Posted September 3rd, 2009 by Hartnell
As the focus of our work turns towards summer and air conditioning now is a good time to look back on some issues raised over the last few months.
Power bills in winter are always a big topic of conversation. In our experience nearly all cases of large changes in power bills come down to one of three factors. The first is user behaviour. Leaving your heat pump running at high temperatures 24 hours a day, seven days a week is not advised. While the residence always wants to be comfortable, it always costs more if they want to have a sweltering interior climate.
Secondly, there’s the incorrect quoting and installation of systems. Here undersized or inferior heat pumps, incapable of delivering in harsh South Island conditions, become a real issue. This is an unfortunate reality of a technology that can be purchased straight off the shelf.
Thirdly, there are those who shift from solid fuel heating. No matter how efficiently a heat pump operates it will still represent a large increase in the percentage of electricity consumption for heating purposes if someone has made the switch. This does not take into account subtracting the cost of wood, nor the associated labour costs (stacking, chopping, fetching, lighting) of fires.
There has also been some confusion of late regarding exactly how long a heat pump should be operating for over a day. In many cases we advise our clients to leave their systems on for long periods of time. This does not mean we recommend the heat pump be running continuously. This unfortunately happens both in winter and summer, where doors and windows remain open while the system fights the constant influx of outdoor temperature. It would be like using a vacuum cleaner on your garden path - obviously not the most sensible use of power and efficiency.
Inverter technology provides this efficiency by increasing or decreasing power usage according to the cycle of temperature control, a capability that saves money in both winter and summer. However it still comes down to a thorough quoting process to ascertain exactly what is required. It’s for this reason that we encourage those considering purchasing a climate control system to spend the time getting all the information up front. Do some research and get a consultation from a well-regarded company pre-installation.
Tags: all weather heat pumps, heat pump advice, heat pump installation, heat pump inverter, heat pump use, heat pumps in winter, winter, winter economy
Posted August 18th, 2009 by Hartnell
NZ Herald - Saturday August 15th, 2009
“Heating and air conditioning engineers say their professional lobby has been deluged with complaints over poorly performing heat pumps, but they can do little to help most victims.
‘The issues being raised include quality of installation, building code compliance, the installed solution not performing to expectations and significant power bill increases’ said Steve Coatham, general manager of NZ Hevac Ltd.
Research has shown a trend to using heat pumps - with an associated higher annual average consumption of electricity - and installation of heat pumps in 45 per cent of new homes.
According to Contact Energy, some consumers who have complained after seeing their power bills double have households which have installed heat pumps or made more use of oil column heaters.
Trustpower staff have said some heat pumps can cost up to $7 a day to run, while some installers have suggested they can be run for $60 - $70 maximum a month.
But Mr. Coatham said that NZ Hevac - fronting for the Institute of Refrigeration Heating Air Conditioning Engineers (IRHACE) and Refrigeration Air Conditioning Companies Associations (RACCA) - said that it could not afford to investigate complaints not directed at its own members.
‘Our understanding is that many installers do not have… specialist refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation system skills or provide electrical certification,’ he said.
A heat pump with less than a full charge of refrigerant could increase power consumption by over 100 per cent of expected levels, he said.
‘Poor heat pump installs bring the industry into disrepute with consumers,’ Mr Coatham said.
The refrigeration and air conditioning industry wanted people handling refrigerants to require certification, in line with the requirements for electricians and plumbers, and is nearly ready to propose the Government implement a tiered registration process.
Meanwhile, a voluntary scheme designed by IRHACE and RACCA, with the Ministry for the Environment, had been started and over 500 members of the associations complied “on a voluntary basis” with the programme.” NZPA
This article demonstrates how important it is to search today’s broad heat pump air conditioning market to find a reputable company selling top quality units, installing with fully qualified refrigeration engineers, offering a range of warranties on units and workmanship and who will stand behind their guarantee’s 100%.
Hartnell Coolheat for ALL of your air conditioning needs.
Tags: circulation, electricity, electricity costs, heat pump installation, heat pumps, quality heat pump installation, refrigeration engineers, specialist refrigeration
Posted August 13th, 2009 by Hartnell
Daikin only does one thing, heat pump air conditioning.
As a world leader in heat pump air conditioning and one of the largest manufacturer’s of heat pump air conditioners in Japan, Daikin’s advanced technology is focused on bringing climate controlled comfort to places where people live, work, meet and relax.
