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BEATTIE AIR

Frequently Asked Questions

General

A free site inspection and heat load calculation will determine the correct kW size for your space, based on insulation, room size, and window orientation.

Why choose Beattie Air for heat-pump installation in Christchurch?

With 35 + years of local expertise, accredited Daikin & Mitsubishi Electric technicians, and a 2-year workmanship guarantee – twice the industry standard—we deliver reliable heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions on time and on budget.

What is the best heat pump brand in New Zealand?

Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are consistently rated as the most reliable heat pump brands in NZ, known for their performance, energy efficiency, and after-sales support – This is why we exclusively install their heat pumps.

Do you service brands other than Mitsubishi Electric or Daikin?

Yes. Our service and maintenance team work on all major heat-pump and air-conditioning brands sold in New Zealand, including Panasonic, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Carrier, Hitachi, Samsung, LG, Haier, Gree, Kelvinator, Midea, Whirlpool, Braemar, IQool, and Rinnai.

Do I need a consent to install a heat pump in Christchurch?

In most residential cases, no consent is required. However, consents may be needed for commercial installations or if significant structural work is involved.

Which heat pump is best for Christchurch winters?

Models with a low-temperature heating rating, such as Daikin’s Zena or Mitsubishi’s HyperCore series, which maintain output in freezing conditions, are ideal for Christchurch winters. The city experiences around 70 days of ground frost per year on average.

Are heat pumps cheaper to run than electric heaters?

Yes – a heat pump is 3–4 times more efficient than a plug-in electric heater, meaning you get $3–$4 worth of heat for every $1 spent on power.

Can I use my heat pump for cooling in summer?

Absolutely. All modern heat pumps are reverse-cycle, meaning they can both heat in winter and cool in summer.

How long does a heat pump last in Christchurch?

With regular maintenance, most heat pumps last 12 – 15 years.

What’s the difference between ducted and high-wall heat pumps?

High-wall units heat one room, while ducted systems heat the whole house using hidden ceiling ducts – offering better aesthetics and even temperature distribution.

Is servicing my heat pump really necessary?

Yes – servicing once a year keeps the system running efficiently, prevents breakdowns, and ensures you’re covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Can I control my heat pump with my phone?

Yes – certain new models come with built-in Wi-Fi or can be upgraded to allow full remote control via a mobile app.

Do heat pumps work in frosty Christchurch mornings?

Yes – units like Mitsubishi HyperCore or Daikin L-Series are designed for performance in sub-zero temperatures and defrost automatically when needed.

Can I control my heat pump with my phone?

Yes – certain new models come with built-in Wi-Fi or can be upgraded to allow full remote control via a mobile app.

How noisy is a heat pump?

Indoor units typically operate around 19–30 dB (quieter than a whisper), while outdoor units range from 40–55 dB. Placement matters – ask our team for advice.

What’s the best time of year to install a heat pump?

Autumn or spring are ideal – before the winter or summer rush. Beat the queue and secure your installation when demand is lower.

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Residential Services

What is the average cost to install a single high-wall heat-pump in Christchurch?

Most back-to-back installs range from $2,800 – $3,500 incl. GST; price varies with capacity and pipe length.

How quickly can I get a free heat-pump quote?

Site visits can usually be booked within 48 hours, and you’ll receive a written proposal – complete with load-calculation and running-cost estimate – within two business days.

How do I know what size heat pump I need?

A free site inspection and heat load calculation will determine the correct kW size for your space, based on insulation, room size, and window orientation.

How long does a Daikin or Mitsubishi Electric heat-pump last?

With annual servicing, units routinely exceed 15 years. Our workmanship guarantee covers the first five years for extra peace-of-mind.

Will a heat-pump still work during Canterbury frosts?

Yes – modern units feature low-temperature refrigerants and defrost cycles, maintaining full capacity down to -15 °C.

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Heat Pump Solutions

Why choose Beattie Air for heat-pump installation in Christchurch?

With 35 + years of local expertise, accredited Daikin & Mitsubishi Electric technicians, and a 5-year workmanship guarantee*, we deliver reliable heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions on time and on budget.

*for residential installations.

How quickly can I get a free heat-pump quote?

Site visits can usually be booked within 48 hours, and you’ll receive a written proposal—complete with load-calculation and running-cost estimate—within two business days.

Do you service brands other than Mitsubishi Electric or Daikin?

Yes. Our service team maintains all major heat-pump and air-conditioning brands sold in New Zealand, including Panasonic, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Carrier, Hitachi, Samsung, LG, Haier, Gree, Kelvinator, Midea, Whirlpool, Braemar, IQool, and Rinnai.

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Ducted Systems

What are the benefits of a ducted heat-pump versus multiple high-walls?

Aesthetics (no visible indoor units), whisper-quiet airflow, and single-point control make ducted ideal for whole-home comfort.

How much ceiling space is required for ducted installation?

We need ~300 mm clear height for plenums and insulated flex-ducting; a free survey confirms feasibility.

Can I control individual room temperatures?

Yes – add-on zone dampers and smart controllers (e.g., AirTouch 5) let you set different temperatures in up to 16 zones.

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Ventilation & HRV Systems

What’s the difference between HRV and balanced-pressure ventilation?

