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Can I install a heat pump into an existing home?

Whilst there are more location options available and greater flexibility when installing in new homes/builds, a large number of heat pump installations involves placement into existing homes. Our Sales Consultant will visit you at your existing home to discuss what your best options are, suggest unit locations and will look at all the details to ensure a smooth install. Every home is different so it is important to find what works best for the home and occupants on a “case-by-case” basis.

Should I insulate before I get a heat pump?

Definitely. In older houses the quality of insulation deteriorates over time so it pays to check it is adequate. Look into what subsidies are available to you - check out www.eeca.govt.nzfor information on the ‘Heat Smart’ scheme. There is grants offered for insulation to be installed in houses pre-2000 leading to grants off a clean heating device once insulation is at a regulation level. Double glazing windows is also worth considering for older homes. The warmer and drier you can make your home, the better for you and your family.

Should I have a high wall or floor mount heat pump?

The philosophy behind this answer is simple. If heating, cooling and price are equally important to you - choose the high wall unit. If heating is your main requirement choose the floor unit. There is no right or wrong reason to have either or. Sometimes it comes down to an aesthetic look for a client, or limited wall space, furniture locations etc. It is what will work best for the area you have.

What is an inverter heat pump, and how does it work?

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 - during winter 24 hours per day and at a temperature that suits you. This method of operation not only produces a very acceptable climate in which to live and work but also produces considerable savings in operating costs. When buying a heat pump it is important to ensure the unit is an inverter, most are these days however it is always something to look for when choosing your unit; this is a sure way to keep running costs at a minimum.

Can you update an existing heat pump to an inverter using the same piping?

If the existing pipework and electrical services match and the heat pump has an equal or greater output then this is possible. However it is often difficult to match as older heat pumps typically run on a different refrigerant gas (many of which are no longer allowed to be used). Always check with a professional before considering this type of work. Sometimes when you are upgrading an old unit it is best to start fresh with new services as this will ensure you will get the very best from the new system.

Does the outdoor unit have to be on a north facing wall?

No! By accessing underfloor or through the ceiling cavity, a heat pump system can be adapted and installed anywhere around the home. Many people also are worried if the unit is installed on a south facing wall; a good unit is built to withstand down to -10C outside air temperature so they will be able to cope with the Canterbury environment anywhere. When purchasing a new unit it is important to check what temperatures the unit is rated to; many of the cheaper systems may seem like a bargain however may prove costly in the long run when the extreme temperatures hit. The only rule we live by in regards to outdoor unit locations is to not install a unit outside a Bedroom. Like anything with power running through them, there is some noise so it is always best to prevent any sleep interruptions by staying away from Bedrooms. Check for decibel levels when looking a new unit.

Why does water sometimes appear next to the outdoor unit?

Winter’s frosty mornings often bring ice to the outdoor units exterior. While resulting water from defrosting may at first appear startling there is nothing to worry about. If at any time you are worried about the running of your heat pump, give our Service Department here at Hartnell Coolheat a call; we have experienced, qualified technicians on hand to give advice. If need be, our tech will visit your home to examine what could be the problem.

A company has called me regarding my heat pump, they did’nt install it but are telling me it is due for a clean….

Unfortunately we receive a lot of these calls from our clients who have received a phone call from a company they have never heard of telling them their clean/service is overdue. Because heat pumps are a growing popularity they have become a ‘niche’ market - therefore a lot of companies have been set up who “service” existing units for a cut price; a lot of these people are unqualified and not technically trained to deal with the intricate technology of the systems. While their prices may seem like a bargain, do a bit of investigation into the company. Ask if they have a refrigeration engineering qualification/trade certificate or are aligned with the Climate Control Companies Association - its a bit like getting a master builder for your new home; making sure this tradesman will do more good than harm.

This is just a small selection of the questions faced by heat pump installers on a daily basis. If you would like any more information or if you have a question not covered above, please feel free to call us on (03) 366-3952 - we are ready to answer any questions you may have on climate control.

A ‘Perceptions of Customer Service in New Zealand’ survey released 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 the 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.

Here is just some of the feedback we have received:

“A huge thank you for our recent heat pump installation! We were very impressed by your total professionalism from initial contact through to quote and installation. The heat pump itself is doing exactly what we wished. We would have no hesitation in recommending you to any prospective customers” - Jeff & Denise, Rangiora.

“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.

“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 to me and told me why he was here. Given the excellent experience we’ve had, we’d definitely go with Hartnell again” - Derek, Upper Riccarton.

