New Zealand's Specialist Hot Water Heat Pump Installer
Serving Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Kapiti, Horowhenua & Manawatu
Serving Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Kapiti, Horowhenua & Manawatu
If you're still running an ageing electric cylinder, you're paying far more than you need to. Rather than generating heat directly from electricity, a heat pump hot water cylinder pulls heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to your water. The result is the same reliable hot water you're used to, at around a third of the running cost.
At A2W, we specialise in hot water heat pump installations in Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Wairarapa, and Manawatu. Get a quote for your home today.
Unlike traditional cylinders that generate heat directly (which is expensive), a heat pump hot water cylinder simply moves heat. This process is incredibly efficient, often using 70% less electricity than standard cylinders. Acting like a "reverse fridge," these systems harvest renewable energy from the surrounding air to provide sanitary hot water at a fraction of the cost.
If you are looking for a significant upgrade to your electric water heater, this technology is the most effective way to slash your power bills and future-proof your home.
Upgrade your old unit to a modern heat pump water heater today.
Every home is different, so we don't push a one-size-fits-all system. The right pathway depends on your available space, household size, and installation preferences.
Here's how the three options compare:
An outdoor compressor connects to a separate water cylinder, which can be installed inside or outside the home.
It offers maximum flexibility in tight spaces.
Best for:
From $10,500 incl. GST
An “all-in-one” solution with the heat pump water heater and cylinder in a single outdoor unit.
Features a compact, straightforward water cylinder installed outside the home.
Best for:
From $6,995 incl. GST
An outdoor heat pump unit is connected to your existing cylinder, with no new tank required.
Your cylinder must be mains-pressure and under 8 years old.
Best for:
From $7,500 incl. GST
When comparing models for hot water heat pumps in NZ, you will see the term COP (Coefficient of Performance).
Put simply, COP measures how much heat you get for the electricity you pay for.
An example comparison:
Why does this matter? A higher COP means significantly lower energy bills and less strain on the electricity grid. In other words, a standard electric cylinder turns every $1 of electricity into $1 of heat. A heat pump hot water cylinder turns every $1 of electricity into $3 to $5 of heat because it moves heat rather than makes it.
The systems we install run at a COP of 4.0 to 5.2 depending on the model and conditions. At a COP of 4.0, you're getting four times the heat output per dollar spent. For a household spending $600 a year on water heating, that's potentially $450 back in your pocket annually without changing how much hot water you use.
Efficiency isn't just about electricity; it's also about the refrigerant inside the unit. New Zealand is actively phasing out older, high-GWP refrigerants like R134a in favour of eco-friendly alternatives.
At A2W, we prioritise systems using R290 (Propane) or CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide).
Most plumbers can carry out hot water heat pump installation in Lower Hutt and other areas in Wellington. But installing one well is a different skill set entirely.
A2W was built specifically around hot water heat pumps in NZ. Our team includes Certified Plumbers, Gasfitters, qualified electricians, and licensed heat pump specifiers and installers, with over 40 years of combined experience in water heating systems.
Every installation comes with a fixed-price written quote after a site visit, so the number you agree to is the number on your invoice. We also offer hot water heat pump finance in NZ, so upfront cost doesn't have to be a barrier.
We issue a Certificate of Compliance on every job, which your insurer and any future buyers of your home will want to see. And for every 50 systems we install, we donate a heat pump to a charitable housing provider in our region. It's a small thing, but it matters to us.
We are proud to be the region's specialist installers. We can design a comprehensive retrofit hot water system for your existing home, or provide expert installation for new builds in:
Yes. Modern hot water heat pumps in NZ are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C. Even during a frosty Wellington morning, the system extracts heat from the ambient air to heat your water. For coastal homes, we select units with anti-corrosive coatings to withstand salt spray and prevailing winds.
At A2W, we optimise our systems for Wellington’s climate, delivering high performance even when outdoor temperatures drop.
Most units produce a soft hum similar to a standard background air conditioner. During our site assessment, we recommend strategic placement away from bedroom windows and boundary fences to ensure it blends into regular household sounds without disturbing you or your neighbours.
It depends on the system type. A "Split System" allows you to keep the tank in your existing indoor cupboard while placing the compressor outside.
Alternatively, our integrated hot water systems are installed entirely outdoors, which frees up valuable internal storage space where your old cylinder used to sit.
Maintenance is minimal compared to gas systems. We recommend a quick annual check to clear any debris from the air intake and a gentle hose-down of the exterior unit to remove salt buildup.
Unlike enamel tanks, many of our stainless steel heat pump tanks do not require "sacrificial anode" replacements.
While most "like-for-like" replacements don't require building consent, the installation must be carried out by a licensed plumber and electrician to ensure the warranty remains valid.
A2W provides a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for every installation, ensuring your system meets New Zealand safety standards.
Privacy Policy | This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Thank you! We need your help. Would you share your experience on one of these sites?
