Heat Pump / Air Conditioner Buying Guide and What to Consider
Are you confused about how to select a home heat pump / air conditioner for year-round comfort? It’s important to take the time to choose the right system so you can heat and cool your home efficiently without those energy bills breaking the bank.
However, with so many models, sizes and features available, choosing the most suitable heat pump / air conditioning unit for your home can be an overwhelming task. That’s why we’ve put together a handy heat pump buying guide with steps to help you pick the best GENERAL New Zealand (formerly Fujitsu General New Zealand) solution for your home.
Buying a Heat Pump / Air Conditioner: Key Things to Consider
Buying an air conditioner / heat pump is an investment, so it’s worth thinking about what will work best for your home. Consider the size of the space, insulation levels and local climate to ensure the system can heat or cool effectively. Also compare features like noise levels, energy ratings, smart controls and ongoing maintenance needs.
The sections below outline the key things to consider, helping you to choose a system that truly fits your home and lifestyle.
Know your space
When speaking to a heat pump / air conditioning specialist, it's a good idea to be aware of the features and layout of your home. This includes considering the number and size of your rooms, the direction the building is facing, whether there is insulation and how you use the different spaces in your home. The specialist can then recommend what aircon to buy based on its suitability to your requirements. These can include:
The size and power of the unit, and
The type, whether it’s a split system, multi-system or ducted heat pump / air conditioning system.
Why is it important to consider all of these details? Because finding the right unit will save you time and money.
The right size matters when it comes to heating and cooling
Installing the wrong size unit can increase your energy usage. If the heat pump / air conditioner unit is too small for the room size, it will use excessive effort to cool the air, resulting in increased pressure on the external unit. Alternatively, if the air conditioner unit is too big, it will run shorter cycles and not create the perfectly comfortable indoor environment you wanted and also increases stresses and wears out the compressor and fan motor, leading to more frequent breakdowns
Our heat pump / AC buying guide on What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need can help you determine the best fit for your home.
The right features will help you heat and cool your home efficiently
It’s also important to consider your lifestyle and at what time of the day the heat pump / air conditioner is most likely to be operating. Most systems feature programmable timers. This makes it easy to schedule specific times when the unit switches on and off. For example, if you work away from home each day and any children in the family attend daycare or school, it’s unlikely you will need the system to be running all day. Instead, you can use the heat pump / air conditioner timer settings to do things like turn on before you wake up in the morning, turn off once you’ve left home or turn on again before you return in the evening.
Request a Heat Load Assessment
A heat load assessment is an important component of the quoting process that’s conducted by a heat pump / air conditioning specialist. This is to ensure the correct size and type of system is selected and installed. It takes into account:
Room size, including floor area and ceiling height
Insulation quality in the walls, floors and ceiling
Window type and orientation, such as double glazing or exposure to direct sunlight
Local climate and typical temperature patterns
Number of occupants and heat-producing appliances
By evaluating these factors, a specialist can calculate the right kilowatt capacity for your system and recommend a unit that delivers efficient, year-round comfort.
New residential heat pump / air conditioning standards set clear guidelines for specialists conducting heat load assessments.
Stamp of Approval
When it’s time to choose the right heat pump / air conditioner, it helps to choose brands that are recognised for quality, reliability and customer satisfaction. Independent awards and consumer acknowledgements can offer reassurance that a system will perform well and stand the test of time.
For the fifth year in a row, customers have voted for GENERAL New Zealand in the 2025 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands survey, reinforcing our position as a top-choice brand in New Zealand’s competitive heat pump market.This accolade shows how we are proudly leading the way in home comfort solutions.
Energy Star Ratings
Heat pump / air conditioning units include energy star ratings for heating and cooling modes. The better the star rating, the more efficiently the unit performs. This feature is another clear and easy way to compare units and see which system would be the optimal choice based on your home's needs and your budget. A selection of General Airstage’s (formerly Fujitsu) Lifestyle range of wall mounted units are some of the most energy-efficient heating/cooling systems we have designed.
Installation by a Professional
In addition to choosing a heat pump / air conditioner to suit your home, it’s important to have it installed by a professional. Having a trained technician can prevent problems such as piping being installed incorrectly. If piping isn’t correctly installed, there can be a risk of refrigerant leakage. Refrigerant is an odourless gas and it's essential that it be handled by a highly trained technician. On the GENERAL New Zealand website, you can find a list of General Airstage Accredited Installers, where you can request an installation quote simply by entering your postcode.
Feature List
It’s useful to consider the features that any new heat pump / air conditioner will offer, and how you can use these to manage comfort and efficiency. Newer models are more technologically advanced and efficient, with new energy management features such as Human Sensor control, economy mode and weekly timers. The Lifestyle range is one of GENERAL’s most efficient, helping to manage energy consumption while providing year-round comfort and control in the home.
Demo Run
As part of the heat pump / air conditioner installation process, the installer is required to provide a demonstration to show you how to correctly use your new heat pump / air conditioning unit and controller. This will help you understand the optimal temperature settings, how to set up weekly timers to cool or heat the home when required and how to change reverse cycle units from cooling to heating mode when the seasons change.
What is the Best Time to Buy a Heat Pump / Air Conditioner?
In New Zealand, the ideal time to buy a heat pump / air conditioner is during the off-peak seasons, autumn and spring. Demand is lower, installers have more availability and you may secure competitive pricing before the winter heating rush or summer cooling period begins. Shopping ahead of peak seasons also ensures you have time to compare models and book installation without delays.
How to Buy an Air Conditioner / Heat Pump Next Steps
Choosing a heat pump / air conditioner is a big decision, and as our heat pump / air conditioner buying guide reveals, the right advice makes all the difference. GENERAL offers expert support from the moment you start exploring options through to installation and ongoing care. With high-quality products and a network of knowledgeable specialists across New Zealand, you can feel confident you’re selecting a system that will deliver lasting comfort and performance.
If you’re ready to upgrade your home or want guidance on the best solution for your space, contact us today. With our heat pump buying guide and constructive advice, our team is always here to help you stay comfortable all year round.
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