Posted February 16th, 2010 by Hartnell
Choosing the right form of heating for your home needs careful consideration.
There are many factors to consider when deciding. While some are obvious there are many that are a little less apparent - and a number of ways that people end up with heating that is not ideally suited to their needs.
Before you invest in any system it is worth investigating all the necessary requirements. A short list would include the following:
- Price
- Efficiency
- Aesthetic appeal
- Functionality
- Versatility
It also pays to consider the layout of the house and your everyday lifestyle. The climate-control option you choose can be entirely different according to whether you work long hours, are retired, have young children or health conditions.
Electric element heating
Plug in heaters: There are a number of different portable heaters on the market with panel, oil column and radiant heaters all having their different uses. They are also one of the cheapest options to buy. However they are only effective in a small area and are recognised as one of the most expensive options per kWh. While good for bolstering temperature in specific areas the running costs would likely prohibit this as a total-home solution for heating.
Nightstore: In times gone past the Nightstore has been a very acceptable and economical form of heating. These heaters can effectively halve the running costs of the standard plug-in heater but problems arise when immediate heat is required. It is also tricky reducing heat output during daytime if heat from the sun lifts the room temperature.
Underfloor heating: This option comes highly recommended for under tile spots or underfloor concrete areas as background heat set at a low temperature. Underfloor heating is similar to a nightstore in that it is not immediately controllable. Due to this inflexibility and the energy required with which to operate it, the underfloor heating system is often not economically viable.
Fires
There is no doubt that fires have been around for some time. However there have been a few changes since the early days of fire use. Recently many people have decided against the traditional favourite as the option of a home fire is extremely labour-intensive, with chopping and stacking chewing through potential leisure time. Also of note is the problem of health and environmental issues with log fires - with an estimated 40-70 deaths a year caused by air pollution in Christchurch alone.
Open fires: It is generally agreed that open fires are the most aesthetically pleasing of all the options. However the old-time romantic is now at odds with the Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury, as clean-air legislation has been put in place to reduce the environmental impact of these fires.
Standard woodburners: This is no longer an option for Christchurch residents. Due to the substantial pollution problem faced by the city the City Council and Environment Canterbury have made a decision to ban this method of heating.
Low emission burner: This method has been popular as a compromise in the face of tighter fire regulation. An informal survey has seen home-owners voice some concerns with the new heating method however. Although very pleasant to look at, many stated that wood tended to burn very fast, with some doubtful that heat output was in the same league as older woodburners.
Pellet fires: Pellet fires were popular through the 1980s and , to a lesser extent the 90s. While providing a strong heat they require a two-pronged approach as a fan is generally required to disperse the heat. Of course this uses extra electricity and, along with the purchasing of the pellets, can be cost-prohibitive. This is compounded by the limited competition in the manufacturing and supply of the pellets. However the initial cost of purchasing is no par with other forms of equivalent heating and the fires do have a strong visual appeal.
LPG gas
Although New Zealand has LPG supplies for the domestic market into the foreseeable future there is already some importation occurring as local sources are reduced. With a decreasing reserve it is certainly not getting any cheaper to buy. Another important factor to note is that LPG, while clean burning pollutant wise is still a fossil fuel. So burning gas adds the ‘greenhouse’ carbon dioxide to the environment.
Unflued mobile gas heaters can be very effective at heating a small area however they also emit water vapour and, sometimes, toxic carbon monoxide. So your warm home can also be damp and potentially dangerous.
Flued LPG gas fires, fitted by a professional gas fitter, often have the same appearance as that of a log burner. Some are fitted with thermostats and are generally quite effective if sized correctly for the space.
Diesel
Go back 30 to 40 years and oil-fired central heating was a popular method of heating homes. The oil crises of the seventies sure put paid to that. Sized correctly diesel heating can still be quite useful and occasionally cost effective. The installation costs are often high however and generally the cost of petroleum based products is out of New Zealand’s control.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand, particularly in new homes and older homes undergoing renovation. Many people have embraced heat pump technology because of the adaptable and easy climate control the units offer.
From single room floor, wall or ceiling models to complete house ducted systems, heat pumps have been recently rated as the most economical of systems to run, not to mention the added bonus of having an effective cooling system during the summer.
The initial cost of purchasing a heat pump system is equivalent to that of other forms of heating - and the environmental benefits are far greater than most. With most rated to operate in extreme temperatures (as low as -15C) the reliability and quiet efficiency of these systems are second-to-none. Use a trusted, reputable dealer who will source the best system for your home.
