phone, tablet, online or as part of a smart home system.
While wi-fi might not be high on your priority list, the functionality certainly adds to the convenience of owning a heat pump, especially if you can turn on your heat pump remotely on your way home from work.
This report was written by Canstar’s Editor, Bruce Pitchers. Bruce began his career writing about pop culture, and spent a decade in sports journalism. More recently, he’s applied his editing and writing skills to the world of finance and property. Prior to Canstar, he worked as a freelancer, including for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority, and for real estate companies on both sides of the Tasman.
Use heat pump for heating and cooling: 57%
Find heat pumps cheaper than traditional electric heaters: 52%
Heat pump is now essential item in home: 50%
Regularly clean heat pump’s filters: 45%
Purchased an energy efficient heat pump: 44%
Researched heat pumps before purchase: 38%
Have additional insulation in home: 26%
Heat pump has reduced power bills: 23%
Have taken extra steps to make home warmer: 21%
Health has improved since installing heat pump: 20%
Made use of a government subsidy to buy heat pump: 19%
Have had to reduce overall spending to pay power bill: 17%
| Extra steps taken | % |
| Curtains on all windows | 84% |
| Only heat rooms used | 67% |
| Rugs/carpets on floor | 53% |
| Draught excluders at windows and doors | 32% |
| Insulation | % |
| Roof | 79% |
| Walls | 56% |
| Under-floor | 55% |
| Double glazing | 41% |
Canstar Blue surveyed 2506 New Zealand consumers across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers who have purchased and used a domestic heat pump in the last two years. In this case, 409 New Zealanders. Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criterion.
The past winners from Canstar Blue’s Heat Pump ratings:
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