“Thank for a great job! the two men who installed the heat pump were a credit to the company and a pleasure to deal with. We will not hesitate to recommend Hartnell Coolheat to any of our friends” - Margaret & Tom, Rangiora.

As a result, heat pump systems sometimes have a bad reputation, one that could be prevented with the correct assessment from the start.

Even the professionals are sometimes caught out, so the quoting process is something that Hartnell Coolheat takes very seriously. While the methodology of sizing a room is relatively straightforward, it’s the individual needs of the customer that requires the most attention.

One example of this is with the technical information. Many heat pumps record output at 7C. With the harsher climate of Canterbury the size of a heat pump’s temperature range needs to be adjusted to 0C if they are to be effective.

Consumers also need to be aware of maintaining the units to ensure the most efficient and long-lasting benefits. Some companies are now offering an ongoing cleaning service, an often expensive exercise in something that, with a little care, heat pump owners can do themselves.

All heat pumps incorporate a washable filter the removes dust and particles from the air. While these filters are an important feature for regulating air quality for those suffering from asthma and other allergies they do require regular cleaning. Of most value in this maintenance is simple common sense. Make sure there are no leaves or other garden debris around the outdoor unit and clean the easily-removable filters from indoor units with a vacuum on low power.

Most importantly, if you have any questions about installing a climate control system, or are worried about ongoing maintenance, don’t hesitate to call Hartnell Coolheat today on (03) 366-3952

Understandably domestic installations at this present time are quite quiet, with many Cantabrians not sure what the future holds. Commercially things are really gaining momentum with many large jobs on the go or about to start to happen, there will be a point in the near future where re-builds and repairs will be full on over both sectors. The reason I want you to know the situation is that very shortly people will start to think “cold weather” and once that starts installation dates will expand really quickly.

We have all heard the phrase “Doesnt time fly!” - well, it sure does. And even though it is not a particularly nice thought, reality is that there is only another 8 weeks until things start turning a bit chilly.  If you have been thinking about upgrading your heating for winter, then NOW is the time to strike. To get a quotation from us will cost you nothing.

How do I go about getting a quote? The first thing is to fix a suitable time for yourself and I to meet at your property; on arrival we will have a conversation to try to ascertain what ideas you have and what you expect to be achieved. At this stage, we do alot of listening as it is very important that we have a clear idea of your thoughts and needs.

The discussion will lead us into the correct choice of system for your residence; this may be a Daikin floor console, Mitsubishi high wall or even a whole multi system to target specific areas. The next really important thing to discuss is the most suitable position for the indoor unit. This is a very important step as an incorrectly placed indoor unit could cause problems such as drafting if things like furniture placement are not taken into consideration. A high priority to keep in mind while selecting a location is also where we can run the drain from the indoor unit.

Next the position for the outdoor unit will be discussed. Again, it is certainly not a matter of putting it into the “easiest place” - although they are very quiet we will always try to place it outside a Bathroom/Toilet/Laundry/Garage - NEVER a Bedroom. By doing this, we make sure that from day one there will not be any sound level problems.

Once our visit has come to an end, I will leave you with an obligation free quote - you are not locked down into anything and it is your descision if you wish to proceed with a great new system to keep your home and family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I will always be available should you have any questions or concerns after our time together.

By taking things slowly and discussing the best possible installation specific to your property, we can make sure that the completed system lives up to your expectations. It is not a difficult feat to achieve but after 31 years serving Canterbury, we know that there is only one way to do the job - and thats the correct way the first time!

At Hartnell’s we know this approach works - it may not always be the cheapest in today’s market full of one man bands and cowboys BUT it will be the best way. This is why our records show that 75-80% of our clients are referrals or existing customers. Now that has to tell a story!

So if you want the job done properly and professionally call us here today on (03) 366-3952.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your climate requirements - Graham Parker.

Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones in the earthquake. It has been a hellish year for many and one that will affect Canterbury citizens for years to come. If there is any comfort in these trying times - it is the community spirit that has shone through; not only from Cantabrians - but the rest of New Zealand and even other countries in the world. It is what allows us to rebuild homes and hearts.  

Like many in Canterbury, our company since the major earthquakes has had a struggle but I am pleased to report that we are now seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. At present our business is benefiting from an uplift in commercial work, but looking at land sales in Lincoln (where I live), domestic sales will pick up in 2012.