Non-Inverter heat pumps: These operate on a stop/start principal of heating similar to other conventional heating systems. Programmable temperatures allow the user to dictate a certain heat - however this will drop after the unit has reached the required temperature and switched off. The process will then begin again, using more power to reheat the room once more.
Inverter heat pumps: The inverter works like a cars accelerator, gently increasing or decreasing power as required. This variety of heat pump technology reaches the desired temperature and then maintains it. That means during winter the correct temperature can be kept 24 hours per day. This method of operation not only produces a very acceptable climate, but also produces considerable savings in operating costs.
We have designed a Home Heating Guide to help you assess your home’s climate needs. Are you living in a warm, dry, healthy home or one that, for a relatively small investment, could be considerably improved? Although heat pump specialists we have produced this booklet to give an entire overview for your home’s climate needs. If you would like to request a Home Heating Guide - please do not hesitate to contact us via info@hartnell.co.nz or call us in the offices on (03) 366-3952.
Posted February 12th, 2010 by Hartnell
For all commercial and residential climate control needs, Hartnell Coolheat can provide unique air conditioning, heating and ventilation solutions.
“In 1980 Phil and I recognized a unique opportunity to establish our very own air conditioning company. At the time there was little offered to the public by way of quality, service-orientated climate control installation. The formation of Hartnell Coolheat provided this service.
The company has gone from strength to strength in the following decades, growing from a relatively small family business to a 55-strong workforce with extensive capability in both domestic and commercial climate control.
Understanding our clients needs for detailed, accessible information across a sometimes complicated process, Hartnell Coolheat introduced a clear programme to establish the best levels of communication with the customer, and ensure their satisfaction with the work we do.
At Hartnell Coolheat all work is achieved in-house , from design and installation through to service and maintenance. Refrigeration technicians, electricians and duct installers are employed directly, allowing the greatest level of project control and accountability.”
Director, Chris Hartnell.
Who are We?
Chris Hartnell: Director - In his 34 years in the industry Chris has spent the best part of this time running Hartnell Coolheat. With his unwavering passion and dedication Chris ensures the company will continue to stride ahead of the rest. And, in his efforts as Director, he’s never far from the action.
Rosina Bond: General Manager - After aquainting herself with the company through a number of roles, Rosina has stepped up the the big challenge of General Manager. She delivers the same positive, dynamic work here as she has on each task she’s worked on since arriving at Hartnell Coolheat.
Steve Brown: Operations Manager - Our Operations Manager, Steve has been working at Hartnell Coolheat for over 16 years now. With an overall responsibility on overseeing all installation work, Steve has the consummate experience and insight with which to make sure every job is carried out according to plan.
Garry Beaumont: Service Manager - With Hartnell Coolheat for 4 years, Garry is the man now responsible for all Service and Maintenance work. This latest appointment has been fast tracked in order to capitalize on his excellent capability in this area, an ability to make the best of a situation that is no doubt appreciated by his clients as well.
How we work…
A high level of capability and accountability was instilled in Hartnell Coolheat from the start, with the company a founding member of RACCA (Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Companies Association) in 1985. This organisation is committed to professionalism and excellence in all aspects of the industry. We take safety seriously and, as a member of Site Safe, require our site staff to have a Site Safe Passport and sit two yearly refresher courses.
All our installation and technical staff also attend yearly training on the Daikin product range. This ensures we have the latest knowledge , and can give our clients prompt, efficient service. These clients know that no guarantee can be given that a piece of technology will never break down. However, when worst comes to worst, our technician can soon put things right.
Our service department has a large maintenance customer base. This is where we provide not only breakdown and repair work but also ongoing monthly or quarterly maintenance programmes, including Building Warrant of Fitness compliance. All our technicians regularly attend Daikin’s technical training school to make certain we keep abreast of the latest technology and developments.
What we believe in…
With jobs not quoted properly, badly designed systems, poor installment practices and second-rate technology there are a number of ways that people simply do not get value for money from some companies in the heating and air conditioning industry.
This problem helped in the formation of Hartnell Coolheat’s project estimation policy, a focus on accomplishing the client’s highest expectation from the very start of each project.
The company managers decided that if a project could not be delivered to this expectation it would simply not be started, a mandate that has helped the company’s profile continue to grow throughout Canterbury.
This approach helped win new clients and guaranteed the repeat business of existing ones through the 90’s and into the 21st century. During this time the company have introduced an in-house design team and expanded their dedicated installation and service teams. We believe in delivering the very best in climate control solutions to our clients, supported by both the most efficient, cutting-edge technology available, supported by the dedication and skill of our people.
