Heat pump pricing in NZ is confusing because the advertised unit price and the actual installed cost are very different numbers. This guide gives you real installed prices - what you actually pay when the installer walks out the door and the unit is running. All prices include GST, unit, installation, electrical, and commissioning.
High-wall heat pump prices (single split)
High-wall units are the most common type in NZ homes. One indoor unit mounted on the wall, one outdoor unit outside. Here are typical installed prices for 2026.
| Room size | Capacity | Mid-range brand | Premium brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom (10-15 sqm) | 2.0-2.5 kW | $2,500-$3,200 | $3,200-$4,000 |
| Medium room (15-25 sqm) | 3.5 kW | $3,000-$3,800 | $3,800-$4,500 |
| Large living (25-40 sqm) | 5.0-6.0 kW | $3,800-$4,800 | $4,800-$5,500 |
| Large open plan (40-60 sqm) | 7.1-8.0 kW | $4,500-$5,500 | $5,500-$7,000 |
Mid-range brands include Daikin Cora, Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-AP, and Fujitsu. Premium includes Mitsubishi Electric LN Series, Daikin US7, and Hitachi premium models. These prices assume a standard back-to-back installation (outdoor unit directly behind the indoor unit on the other side of the wall).
Floor console heat pump prices
Floor consoles cost $300-$600 more than equivalent high-wall units from the same brand. They are worth it when wall space is limited or you need the unit under a window.
| Capacity | Installed price range | Common models |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kW | $3,200-$4,000 | MFZ-KJ25, Daikin FVXS25 |
| 3.5 kW | $3,800-$4,500 | MFZ-KJ35, Daikin FVXS35 |
| 5.0 kW | $4,500-$5,500 | MFZ-KJ50, Daikin FVXS50 |
Multi-split heat pump prices
Multi-split systems use one outdoor unit to run multiple indoor units. They are cheaper than buying separate splits for each room when you need 3 or more units, and they take up less space outside.
| Configuration | Installed price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2-way (2 indoor units) | $5,500-$7,500 | Often cheaper than 2 separate splits |
| 3-way (3 indoor units) | $7,500-$10,000 | Sweet spot for value vs individual splits |
| 4-way (4 indoor units) | $10,000-$14,000 | Starting to approach ducted territory |
| 5-way (5 indoor units) | $13,000-$18,000 | Consider ducted as an alternative |
Multi-split pricing depends heavily on the indoor unit sizes and pipe run lengths. The prices above assume mid-range brands and reasonably straightforward pipe routing.
Ducted heat pump prices
Ducted systems are the biggest investment but provide whole-home heating and cooling through ceiling grilles with no visible indoor units on walls.
| Home size | Zones | Installed price range |
|---|---|---|
| Small (100-130 sqm) | 2-3 zones | $10,000-$14,000 |
| Medium (130-180 sqm) | 3-4 zones | $14,000-$18,000 |
| Large (180-250 sqm) | 4-6 zones | $18,000-$25,000 |
| Large/premium | 6+ zones | $25,000+ |
Ducted pricing is heavily influenced by the home layout. New builds with designed-in duct routes are cheaper than retrofits. Single-storey homes with good ceiling cavity access are easier than two-storey or homes with limited roof space.
What affects the installed price
The unit itself is only part of the cost. Here is what moves the price up or down.
- Back-to-back vs extended pipe run: a back-to-back install (outdoor unit directly behind the indoor unit) is the cheapest. Every extra metre of pipe run adds $50-$80. A 10-metre run versus a 3-metre run can add $350-$560 to the install
- Electrical work: if your switchboard needs a new circuit or an upgrade, that is extra. Most heat pumps need a dedicated circuit. Budget $200-$500 for electrical if it is not already in place
- Mounting difficulty: second-storey installs, concrete walls, or tricky access to the outdoor unit location all add labour time and cost
- Brand and model: premium models cost more for the unit itself. A Mitsubishi LN Series costs $1,000-$1,500 more than an equivalent MSZ-AP for the same capacity
- Old unit removal: if you are replacing an existing unit, removal and disposal of the old one typically adds $200-$400 including refrigerant recovery
- Condensate drainage: most installs drain by gravity, but if the indoor unit is low (floor console) or there is no gravity path, a condensate pump adds $150-$250
Price by brand
Brand affects the unit cost portion of the installed price. The installation labour is roughly the same regardless of brand.
- Mitsubishi Electric: mid to premium pricing. The MSZ-AP series offers good value in the mid-range. Premium models (LN, EcoCore) are at the top end
- Daikin: competitive pricing, often $200-$500 less than equivalent Mitsubishi models in the mid-range
- Hitachi: similar pricing to Mitsubishi. Fewer models but strong quality
- Fujitsu: the most affordable of the major brands. Typically $300-$500 less than Mitsubishi equivalents
- Panasonic: mid-range pricing comparable to Daikin
How to get the best price
A few practical tips for getting good value without compromising quality.
- Get 2-3 quotes: compare like-for-like on brand, model, and install scope. The cheapest quote is not always the best value
- Consider mid-range over premium: the MSZ-AP or Daikin Cora give you 90% of the features of premium models at 60-70% of the cost
- Plan your outdoor unit location: shorter pipe runs save money. If you have flexibility on where the outdoor unit goes, pick the wall closest to the indoor unit
- Bundle multiple units: if you need units in several rooms, getting them all done at once is cheaper than separate visits. Multi-split may be cheaper than individual splits for 3+ rooms
- Do not skip the site visit: a proper assessment prevents surprises on install day. Free quotes from reputable installers include a site visit
Frequently asked questions
How much does a heat pump cost installed in NZ in 2026?
A standard high-wall heat pump installed in NZ costs between $2,500 and $5,500 depending on unit size, brand, and installation complexity. Small bedroom units start around $2,500, medium room units run $3,000-$4,200, and large living room units cost $4,000-$5,500. These are fully installed prices including unit, labour, pipework, electrical, and commissioning.
Why is the installed price so much more than the unit price?
The unit itself is roughly 50-60% of the total cost. The remainder covers licensed refrigeration work, electrical connections, mounting brackets, copper pipework, condensate drainage, and commissioning. A unit advertised at $1,800 retail will cost $3,000-$3,500 installed because the installation requires two licensed trades and 3-5 hours of on-site work.
What is the cheapest heat pump you can get installed in NZ?
The cheapest quality heat pump installations start around $2,500 for a small 2.0-2.5 kW high-wall unit from a major brand like Fujitsu or Daikin Lite. We would not recommend going cheaper than this - units below $2,000 installed are typically off-brand products with poor warranties and limited parts availability in NZ.
How much does a ducted heat pump system cost in NZ?
Ducted heat pump systems in NZ cost between $10,000 and $25,000 installed depending on home size, number of zones, and brand. A basic 3-zone system in a standard 3-bedroom home starts around $12,000-$15,000. Larger homes with 5+ zones and premium brands can reach $20,000-$25,000.
Are heat pump prices going up in 2026?
Heat pump prices have remained relatively stable through 2025-2026 after the post-COVID supply chain increases settled. Some brands adjusted pricing slightly upward in early 2026 but competition between installers keeps installed prices competitive. The biggest price variable remains installation complexity, not unit cost.
Does Airmax offer payment plans for heat pumps?
Yes - we offer finance options through our partners so you can spread the cost of your heat pump installation over monthly payments. This applies to all system types from single high-wall through to fully ducted. Ask about finance during your free quote.
