Wellington is New Zealand's capital, a compact hilly city with high-quality housing demand and older wooden villa character homes. Here's what heat pump installation costs in Wellington in 2026 and how to choose the right system.
Wellington Heat Pump Installation Costs 2026
| System | Wellington typical cost (supply + install) |
|---|---|
| Single split system (wall-mounted, 2.5–3.5kW) | $2,800–$5,000 |
| Single split system (larger, 5–7kW) | $3,200–$5,500 |
| Multi-split system (2 rooms) | $5,000–$9,000 |
| Multi-split system (3+ rooms) | $7,000–$14,000+ |
| Ducted system (whole home) | $12,000–$30,000+ |
| Heat pump hot water cylinder | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Annual service / clean | $900–$2,000 |
| Filter replacement | $80–$200 |
All prices GST inclusive. Wellington rates are broadly comparable to Auckland — driven by high cost of living and a competitive labour market.
Wellington Heat Pump Market
Wellington's cold, windy winters make heat pumps the heating method of choice. Cold-climate heat pumps (efficient to -15°C) are recommended for exposed Wellington properties. Positioning to avoid prevailing NW winds is important.
Choosing a Heat Pump for Wellington
Capacity: Size matters — too small won't heat the room; too large short-cycles and wastes energy. A qualified installer will calculate the right kW for your room size, insulation, and ceiling height.
Cold-climate rating: Check the COP (Coefficient of Performance) at low temperatures. For Wellington, look for units rated to at least -10°C (ideally -15°C) for reliable winter performance.
Brands in NZ: Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Fujitsu, Panasonic, and LG are the main brands with full NZ dealer and service networks. All offer comparable performance — installer quality and warranty support matter as much as brand.
Installation: All heat pump electrical work must be done by an EWRB-registered electrician. The refrigerant work must be done by an MTA-certified refrigeration technician. Most heat pump companies provide both in one team.
Heat Pump Servicing in Wellington
Heat pumps should be serviced every 1–2 years: - Filter clean (you can do this yourself every 3 months) - Coil clean (requires professional equipment) - Refrigerant check - Drain check
Annual service cost in Wellington: $900–$2,000. Regular servicing maintains efficiency and extends unit life.
Find Wellington heat pump installers: Heat Pump Installers Wellington | Post a Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does heat pump installation cost in Wellington? Single split system (2.5–3.5kW): $2,800–$5,000 supply and installed. Multi-split (2 rooms): $5,000–$9,000.
What size heat pump do I need for Wellington? A rough guide: 1kW per 10m² of well-insulated floor space. A 25m² lounge needs roughly 2.5kW. Your installer will calculate based on your specific home — get a site assessment before buying.
How often should I service my heat pump in Wellington? Filter: clean every 3 months yourself. Full professional service: every 1–2 years. Cost: $900–$2,000.
Related: Heat Pump Installation Cost NZ | Heat Pump Servicing Cost NZ | Electricians Wellington