Heat Pumps for New Builds
Specced at plans stage, installed during construction — clean finish, right-sized first time
Climate control planned from the framing up
The cleanest, best-performing HVAC installs happen during construction — not retrofitted into a finished house. Ductwork hidden in the ceiling, pipework run through the framing, outdoor units mounted before landscaping. The whole system looks factory-fitted because it is.
Airmax works with Waikato builders, architects, and new-home owners from plans stage through final commissioning. We spec the right system for the build, coordinate with the construction schedule, and handle everything from a single high-wall unit through to a fully ducted system with Lossnay ventilation and smart controllers.
Why specify HVAC at plans stage
Clean install, no compromises
Pipework, ducting and cabling run during construction stays completely hidden. No exposed conduit, no visible pipe boxing, no rough patches in finished walls. The install looks factory-fitted because it effectively is.
Ducted becomes practical
Ducted heat pump systems are the premium choice for new builds — whole-home climate control with no wall-mounted units in any room. The ductwork is run during framing, before linings go on.
Right-sized first time
We can size the system around the architectural plans, insulation spec, and orientation — not guess from a finished house. The result is a system that actually matches the home's heat loads.
Healthy Homes compliance built in
For rental new builds, the system can be specced to meet Healthy Homes from day one. We provide the capacity documentation with the install paperwork.
System recommendations for new builds
Single-zone high-wall
Cheapest entry point — a high-wall unit in the main living area. Suits sub-100m² builds, granny flats, sleepouts, and minor dwellings. From $2,500.
Multi-split (one outdoor, 2–5 indoor)
Multiple rooms heated and cooled independently from a single outdoor unit. Good for 3–4 bedroom homes where you want bedroom-by-bedroom control. From $5,000.
Ducted whole-home (PEA Splittable)
The premium option — fully concealed ductwork, no visible indoor units, whole-home temperature control with smart zoning. Best fitted during construction. From $10,000.
Ducted + Lossnay ventilation
Ducted heat pump paired with Lossnay heat-recovery ventilation. Filtered fresh air, moisture and CO2 control, smart Wi-Fi management. The standard for high-spec architectural new builds.
How new-build installs run
Plans-stage consultation
We review the architectural plans, talk through heat-load expectations, and recommend whether high-wall, multi-split or ducted is the right fit for the build.
Fixed builder quote
We quote against the spec and timeline. Builders get a single point of contact, clean invoicing aligned to construction stages, and trade pricing on multi-property builds.
First-fix (during framing)
Ductwork, refrigerant pipework and electrical run during the framing and pre-line stage — completely hidden in the build.
Second-fix (post-line)
Indoor and outdoor units installed once the home is lined and ready. Commissioning, controller setup and handover happen alongside other trades.
What's included
Every new-build quote is fixed against the plans and aligned to the construction schedule. Builders get a single point of contact and clean stage invoicing.
- Architectural plan review and system sizing
- Coordination with your builder, electrician, and main contractor
- First-fix install during framing — ductwork, pipework, electrical runs
- Second-fix install — indoor and outdoor units, commissioning
- Multi-zone smart controller (AirTouch 5 or brand-native) where ducted
- Lossnay ventilation integration for tight, well-insulated new builds
- Healthy Homes capacity documentation if the property is to be rented
- Full manufacturer warranty plus 12-month workmanship warranty
New-build heat pump questions
When should heat pumps be specced for a new build?
Heat pumps for a new build should be specced at the plans stage — before framing — especially if a ducted system is in scope. Ductwork is run during framing and pre-line; trying to retrofit ducting after lining is expensive and often impractical. For high-wall and multi-split systems, plans-stage spec gives us time to confirm capacity and outdoor unit placement.
How much does a heat pump cost in a new build?
A heat pump in a NZ new build typically costs $2,500–$4,500 for a single high-wall, $5,000–$8,000 for multi-split, and from $10,000 for a fully ducted system. New builds usually cost slightly less than retrofits because we run pipework and ducting during construction rather than fishing through finished walls. We quote against the architectural plans.
Should I install ducted or high-wall in my new build?
Ducted is the premium choice for most new builds — whole-home climate control with no visible wall units, run as part of the construction. Smaller builds, granny flats, and tighter budgets often suit high-wall or multi-split better. The decision depends on home size, ceiling cavity space, and budget. We advise at the plans stage.
Can you coordinate with my builder?
Yes. Airmax routinely coordinates with builders, electricians, plumbers and main contractors on new-build projects across the Waikato. We work to the construction schedule, attend site meetings if helpful, and provide single-point-of-contact invoicing aligned to building stages. Builders get trade pricing on multi-property developments.
Do new builds need Lossnay ventilation as well as heat pumps?
Modern new builds in NZ are airtight enough that mechanical ventilation is strongly recommended — without it, moisture and CO2 build up indoors. Lossnay heat-recovery ventilation pairs perfectly with a ducted heat pump and is the standard for higher-spec new builds. It filters fresh air from outside and recovers heat that would otherwise be lost.
Can a new-build heat pump meet Healthy Homes for renting?
Yes — if the new build is to be rented, we size the heat pump to meet the Healthy Homes heating standard for the main living room and provide the MBIE-formula capacity documentation with the install paperwork. This means the property is compliant from day one without retrofitting later.
Do you do heat pumps for builders' show homes or developments?
Yes. Airmax works with Waikato builders on individual new builds, multi-home subdivisions, and show home programmes. Bulk pricing applies for developments of 3+ homes booked together. We can also feature on the builder's specifications and standard inclusion list for buyers.
