Heat Pump Replacement
Swap out an old or failing heat pump — across the Waikato, King Country, Coromandel & Bay of Plenty
When the old unit's done, replace it cleanly
Most heat pumps last 12–15 years. After that, efficiency drops, parts get harder to find, and repair bills start outweighing the cost of a new unit. If your heat pump is on its last legs, running on R22, or just costing more to run than it should — replacement is usually the smarter spend.
Airmax handles the whole replacement: free assessment, fixed quote, removal of the old unit, install of the new one, legal refrigerant recovery, recycling, and a fresh 5–7 year manufacturer warranty. Where existing pipework is in good condition, we reuse it — keeping the cost lower than a fresh install.
Six signs it's time to replace your heat pump
Unit is 10–15+ years old
Heat pump lifespan averages 12–15 years. After that, efficiency drops sharply and parts get harder to source. Replacing usually pays back within 3–4 years on lower running costs.
Running R22 refrigerant
R22 was phased out in NZ in 2020. Units running R22 can still operate but if the refrigerant leaks, it can't legally be topped up — the unit is effectively scrap. Replacement is the only path forward.
Power bills climbing for the same use
If your power bill is going up but you're using the heat pump the same way, the unit is losing efficiency. A modern inverter unit can run 30–50% cheaper than a 15-year-old fixed-speed model.
Frequent repairs in the last 2 years
Once a heat pump needs 2+ repairs in 24 months, replacement is usually the smarter spend. Each repair is a band-aid; a new unit comes with 5–7 year manufacturer warranty.
Not heating or cooling like it used to
Reduced performance, longer run times, room not reaching set temperature — these are signs the compressor or refrigerant system is degrading. Often replacement is more cost-effective than chasing the fault.
Loud, noisy, or vibrating
Modern heat pumps run at 18–22dBA — barely audible. If yours is rattling, humming loudly, or vibrating the wall, the bearings or compressor are failing.
How replacement works
Free assessment
We come and look at the existing unit, check refrigerant type, age, and condition, and assess whether the existing pipework and electrical can be reused. No pressure to replace if servicing or repair makes more sense.
Fixed replacement quote
We quote a like-for-like replacement, plus options to upgrade capacity if the original was undersized or your needs have changed.
Removal & install
We safely remove the old unit (including legal refrigerant recovery), reuse existing pipework where it's in good condition, and install the new unit. Most replacements take half a day to a day.
Old unit disposal
We take the old unit away. Refrigerant is recovered to NZ regulations; the metal goes to recycling. You don't have to deal with disposal yourself.
What's included
Every replacement quote is fixed and complete — old unit removal and disposal included.
- Free assessment of the existing unit (no obligation)
- Like-for-like replacement quote plus upgrade options
- Reuse of existing copper pipework and electrical where it's in good condition
- Removal of the old indoor and outdoor units
- Legal refrigerant recovery and disposal
- Recycling of the old unit
- Full manufacturer warranty on the new unit (typically 5–7 years)
- Wi-Fi controller setup on Wi-Fi-enabled units
Replacement questions
How much does heat pump replacement cost in NZ?
Heat pump replacement in NZ typically costs $2,500–$4,500 for a like-for-like single high-wall swap, often slightly less than a fresh install because existing pipework and electrical can usually be reused. Multi-zone replacements run $5,000–$8,000, and ducted replacements from $10,000. Old-unit removal and disposal are included in the fixed quote.
How do I know if my heat pump needs replacing?
Signs your heat pump needs replacing include: age of 10–15+ years, running R22 refrigerant (phased out in NZ in 2020), rising power bills for the same usage, two or more repairs in the last 24 months, reduced heating or cooling output, and loud or vibrating operation. Most heat pumps reach end of practical life around 12–15 years.
Can I reuse the existing pipework when replacing a heat pump?
Yes, in most cases. Existing copper pipework, electrical, and mounting brackets can usually be reused for a heat pump replacement as long as the pipe diameter matches the new unit, the copper is in good condition (no corrosion or kinks), and the pipe run distance is within the new unit's specifications. We confirm during the assessment.
What happens to the old heat pump?
Airmax removes the old heat pump as part of the replacement. The refrigerant is legally recovered by a licensed refrigeration technician (required by NZ regulations — DIY removal is illegal because of the gas), the copper and metal go to recycling, and any reusable parts are kept for service stock. You don't have to organise disposal yourself.
Is it cheaper to replace or repair a heat pump?
Replace is usually cheaper than repair once the unit hits 10+ years or needs more than $600–$800 of repair work. A new heat pump comes with a 5–7 year warranty and 30–50% better efficiency than older units, so the replacement pays back faster on running costs alone. Under 7 years and a minor fault — repair almost always wins.
How long does a heat pump replacement take?
Most heat pump replacements take half a day to a full day. Like-for-like single high-wall replacements where existing pipework can be reused are typically the fastest — usually 4–6 hours including removal of the old unit. Multi-zone and ducted replacements run longer, often spread across one to two days.
Can I upgrade capacity when replacing a heat pump?
Yes — replacement is the right time to upsize or downsize the system. If the original unit was undersized for the room (a common 1990s and 2000s install mistake), we recommend going up a capacity bracket. If the household has shrunk or you've added insulation, sometimes downsizing makes sense. We assess room volume and insulation as part of the quote.
