Most New Zealand homes rely on a heat pump / air conditioner for both winter heating and summer cooling. Used well, it can be one of the most efficient ways to keep your home comfortable year-round. Used poorly, it can add to your power bill.

Heat pumps / air conditioners are already efficient by design. They can deliver around three to five times more heating than the power they consume and have lower running costs. These systems also produce fewer emissions and can be cheaper to run than other heating options, such as gas heaters and wood burners.

While we can already see some benefits, there are additional things you can do to make your heat pump / air conditioner more energy efficient.

Key Takeaways

  • Keep temperatures constant to save energy

  • Insulate, seal draughts and use curtains to reduce heat loss or gain

  • Heat or cool only the rooms you’re using

  • Clean filters frequently and keep the outdoor unit clear

  • Service your heat pump / air conditioner once a year or so

  • Use timers and smart controls instead of running the system all day

  • Check energy ratings and grants before upgrading

Set a Consistent Temperature

For winter heating, aim for around 25 to 27°C in living areas. Turning the heat pump / air conditioner up high to warm the room quickly, then switching it off once the room gets too hot, is usually less efficient than holding a steady setting. Each extra degree of heating above that may increase running costs by around 10%, depending on the home and conditions. The key is to avoid large temperature swings.

In summer, set your heat pump / air conditioner to around 18 to 21°C for efficient cooling. These temperatures will keep your home comfortable without forcing the system to work harder than needed. 

GENERAL’s single-room heat pump options are ideal for heating and cooling one main living area.

Insulate and Draught-Stop Your Home

A heat pump / air conditioner works best in a home that holds its temperature well. If warm air escapes in winter or heat pours in during summer, the system has to work harder to replace the comfort you lose.

Ceiling and underfloor insulation is a good place to start. Insulation reduces heat transfer in your home. Sealing gaps around doors and windows can also stop draughts. Closing curtains at night keeps warmth in during winter, while drapes or blinds during the day keep the sun’s heat out in summer.

Eligible New Zealand homeowners could also receive support for insulation and an approved heater through the Warmer Kiwi Homes program.

Heat or Cool Only the Rooms You Use

There is little value in heating or cooling rooms no one is using. Closing doors to spare bedrooms, laundries or unused spaces ensures conditioned air stays where it’s needed.

This approach is especially useful in older New Zealand homes, where insulation levels and room layouts can vary. A single living area may warm quickly, while hallways or unused rooms pull heat away from the main space.

For larger homes, ducted or multi-room systems with zoning can make it easier. Zoning lets you direct air to selected areas, such as living rooms during the day and bedrooms at night, rather than conditioning the whole home at once.

If you have a larger home, take a look at our whole-home ducted systems with zoning.

Keep the Filters Clean and Book a Service

Dust and clogged filters restrict airflow. When airflow is reduced, the heat pump / air conditioner has to work harder to deliver the same heating or cooling. That can increase energy use and reduce comfort.

Check filters regularly during heavy-use seasons such as summer and winter. This could be every few weeks, especially if you have pets or a lot of dust in your home. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and refitting filters.

The outdoor unit also requires good airflow. Remove any leaves, grass clippings or debris so it can release or absorb heat properly.

A scheduled service keeps the system running efficiently. It can also pick up issues early, before they affect performance or lead to more expensive repairs. Booking in with a fully qualified service technician before the change of season will ensure your heat pump / air conditioner is ready to go, especially before winter heating demand increases.

Find out more with our End-of-season Servicing Tips.

Use Timers, Smart Controls and Turn It Off When You Are Out

Timers and Wi-Fi controls help reduce wasted energy. They let you warm or cool your home shortly before you arrive, rather than leaving the heat pump / air conditioning system running all day.

For most homes, leaving it on in an empty house is simply wasted energy. If you’re out for more than a couple of hours, turning it off and using a timer to restart it before you return will usually cost less.

Smart controls also mean that you can adjust the system from your phone instead of setting a timer or turning it on manually. Learn more with our article How Smart Climate Control Works, or explore GENERAL’s anywAiR Wi-Fi control.

Check the Energy Rating and Grants Before You Upgrade

If you have an old, noisy or expensive-to-run heat pump / air conditioner, you could save yourself a lot of money by replacing it.

When you’re in the market for a new system, the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) shows the expected heating and cooling efficiency across hot, average and cold climate zones in Australia and New Zealand. This enables you to compare systems based on the climate where you live, and more stars generally means better efficiency and lower running costs for the same output. This article, Understanding the Zoned Energy Rating Label, can explain it in more detail.

Before upgrading, ensure you: 

  • Check the size of your current system

  • See if you are eligible for a Warmer Kiwi Homes program grant to assist with the costs

  • And compare the energy rating, warranty and controls

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to leave my heat pump / air conditioner on all day or turn it off?

For most homes, it can be more energy efficient to turn off the heat pump or air conditioner when the house is empty, rather than running it continuously. Using a timer or smart controls can help you switch the system back on before you return, so your home is comfortable when you arrive. When people are at home, maintaining a moderate temperature can help balance comfort and energy use.

Should I use ‘Dry’ mode on my heat pump / air conditioner in summer?

Yes. The dry or dehumidify mode can remove moisture from the air, which makes the room feel cooler without setting the temperature very low. It’s more useful when the air feels damp rather than extremely hot.

Am I eligible for a Warmer Kiwi Homes heat pump / air conditioner grant?

There are certain criteria you must meet for the grant:

  • You must own and live in a home built before 2008

  • You must have a Community Services Card, a SuperGold Combo Card or live in an area identified as low income

  • Your home must have ceiling and underfloor insulation installed to EECA standards

  • Your home must not already have an operational fixed heater in the main living area

  • If your home already has a working heat pump, wood or pellet burner, flued gas heater or central heating system in the main living area, you will not usually be eligible for a heating grant

GENERAL’s Lifestyle range heat pumps / air conditioners meet the required performance standards for the program.

Details can change, so check current Warmer Kiwi Homes eligibility before planning an upgrade.

How often should I service my heat pump?

A professional service roughly once a year is a practical guide for most homes. Filters should also be checked and cleaned regularly, with GENERAL recommending cleaning filters every two weeks under normal operating conditions. More frequent cleaning may be required in dusty environments or during periods of heavy use.

Small Changes, Year-Round Comfort

Improving the energy efficiency of heat pumps / air conditioners comes from setting sensible temperatures, stopping draughts, using the system only where needed, keeping it clean and making the most of timers or smart controls.

These habits can ensure your home stays comfortable across winter and summer while lowering unnecessary energy use.

Ready to look at a new heat pump / air conditioner? Click here to find a stockist or use the General Assist Product Selector to compare options for your home.

Kyle Rafter
General Manager, Product & Strategy at GENERAL Australia & New Zealand

Kyle has over 16 years experience within the air conditioning industry. Since joining GENERAL (formerly Fujitsu General) in 2015, Kyle has driven innovation and growth, leveraging his expertise in commercial business development. Passionate about cutting-edge technology, Kyle is dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions in the air conditioning sector.