HRV recovers up to 90 % of heat otherwise lost via exhaust air; balanced systems supply and extract equal airflow to avoid draughts.

Can ventilation be retro-fitted to an existing ducted heat-pump?

Yes – our Lossnay “add-a-zone” kit uses the same ceiling diffusers; installation takes one day.

Will a ventilation system help reduce condensation in winter?

Continuous dry-air exchange keeps indoor humidity under 60 %, dramatically lowering window condensation and mould growth.

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Commercial Services

Which sectors does Beattie Air serve across Canterbury?

Beattie Air provides HVAC services for a wide range of sectors including offices, retail, education, healthcare, industrial, food processing, hospitality, government, aged care, entertainment, transport, aquatic and sports facilities, warehousing, high-end residential, data centres, and laboratories.

Do you provide Producer Statements (PS1-PS4)?

Yes – our in-house CPEng team issues PS1 & PS2; site QA audits supply PS3 & PS4 at practical completion.

Can you handle simultaneous design-and-build projects?

Absolutely. We can delivery high-quality outcomes across multiple projects by using our proven systems and dedicated teams. Each site has a dedicated project manager supported by an experienced installation lead and office staff, ensuring clear accountability, strong quality control, and on-time delivery.

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Seismic Design Expertise

Why is seismic restraint necessary for HVAC plant in New Zealand?

NZS 4219 mandates restraints to protect occupants and maintain post-quake operability of essential services.

Do you provide PS2 peer-review for third-party HVAC designs?

Yes – our Chartered Professional Engineer can peer-review calculations and site detailing.

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Hot-Water Heat-Pumps

How much can I save by switching to a hot-water heat-pump cylinder?

Running costs drop by up to 70 % compared with a standard electric element – payback typically 3-5 years.

Will my existing solar PV work with a hot-water heat-pump?

Definitely. We can schedule the compressor to run during daylight for maximum self-consumption.

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Servicing & Maintenance

How often should I book a heat-pump service?

Residential units – annually; commercial units and rental homes – every six months to stay under warranty and maintain efficiency.

What does a standard service include?

Coil deep-clean, drain flush, refrigerant-pressure check, electrical safety test, and Wi-Fi controller firmware update.

Do you offer after-hours emergency repairs?

Yes – 24 / 7 call-out for mission-critical heating or cooling faults across Canterbury.

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Commercial HVAC Installations

What is the typical programme for a 2,000 m² office HVAC fit-out in Christchurch?

Concept & load-calcs – 2 weeks; detailed design – 4 weeks; procurement – 6 weeks; on-site installation – 8-10 weeks (weather dependent).

Can you integrate Building Management Systems (BMS)?

Yes—we install open-protocol BACnet or Modbus controls and provide user training at hand-over.

Do you manage seismic restraints to NZS 4219:2009?

All pipework, duct, and plant rails are detailed and signed off by our in-house seismic engineer to meet NZS 4219.

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Maintenance & BWOF Compliance

What HVAC documentation is required for a BWOF in Canterbury?

Up-to-date Form 12A certificates, IQP inspection logs, and evidence of remedial completion are mandatory before BWOF issue.

Can Beattie Air act as Independent Qualified Person (IQP)?

Yes – our IQP number covers SS 9 *Mechanical Ventilation or Air Conditioning Systems*.

How often does a commercial HVAC system need servicing?

Most systems require servicing every 3 to 6 months, depending on occupancy, system type, and compliance schedule requirements under the Building Act 2004.

What are the legal responsibilities regarding HVAC for commercial building owners?

In New Zealand, commercial property owners must maintain all specified systems (like HVAC) in accordance with compliance schedules and ensure Form 12As are issued annually for BWOF renewal.

What is included in a commercial HVAC maintenance contract?

Contracts typically include scheduled inspections, filter changes, fire safety testing, performance checks, asset reporting, and issuing Form 12A documentation.

Do I need a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) for my air conditioning system?

Yes – if your HVAC system is listed as a specified system (SS9) in your council-issued compliance schedule, you’re legally required to maintain it. A certified IQP must inspect the system annually and issue a Form 12A to support your BWOF submission.

How can I reduce the running costs of HVAC in a commercial building?

Preventative maintenance, smart BMS integration, regular filter replacement, and seasonal load balancing are key strategies to improve efficiency and lower energy use.

Can HVAC faults cause a failed BWOF inspection?

Absolutely. Issues like missing inspection records, dirty filters, non-functional dampers, or incomplete 12A certificates can result in a BWOF failure.

What are the signs my commercial HVAC system needs urgent attention?

Unusual noises, high humidity, odours, poor airflow, or frequent tenant complaints signal the need for immediate servicing or repairs.

How do I get Form 12A certificates for my HVAC system?

You’ll need an IQP to inspect your system per the compliance schedule. Beattie Air can complete inspections and issue Form 12As for SS9 HVAC systems.

What’s the difference between reactive and preventative HVAC maintenance?

Reactive maintenance waits for faults to occur; preventative maintenance identifies and resolves issues before they cause downtime or failures – saving money long term!

Do I need different maintenance schedules for different tenants in a multi-use building?

Yes. Zones with different occupancy and system types may require unique schedules. A centralised asset register and site-specific plan help manage this efficiently.

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