Posted January 28th, 2010 by Hartnell
What makes good business? With some big changes afoot at Hartnell Coolheat it has been interesting to take stock of our position in the climate control industry and the moves we have made to ensure the continued deliverance of top-notch service for our clients.
I once had the pleasure of listening to Michael Gerber, influential author of the E Myth, at his Christchurch appearance. The focal point of his presentation was in how those who are inspired by their technical knowledge to start businesses will often do so without fully comprehending how a company is run. It’s the reason why a percentage of businesses fail in the first year of operation, and a larger percentage again fail within the first five years.
I believe that achieving success is very simple - find something not being offered in the industry, and deliver with consistency something for the greatest possible benefit of your clients. The important word here? Consistency!
That’s what has made the difference for us. There seems to be a preoccupation nowadays with chasing new clients. Now don’t get me wrong, we’ll never turn anyone away unless we’re absolutely positive we can’t get the job done to the highest quality. But this ‘chase’ isn’t the crux of running a good business. It’s looking after the clients you have that makes the difference. We gain so much work through continued support from our clients and through the resulting positive word of mouth.
We’re noticing customers are more well-informed with how they approach buying climate control systems. Realising the demand of winter months, many are booking installation over summer. It’s an approach that makes certain everything is in place for winter and guarantees the comfort of air-conditioning over summer.
Thanks for reading,
Chris Hartnell
Posted January 11th, 2010 by Hartnell
The Press Newspaper - Thursday 10th December 2009
“The dramatic rise in the number of household heat pumps in Christchurch has had no effect on power use, a study has found.
A study by electricity companies Orion and Meridian Energy and Environment Canterbury (ECan) has allayed fears that power consumption would rocket with conversions from open fires or solid burners to electrical heat pumps.
Installing a heat pump typically increased a household’s power consumption by 2%, but that was balanced by reduced electricity use in homes that had converted to more efficient burners, pellet fires or gas, it said.
In homes where heat pumps have replaced open fires there has been a 2% drop in power use.
Orion chief executive Roger Sutton said that showed how inefficient open fires were, with householder’s forced also to run heaters to stay warm.
People who changed from a built-in woodburner to a heat pump had a 4 % increase in power consumption, and those changing from a freestanding woodburner to a heat pump had an 8% increase.
About 15,500 householders have taken part in the Clean Heat project since it began in 2003. The study was of more than 3400 participants whose conversions were completed before July 2007.
Sutton said the result was “fantastic”, given the explosion in heat pump use in recent years.
“The results confirm the Clean Heat project has had very limited impact on electricity use overall, despite 9300 homes in total shifting from a wood or coal based form of heating to heat pumps”, he said.
ECan director of operations Ken Lawn said the results bucked expectations.
“Anecdotally, we would have expected electricity use would have gone up a bit. We’d always said we’re insulating the homes so we’re not making a significant difference [to power demand], and it turns out we’re not making any at all,” he said.
“In a sense it’s a triple whammy - improving air quality in Christchurch, producing warmer homes, and at no extra use of electricity. When you look at all that, it’s pretty damn good.”
The Clean Heat project allows low-income earners who qualify for rates rebates to get fully paid conversions. Those with a community services card have to pay on $500 towards new heating and up to $500 towards the cost of insulation.
ECan air quality committee chairman Sir Kerry Burke said there had been concern 10 years ago that Christchurch supply lines might not be able to deliver the electricity on a scale that enabled conversions.
“But this shows that has not been the case,” he said.”
Posted November 30th, 2009 by Hartnell
Like all things in life, a little bit of care and and attention can do wonders for your heat pump system.
With the amount of dust and leaves blown about during those nor-west days of summer, now is the perfect time to ensure your heat pump is still running to the maximum efficiency.
For indoor units make certain the filter is vacuumed monthly and washed at least once a year. After washing leave the filter in the sun to dry before re-installing. Outdoor units need to be checked regularly to ensure the rear intake vent is clear of leaves and debris. This is particularly important over the autumn period. Now is also a great time to check that plants have not overgrown the front of the unit, preventing discharge air from freely exhausting.
Any restriction to airflow on either unit reduces heating and cooling perfomance, increases power consumption costs and forces the unit to work harder than it should. To ensure that everything is running smoothly our Service Department is available for checks.
Call us now on (03) 366-3952 for further information or to book in for a service today.
Posted November 26th, 2009 by Hartnell
Make no mistake about it - good service is a performance. There’s research and practice, feedback and system analysis, even occasionally trail and error. Then, when the time comes, you put in the best effort and hopefully receive the appropriate level of acclaim.