Dont forget that if you are one of those contemplating a new property, it is of course an excellent time for us to carry out a quotation for a home heating solution specific to your home and requirements. All we need are your architectural plans to see what system would be ideal for you. You are more than welcome to drop by our showroom at 36 Brisbane Street or call us on (03)366-3952 to discuss through home heating solutions.

Once our quotation is accepted we work with the Builders programme to ensure the tidiest installation. We complete what we call a ‘pre-pipe’ where all refrigeration/services piping is concealed within the walls/ceiling/uderfloor. Drains are also cut into the concrete slab prior to the pouring. Once the house is upon completion, we return and ‘fit off’ the indoor unit and commission it all to working order.

If the budget is tight, you can also pre-pipe for a given area while in the building stage and then purchase the actual unit later on down the track when the bank balance recovers. All we need to do to achieve this is  retain a copy of your house plans.

Remember one thing - if you are building a new home - heating and ventilation are an important factor in being comfortable and healthy; do not overlook heating systems!! Even if you are looking at altering your current set up - do not leave it until the temperature starts dropping - act now so you are all set for winter 2012. We are stockists for Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Hitachi and ventilation/heat recovery/heat transfer systems so we will be able to suggest an ideal solution for your new home.  

Our offices close 5:00pm Thursday 22nd December 2011 for the Christmas/New year break. I will be back in the office from Wednesday 4th January so if you wish to receive an obligation free quotation give me a call to arrange a suitable time for us to meet.

In conclusion the team here at Hartnell Coolheat wish all readers of this blog a very happy Christmas and a healthy, successful 2012.

Before the events beginning 4th September 2010, no one could foreseethat Canterbury could be rocked with such destruction and devastation. Every Cantabrian has their own story, but what ties us together is our community spirit and willingness to rise above what is so uncontrollably out of our hands.

Here at Hartnell Coolheat, our staff have all felt the impact in many ways, some have lost loved ones, some have lost homes - for many just the emotional and physical toll of dealing with the day to day stresses of on going after shocks. It has been a tough year to say the least however it is the dedication of our staff despite this environment that continues to enable us to move forward and provide the top quality service we our renowned for.

As Canterbury re-builds, we look towards the future of sufficient heating in both commercial and domestic sector heating and ventilation. The reality is we need to work exceptionally hard in times like these. The opportunities available in Canterbury are tremendous - if you ask anybody they will agree - this is one heck of a place to work and live in and we owe it to our city’s rich history and bright future to put our best foot forward - nothing is beyond our reach.

Hartnell Coolheat supports Canterbury 100% and will continue to provide our top rate service into the future - operating 30 years speaks for itself.

If we can help you with your air conditioning requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us today on (03) 366-3952. We are active in the EQR heat replacement programme and are EECA approved. Our Daikin and Mitsubishi products are all energy star rated and our knowledgeable sales consultants will find the right system to suit your home or business.

As we move forward to the 1 year anniversary of the initial quake, our hearts and thoughts are with Canterbury.

But prior to even thinking about spending that sort of money here are a few thoughts…

Take a quiet look around your house and self evaluate what you think could be creating moisture. Areas without adequate ventilation such as rangehoods above stoves, extract systems in the Bathroom/En suite etc can all create large amounts of moisture. By using systems such as these in general areas that create moisture, the “wet” air will be dumped outside  which would be major headway to drying out your property.

Another trap to be aware of when looking into particular home solutions is that some companies are selling attic ventilation units without heaters. For example - during a Christchurch winter your roof space is not always warm so without something to temper the air - you will just be dragging in and around cold air! In my experience, once the temperature in a given area is stabilized in winter then the need for additional attic ventilation is much less.   

The other area you might care to look at is are you letting enough fresh air into your house through burglar proof catches on your windows, window vents etc - well worth consideration.

You may be thinking ‘what does this all have to do with a heat pump blog?’ - however we are all about the entire subject of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning!! My background in this industry started with many years in ventilation therefore I understand the simple solutions to rectify the “problem” of condensation.

If I have given you something to think about then that’s good and I would recommend to look at what you can do yourself before buying into the “promising” ad’s on TV. If you would like me to spend more time at your property on a one-to-one basis - just give us a call on (03) 366-3952 and I will visit with you to see what can be done to help you. Remember every residence in New Zealand is different, there is not one set solution so don’t part with hard earned dollars prior to giving the problem some thought.

- Graham Parker, Sales Consultant.

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.

“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.

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.