Air-to-Water Heat Pump Installation Across Otago, Queenstown and Wanaka
Air-to-water heat pumps designed for NZ winters, sized on real heat-loss calculations, and installed by the same person who designs and commissions them. End the Dunedin chill, the weeping windows, and the diesel bills. One installer, one point of contact, one warranty.
“Thank you so much for the great advice. Knowledgeable and would highly recommend. Went out of the way to give up to date advice.”
Amy Suddaby
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Tired of the Cold and Paying High Bills?
If your house can’t seem to stay warm, or if the cost of electricity keeps rising, it’s not you; it’s the heating system. Highlander Heating are professionals in air-to-water heat pumps in Otago and are used to dealing with all types of homes.
End uneven heat and noisy systems
Relax with a peaceful, low-maintenance solution that lasts
Custom design for Dunedin to Wanaka Homes
Get My Free Survey & QuoteAir-to-Water, Hot Water Heat Pumps, Air Source Heat Pumps — Same Thing in NZ
Three names get used for the same system. Air-to-water heat pumps are also called air source heat pumps and hot water heat pumps in NZ. They all three describe a system that pulls heat from outside air, transfers it into water, and pushes that hot water through your radiators, underfloor loops, or hot water cylinder.
This is different from the air-to-air “heat pumps” most NZ households know, those blow warm air into one or two rooms. An air-to-water system heats your whole property at once, including domestic hot water, using one outside unit and your existing or new water-based distribution system.
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How Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Transform Your Home
Air-to-water heat pumps extract heat from the outside air to make hot water, which can be used for radiators, underfloor heating or existing hydronic systems. They deliver reliable, energy-efficient heating for long-lasting comfort and reduced utility bills.
Consistent heat in every part of the house. No more cold rooms
Low operating costs relative to older electric or gas systems
Quiet and unobtrusive operation for a calm home environment
Perfect for NZ’s colder regions. Engineered for efficiency and durability
“Will it work in a Central Otago winter?” Modern A2W systems hold flow temperature down to around -15°C ambient — well below overnight lows in Cromwell, Alexandra, or Wanaka. The fix is sizing for the bottom 5% of winter conditions, not the average.
Most properties we install on were running diesel, gas, or older electric heating. The switch typically halves running costs and delivers more even heat across every room.
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Air-to-Water Heat Pump Installation Cost in NZ
Most A2W installations in Otago run between $38,000 and $100,000+. Retrofits sit at the lower end, architectural premium builds at the top.
Retrofit onto existing radiators or underfloor: $38k – $55k
Standard new build with full hydronic install: $55k – $80k
Queenstown or Wanaka architectural premium: $80k – $100k+
Fixed-price quote with itemised heat-loss calculation, no vague “from” pricing
Acoustic compliance, commissioning, and warranty registration included
Full breakdown in our A2W heat pump cost guide for 2026
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0% to 1% Bank Finance for Heat Pump Installation
Major NZ banks run dedicated green-home finance products that turn the upfront cost into a monthly payment, often less than the diesel bill it replaces. Eligibility differs by bank — confirm current rates with yours directly.
Westpac Greater Choices: 0% to $50,000 over 5 years
ANZ Good Energy: 1% to $80,000 over 3 years
ASB Better Homes Top Up: 1% to $80,000 over 3 years
BNZ Better Future Home Loan: 1% to $80,000 over 3 years
Get My Free Survey & QuoteWhy Highlander Heating’s Systems Last Longer and Work Better
Not only do we install, but we also engineer every system for optimal performance.
Designed by pros, not salesmen. Heat load calculations and quick assessment included
Verification for compatibility with hydronic loops, old and new
Rebate and grant assistance. We do the paperwork
Clean, respectful installation with carpets and furniture covered
Hands-on handover training so you know exactly how to run your system
District Plan acoustic compliance built in. Outdoor unit positioning planned to meet QLDC, DCC, and CODC night-time noise limits at the property boundary
Brand-agnostic. We don’t push one heat pump because we sell more of it. Selection is matched to your property’s heat-loss needs and budget
Continual support from your installer. Ask for them anytime
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How Your Air-to-Water Heat Pump Works
Your system pulls heat from outdoor air, then sends it into water that flows through radiators or underfloor loops. This clean, renewable heating solution helps to heat your home more efficiently.