A “Perceptions of Customer Service” in a New Zealand survey released in late 2007 saw only 33% of respondents satisfied with the level of customer service they received. While this takes into account a huge range of industries, it still makes for depressing reading.
For principal sales consultant Graham Parker, looking at a project from every angle ensures the very best outcome for the client. It’s a holistic approach to the work that settles on nothing less than complete focus from go to whoa.
Graham says “It starts before I even come on the scene. From the moment the phone is picked up to take an enquiry there needs to be a consistent level of first-class service. Which means our admin staff, then my part when I go out to quote, then with the installation staff and so forth.”
Company director Chris Hartnell heralds this approach as a key to the continued success of the company. “You’ve got to look at the bigger picture with customer service. That means having everyone on board - the entire team looking at our work from the perspective of the end user.”
This approach has been thrown into focus over the last few months as customers spend greater time deliberating over spending. While value for money is a great incentive they will also offer greater advocacy for companies who get it right across the board.
Small companies can get by with a strong guiding vision and a hands-on approach from management. However medium to large companies need to ensure that the systems are in place by which customer feedback can be collected, properly examined and then acted upon. New Zealand’s consumers deserve to be happy with their service far more than merely 33% of the time.
Posted November 20th, 2009 by Hartnell
Buying a heat pump for your home is a big decision. However some consumers seem to treat the process as they would any other electrical appliance purchase. Buying off the shelf and relying on inexperienced or unqualified technicians to install it may work for the toaster - but a sophisticated climate control system?
Hartnell Coolheat sales consultant Graham Parker has therefore provided a quick and easy checklist containing some of the more common aspects that can be overlooked during the consultation and quoting period.
THE QUOTING PROCESS: Reputable companies will send a sales engineer to discuss the clients exact requirements. These engineers will typically take specific measurements, work through a series of calculations and produce a clear drawing of the intended work before leaving the client.
A QUESTION OF KILOWATTS: Certain operators are unscrupulously marketing their heat pump systems to a great extent on the low kilowatt rating on the units. This practise is flawed as it leads to the installation of systems that cannot reach the required operating temperatures during the extreme conditions . Which leads to…Poor performance.
THE TEMPERATURE TEST: Equipment that may work fine in the North Island is not always suitable for the harsher winters in the South. Always check to see the minimum temperature for operation. Ideally the unit will operate even at temperatures as low as -15C.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INVERTER AND NON-INVERTER: A non-inverter system will reach the desired temperature and then, just like any thermostatically controlled heater, switch off. This results in a standard drop in room temperature. The inverter works like an accelerator on your car - gently increasing or decreasing power as required. It reaches the desired temperature and then maintains it. This method produces a dependable, comfortable climate and produces considerable savings in operating costs.
FAN FLEXIBILITY: Always check fan capability, as a range of speed options is crucial for prevention of any unnecessary noise or draughts from the indoor unit.
SPARE PARTS STRENGTH: Reputable companies will not only sell units and install them, but also have a dependable servicing capacity. A large, dedicated service department should have easy access to spare parts and a fast turnaround of any maintenance work.
POWER SUPPLY: Ensure safety and reliability of the systems with a dedicated power supply that goes directly back to the switchboard.
THE WARRANTY: While there are many technology-based warranties these are often supplemented by the installation companies as well. Regardless, consumers should be looking at the five year range for a warranty before committing to any system purchase.
This is only a brief look at the many different facets of heat pump installation. If you have any questions it pays to ask a professional - and take the time to try before you buy in a heat pump company showroom.
Tags: climate control, consumer advice, heat pump advice, heating, home, inverter, kilowatts, non-inveter, technicians, temperature
Posted November 11th, 2009 by Hartnell
A message from our Senior Sales Consultant, Graham Parker….
I saw a television advertisement recently for a major brand of heat pump. The advertisement stated that the unit would be installed by an “authorised installer.” A couple of days later, whilst mowing the lawns - I thought to myself - does authorised mean “qualified”?
The situation regarding heat pump installation in New Zealand is just crazy!
Example - if you had a visit from an Electrician, Plumber or Gasfitter to your home, you would expect that person to be fully qualified - in fact it would be perfectly justified for you to ask for proof. Whereas is in New Zealand it would seem that just about anybody can install a heat pump.
A heat pump system is exactly the same as your fridge (ie/ it circulates refrigerant throughout the system) and if for some reason the unit a) did not have enough gas, b) was not up to pressure or c) had a small leak - only a qualified Refrigeration Engineer can solve the problem.
At Hartnell Coolheat anybody who comes to your house will be either a qualified Refrigeration Engineer or a qualified Electrician. We pride ourself on that fact because we realise the importance of this issue.