A heat pump should not be treated as ‘just another appliance’. Its purpose is to deliver superior comfort by controlling the temperature, airflow and air quality in a broad range of environments. Designing and manufacturing high quality heat pump air conditioners requires specialised knowledge in the fields of mechanics, electronics and chemistry.
Installing heat pump air conditioning also requires specialist knowledge to ensure you get the right advice, and the system that’s right for you.
The value of a professional installation
When buying a heat pump air conditioner, it’s very important to seek expert advice and here at Hartnell Coolheat we can offer our time and effort to ensure you choose the right heat pump for your individual needs. We will make certain whichever unit you select is correctly positioned and is professionally installed so it works quietly and efficiently. We will also show you how to operate the unit so that you enjoy maximum comfort from your investment.
Warranty
When your looking for a heat pump air conditioner, it is advisable to look for a brand that has a comprehensive warranty on parts and labour. Daikin has a ‘5 year Parts and Labour Warranty’ on heat pump air conditioners and heat pump air conditioning systems purchased and installed in New Zealand.
Add to that our ‘1 year Parts and Labour warranty’ covering the initial installation and Chris Hartnell’s Personal Satisfaction Guarantee - “We back ourselves 100% that we will leave you entirely satisfied, with a system that controls the climate of your home efficiently and cost-effectively. Our policy is that if we do not install our best solution for your home we will rectify the problem free of charge*. There is no catch, no hidden costs.”
The importance of energy efficiency
Not all heat pump air conditioners have the same energy rating. Energy ratings, like the star system, are calculated by taking the amount of energy put out by the heat pump air conditioner and dividing it by the amount of energy it puts in. Make sure you compare the energy levels of different heat pump air conditioning systems, but remember there are different energy levels at different heating and cooling outputs. So make sure you speak with a specialist like Daikin to get a fair comparison.
Daikin. A sensitive choice
Daikin are the only split system heat pump air conditioners authorised by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ to display to the Sensitive Choice butterfly symbol. Daikin split system heat pump air conditioners have advanced air-purifying filters that may help reduce some of the triggers that affect asthma and allergy sufferers and help to provide a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. All Daikin split systems have been fitted with a an air-purifying filter. Most of these split systems are fitted with a more advanced Titanium Apatite Air-Purifying filter. These filters not only trap microscopic airborne particles, but also decompose odours and absorb and deactivate bacteria and viruses.
Daikin can be trusted to keep your climate at the perfect temperature. After all, air conditioning is Daikin’s main focus. With operations around the globe Daikin has invested billions of dollars in research and development to produce air conditioning products that are energy efficient, quiet, simple to use, and reliable.
A Daikin air conditioner is an investment that will deliver significant benefits to you and your family’s environment.
* Suject to Terms of trade & warranty
Tags: affordable heating, climate control, Daikin, Daikin heat pumps, good heating solutions, Hartnell's Personal Satisfaction Guarantee, heat pump energy efficiency, heat pump guarantee, heat pump satisfaction, perfect temperature rooms
Posted July 22nd, 2009 by Hartnell
More than 180,000 New Zealand homes will have access to grants for insulation and clean heating over the next four years, as part of a Government funded scheme aimed at energy efficiency and clean heating.
As of July 1st 2009 the EECA ‘Energywise’ Heat Smart programme is available to homeowners and landlords who meet a certain criteria in which funding can be obtained to improve the insulation and heating devices within a house built prior to 2000 (the NZ Building Code required houses after this time to have a specified level of insulation). Better insulation means our homes are warmer and easier to heat. Warmer, drier homes bring health benefits, especially for those with respiratory illness or other conditions resulting from living in cold and damp houses.
Where do I begin?
An accredited EECA insulation specialist must first view your property in order to inspect the insulation. Anything thinner than 120mm in the ceiling and any sagging, air gaps or tears underfloor is considered insufficient insulation and in order to receive a subsidy - must be corrected. You will then be given an option to replace an insufficient heat source with a clean, efficient heating appliance. Hartnell Coolheat have teamed together with Waimak Insulation (WGT Builders Ltd) to offer a 1 stop shop for this process.
Call us here on (03) 366-3952 or Waimak Insulation on (03) 313-6172 if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer or for any further information.