Outside air is sucked in, and heat is taken out
The water in the system is heated up.
A flow of heated water snakes through your radiators or underfloor loops
Accommodating thermostats and controls provides consistent room comfort
Get My Free Survey & QuoteReplacing a Diesel or Gas Boiler with an A2W Heat Pump
Most jobs we run in Otago are diesel and gas boiler conversions. The radiators and pipework stay, the boiler comes out, and an A2W heat pump replaces it. See our heat pump vs boiler comparison
Existing radiators kept, most are heat-pump compatible (checked during the survey)
Underfloor loops and internal pipework stay in place
Boiler removed and disposed of, including diesel tank where applicable
New plumbing connects the heat pump into your existing system
Heating and hot water restored within 24 hours; full retrofit takes 3–5 days
Council compliance documentation handled (DCC / QLDC / CODC)
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FAQs
What Homeowners Ask Before Installing
Here’s what most homeowners ask before they get started.
Yes, zoned air-to-water systems evenly heat all levels and rooms. Loops are sized correctly to maintain comfort without wasting energy.
Absolutely. Modern heat pumps deliver steady warmth even below zero, keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills low.
We install units neatly, protecting floors and walls. Indoor parts stay unobtrusive, and outdoor units are positioned for minimal noise and visibility.
Yes, you can control each room or set schedules via smartphone or thermostat. We’ll set everything up and show you how to use it easily.
We can connect to existing radiators or underfloor loops, replacing only what’s needed for efficient, reliable operation.
Most homeowners see savings soon after installation. Well-designed systems use far less electricity than older gas or electric models while delivering steady, efficient heat.
Our Process
Our Simple, Proven Heat Pump Installation Process
We make it simple and easy, from your opening call to commissioning.
Free Survey And Quote
We inspect your existing system or review your new-build plans.
Professional Installation
Sleek, punctual and built to last.
Commissioning & Support
We optimise the system and teach you how to use it for maximum performance.
Peace of Mind Comes Standard
We take care of your investment so it continues to perform reliably for years.
2-Year Craftsmanship Warranty. We stand behind every install
Up to 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty on selected products
Digital handover packs & QR job tags. You retain all info
Direct support. We don’t disappear when the job is over
Council noise compliance documented as part of every install (QLDC, DCC, CODC, Waitaki, CCC)
Itemised heat-loss calculation included in every quote — no guesswork, no vague “from” prices
Still unsure?
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Common Questions Homeowners Ask About Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
Yes. We don’t retrofit systems that were designed for other homes onto yours. Even when accounting for loads and operating in zones, performance is equal to that of any Otago or Queenstown home, including large multi-storey residences, without the same strain on the system or energy bills.
Absolutely. Air-to-water heat pumps can be connected to radiators or underfloor heating loops if you already have them in your home. We evaluate your installation to make necessary adjustments and ensure a trouble-free, efficient fit, so you can enjoy contemporary heating without wasting your investment in working equipment.
Very quiet. Today’s air-to-water heat pumps work quietly inside and outside the home. You’ll feel them emanating a mild warmth, not mechanical noise, which is great for bedrooms, living rooms or any place where peace is essential.
Yes. Our systems may also be used in conjunction with solar or other renewable energy sources to reduce operating costs further. We engineer systems that finely balance efficiency; therefore, your heat pump will complement your existing energy sources for the most effective environmental and financial benefits.
With good system efficiency, most homeowners will notice a difference right away. Replacing ageing electric and gas heating with an appropriately sized air-to-water heat pump reduces energy use, resulting in warmer rooms and lower monthly bills from the first season.
We install across Otago, Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, and Waitaki. System spec changes by region — alpine, coastal, and dry-cold climates each call for different builds.
Ready to Upgrade to an Efficient, Renewable Heating System?
For air-to-water heat pump installation, New Zealand residents can trust the experts at Highlander Heating. We evaluate your property, engineer the ideal system, and install it professionally, cleanly, efficiently, and dependably.