It is interesting that despite persistent lobbying, successive governments just don’t seem to want to create a legislation to make it illegal for an unqualified person to handle refrigerants. Interestingly, in Australia they have already fixed the problem - it’s called ‘ARCtick’. The ‘ARCtick’ logo identifies business’ with a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation and technicians with a refrigerant handling licence.
Funny what you think about when mowing grass - but if the above helps some people in Canterbury to do some homework on who is installing your heat pump then we might have a few less cowboys causing real concern within the industry!
Graham Parker
Tags: electrician, heat pump intsallation
Posted October 5th, 2009 by Hartnell
The importance of reducing the impact our resource use has on the environment is by no means breaking news. But it is worthy of ongoing investigation and analysis, so we can continue to change how we do things, no matter whether it’s as a society, a business or as individuals.
The use of potentially harmful refrigerant gases has been in the news with the conviction of two Auckland men for illegally discharging an ozone depleting substance. There are clear rules in place for this work. All gas cylinders have a small reserve of gas that cannot be used; called the ‘heal’, these small amounts can quickly add up. Nowadays waste programmes enable this amount of gas to be shipped off to Australia where high temperature burners carefully dispose of the dangerous greenhouse gases.
While this is the most obvious of waste disposal issues facing the industry there are still a number of ways in which companies can reduce their environmental impact. Hartnell Coolheat is faced with a huge amount of packaging with the delivery and installation of heat pump systems.
The company’s recycling bay has a cardboard disposal area that goes back to be reprocessed. Office paper use is also kept to a minimum with the reusing of printed material, first by using both sides and then by shredding and recycling. A large drum is also now in place to collect all galvanised sheet metal and electrical wire waste. This is then sent of to a local scrap metal contact.
Company director Chris Hartnell sees it as a real win-win approach. “We used to be spending a decent amount each month with the filling of a skip. Now with the level of recycling going on and the use of scrap metal facilities, we’re actually having money coming back into the company for the team’s social fund.”
Tags: efficiency, Environment, recycle, refrigeration, reuse
Posted October 1st, 2009 by Hartnell
Domestic Installations
“Having just shifted into a new home, even with all the boxes and the chaos going on, the guys just worked around me and never got in the way. Then, when it was all done, there was no mess, no sign they’d even been there - apart from the great new heat pump!” - Pitena, Parklands
“I’m delighted with our decision to heat our home in this way. We are warm, dry and comfortable all year round, for a minimal increase in the cost of our monthly power bill” - Liz & Harry, Burnside
“We chose Hartnell Coolheat because your sales person Graham was the first person to sum up the situation and make a confident recommendation. The installation went smoothly and we are so pleased with it. We have no hesitation in recommending Hartnell Coolheat.” - Rob & Val, Marshland
“I have had a Daikin heat pump for the last 18 months… I am absolutely delighted with it. If I have any queries, I have rung and the advice has been good.” - Neita, Hornby
“We were impressed with the service. We felt that the men were respectful of our house and they made a good job of cleaning up after themselves. I also liked the way each new man on site came up to me and introduced himself and told me why he was here. Given the excellent experience we’ve had, we’d definitely go with Hartnell’s again.” - Derek, Upper Riccarton
“Thank you so much for the professional service you recently provided on the installation of our heat pump. From my first enquiry to the follow up phone call today, my husband and I have been totally impressed with the efficient, thorough manner of all your staff.” - Karen & Richard, Spreydon
Commercial Installations
“We would like to thank you and your staff who have worked on the Designline contract for your outstanding effort. It has been an honour and a pleasure being associated with you on this project.” - Richard Gibb, Director, HRS Construction Ltd
“I am writing to express appreciation for the obliging way your team carried out the recent installation…Our personnel have mentioned they were impressed with the courtesy and consideration displayed by your team and that the project was well planned and carried out. Importantly, all of your people were most receptive to our site induction process and were conscientious of safety issues.” - Barry Herring, Holcim NZ Ltd
“Thank you for your generous donation of time to install the air conditioning unit in our office.” - Nickie Barlow, Manager, Ronald McDonald House (S.I)
“A brief note to let you know personally what a pleasure it was to have your company staff at our house to install another heat pump.” - Craig Nicholas, Hampstead House Holdings Ltd
“Your men were just excellent - always helpful and thoughtful, and considerate of the restaurant situation. Well done to what we think was not any easy task.” - Liz Barry, Strawberry Fare Restaurant
Tags: clients, commercial ventilation, confidance, feedback, heat pump advice, heatpump contract, home heating, recommendations, testimonial