Helpful Sites:
www.hartnell.co.nz
www.wgtbuilders.co.nz
www.energywise.govt.nz
http://www.eeca.govt.nz/sites/all/files/choose-heat-pump-08.pdf
Tags: energy, energywise, heat smart, heatpumps, new zealand building code, power saving
Posted June 15th, 2009 by Hartnell
There is always the sound issue to consider when choosing your climate control system. Indoor units are often marketed on their lack of intrusive noise and many people therefore look for this when product testing.
However sometimes this process can neglect to think of the wider implications - in particular how the noise of the outdoor unit affects the people living next door. While the new heat pump systems have been designed to keep any outdoor noise pollution to a minimum there are still a few simple tips for ensuring a warm home without receiving a chilly reception from the neighbours.
- Check the decibel level of the outdoor unit before purchasing.
- Locate the unit as far away from adjacent homes as possible.
- Pay particular attention to where bedrooms are, both with your home and your neighbours.
Location specific planting is a great way of sucking up sound - although it pays to ensure that any foliage will not become a problem with leaves clogging the intake vent. It pays to check regulations on noise limits, and if you think there could be unwanted repercussions, involve your neighbours in the process from the start.
As always a bit of planning and foresight can prevent any potential problems. While heat pump technology is exceptionally convenient and economical it’s still sometimes the little details that can prove the difference. If you are unsure it pays to check with the experts.
Tags: best advice, climate control, decibal level, experts, indoors, noise, outdoor unit
Posted June 8th, 2009 by Hartnell
Hartnell Coolheat has recently set up it’s own sheetmetal workshop, not only for our own needs… but also for out sourced work.
We are now able to supply plant weather proof housings, screening louvers and ductwork, your roof flashings, rain water heads, spouting, LPG enclosures along with general sheetmetal work, all at competitive prices.
If you would like pricing on any of these items or have a general enquiry - please feel free to contact our Operations Manager, Steve Brown on (03) 366-3952.
Alternatively, feel free to drop by our sheetmetal workshop located on the corner of Brisbane and Coleridge Streets in Sydenham.
Tags: ductwork, louvers, pricing, sheetmetal workshop, weather proof
Posted May 26th, 2009 by Hartnell
Now winter has started to tighten its grip over Canterbury - you need the comfort of a home that’s healthy, warm and energy efficient.
Location, size, design… they all influence the climate conditions of your home. And all the low energy ratings and cut-rate plans in the world wont count for much if your house is not heated to the required capability quickly and efficiently.
At Hartnell Coolheat we pride ourselves on providing the expert advice that matters. We install quality: Daikin Climate Control Heat Pumps, and we’ll only do a job if we know it’s going to be the best investment for our client. We don’t do the cheap gimmicks or flashy deals. We do the best possible job to leave you with a Climate Control system that saves time and money.
With help from Gilrose Finance Limited we are able to extend our excellent short term deal:
12 months Interest free”
We know its a big decision when choosing the ideal heating method for your home - there’s often a huge range of requirements to be covered - and an equally huge range of options. So that’s why the team at Hartnell Coolheat have put together a “Home Heating Booklet” for homeowners to outline the various options available. Call us today on (03) 366-3952 for a free copy or visit our Showroom at 36 Brisbane Street, Sydenham.
* Offer valid for Christchurch and North Canterbury areas. Installation outside these regions may incur additional costs. Residential installation only. Normal Gilrose Finance credit criteria applies.
Tags: climate control, Daikin, deals, heat pumps, Installation, money, time, winter
Posted May 26th, 2009 by Hartnell
Buying a climate control system is a big investment, and weighing up all the options is certainly recommended. This means doing your research pre-installation and getting all the information possible - and not accepting everything at face value.
The quoting process is vital to getting a good look at what is on offer from Canterbury’s installation companies. However there can be a huge range in the quality of advice delivered, and consumers need to weigh up the options carefully. For Hartnell Coolheat’s first time customer Pitena Parkin, this meant not going with the cheapest quote, but instead trusting her instincts on which company would deliver the most professional service.
She required a new system for a recently purchased house, and went with Hartnell Coolheat after sales consultant Graham Parker provided an extensive quote that concentrated on the unique needs of Ms Parkin. Graham’s focus was on delivering a quality solution, even if it meant extra work for the installation team.
It was all a matter of “ATTITUDE” and “OPTIONS” and this deeply concerned Ms Parkin. For example some companies just wanted to do a high wall, back to back. “I felt it was more for their convenience than mine”. One company even refused to provide a floor mounted option.
A floor mounted unit was seen as the best option by the new homeowner. “Because I had a large area to heat (across two rooms) I needed to ensure there would be no cold spots. Now, the floor model recommended by Graham Parker does the job perfectly,” said Ms Parkin.
The installation of the system was a pleasant suprise. “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,” said Ms Parkin. “Then, when it was all done, there was no mess, no sign they’d even been there - apart from the great new heat pump!”
With a young son who likes to think of himself as tech-savvy, the simple-to-use instructions provided by the company were also a great help when the remote programming was ‘modified’. Putting a price on the importance of a professional job is difficult. For Pitena Parkin, the peace of mind throughout the quoting and installation process was worth every cent.
Tags: attitude, Canterbury, climate control, ease of use, investment, options, professional
Posted February 23rd, 2009 by Hartnell
We are now well into 2009 and the Canterbury climate certainly has been a mixture of endlessly hot days and days that remind us winter is just around the corner. The un-predictable nature of Canterbury weather keeps us on our toes as we try to maintain a comfortable home temperature that is cost effective, environmentally friendly and hassle free.
At Hartnell Coolheat, we have 25 years industry experience dealing with the Canterbury climate. In this time, we’ve encountered an incredible range of residential projects and learned a thing or two about what good service really means. For us, it entails offering only the best technology, so we can stand by it 100%. It also means looking at the most efficient, cost effective solutions for our clients, and delivering every job in a friendly, professional manner. We also offer support from a highly trained post-sales department and a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty on all heat pumps.
We also believe in delivering the best job possible. If we don’t think we can provide the best solution for a specific home’s heating and cooling, we won’t do the job. Its as simple as that.
If you are considering a heat pump for this coming winter we have a special promotional offer until the 27th February 2009 - 12 months Interest free with 12 months deferred payment*. This is a limited time offer so be in quick to take advantage.
* Conditions apply.
If you would like to experience the benefits of climate control and would like to arrange an obligation free quotation call (03) 366-3952.
Tags: 2009, Canterbury climate, climate control, climate solutions, heat, heating and cooling, hot days
Posted December 10th, 2008 by Hartnell
Summer marks the warmest time of the year and the longest days. The most recent news coming out of the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) is that South Island residents should expect higher than average temperatures through the late summer months of February and March.
Heat buildup inside the house can be combated in a number of ways and, as usual, a good combination of small measures can make a big difference. Some consumers have found that any monetary savings they’ve made during the winter months have been reduced by greater use in summer. There are however, a few simple methods to ensure sensible, cost effective use of the cooling technology. For those with a heat pump the most common problem is delivering the cool air efficiently. For the maximum result without wasting energy, it’s always best to ensure doors and windows are shut when your unit is on- it’s difficult for a system to work efficiently when it is in direct competition with a constant influx of hot air from outside. Use internal doors to isolate sections of your home that require cooling; there’s no point wasting energy on cooling the kitchen and bathroom areas if they can be blocked off with a window open, especially during the night.
Check to see how the house is being heated up- cooking can spread heat around the house, as running the oven in one room will spread heat throughout the house. Look only at using the stove top on the really hot nights and be sure to employ the spot ventilation on the oven hood to distribute at least some of the heated air outside. Better yet- get outside for your cooking. During summer, there’s not much better than a cold drink and a hot BBQ.
Before the temperatures get too unbearable in the warmer months of the year, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your heat pump is ready to change its role from heating to cooling. The air filter is the most important part of your cooling system. If it becomes clogged, then your system will have to work harder and longer to supply the same amount of cool air. Regular filter cleaning will ensure your unit is at its optimum performance. Washing the filters once a year and leaving them in the sun to dry will also help to keep your unit at maximum efficiency. Outdoor units also need to be checked regularly to ensure the rear intake vent is clear of leaves and debris. It is also good to ensure that plants have not grown over the front of the unit, preventing discharge air from freely exhausting. Any restriction to airflow on either unit reduces cooling (and heating) performance, increases power consumption costs and forces the unit to work harder than it should.
Using your heat pump efficiently, combined with a few common sense measures, can drastically alter the climate of your home.
Tags: efficient, filter cleaning, heat, seasons, summer, warmer months