Anyone installed a split system heat pump recently?

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johno1234

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#315392 11-Jul-2024 11:54

I'm curious about the install cost. n this case a high wall unit, ground level external timber framed/clad wall and happens to be right next to the main circuit board (which is outside on this '60s build) so a really simple job.

Had a sparky around to do a couple of small jobs recently, should have asked him while he was here about heat pump wiring. He did suggest I replace the main circuit board as it is a bit old and crusty with a mix of porcelain fusible wire fuses and new circuit breakers.

Scott3

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#3258473 11-Jul-2024 15:08

The vendor we went with didn't break down the supply & install cost.

Supply and install of a Mitsubishi AP25 was $2242.50 incl gst

A Fujitsu ASTH09KNCA, would have been a little cheaper at $2012.50 incl.

That price was for taking power from the back of a power outlet, would cost a little more to take it from a circuit board due to the need to supply a breaker.

I had a switchboard upgrade done, it was $2300 incl, plus a little bit for a new earth rod, which was invoiced alongside (but not broken out from) a bunch of other work I had done

Quite a range in quotes for this, other electricians were north of $3k.

I upgraded the circuit board as it was full (and already had had two lighting circuits combined to make space for a breaker when we put out induction cooktop in) I wanted 2 new breakers for heat pumps and 1 new breaker for an EV charger, so it was a full new board or a $1000 sub board. Figured I would get the new board for extra expansion room, and the safety advantages of having RCD protection on every outlet (I have a small child).

Be aware that while it is the right thing to do from a safety perspective, adding RCD's may well uncover previously unknow electrical faults. One of our downlights tripped our RCD, as did our fridge a couple of weeks later.

But modern breakers are a way better solution than old types of fuses.

Scott3

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#3258476 11-Jul-2024 15:11

Here is an listing that breaks down supply & install:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/building-renovation/heating-cooling/air-conditioning/listing/4800893656?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw4ri0BhAvEiwA8oo6F5rkHs6DqjHDoxl4bVcAsoiZ3mX8XDF8mUuCulhGzg1YW9rWcIvCHBoCq_0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

$1600 heat pump

$600 for a basic install (+$50 if you need a slab for it to go on)

johno1234

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#3258491 11-Jul-2024 15:35

Good to know, thanks. $600 is a lower than what I am seeing in my own search which is typically around $800 for a straight forward install.

I found an old 2011 thread here at GZ on heat pump install prices that seemed to be saying around $800 back then so it is effectively a lot less expensive these days.

Scott3

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#3258508 11-Jul-2024 16:39

johno1234:

Good to know, thanks. $600 is a lower than what I am seeing in my own search which is typically around $800 for a straight forward install.

I found an old 2011 thread here at GZ on heat pump install prices that seemed to be saying around $800 back then so it is effectively a lot less expensive these days.

There is major variation in prices.

I live in central Auckland, purchased 4 heat pumps at the same time (so some economy of scale / travel time savings), and picked the cheapest of three vendors.

Also I guess there is some margin in the heat pumps themselves, so you may not be able to get this kind of pricing if you are going to supply the unit.

johno1234

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#3258510 11-Jul-2024 16:48

That's fair.

In my case there's a concrete slab already there for the outdoor unit which is on the other side of the wall from the indoor unit and the power is all right there. I would be very surprised if an expert installer took more than 3 hours to complete this job. The only gotcha I can think of is the crusty old switchboard as the 9KW unit will need it's own 20A breaker.

Scott3

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#3258559 12-Jul-2024 00:09

Very easy to find out.

Generally the heat pump installers are happy to come to you to do a quote, but in your case it sounds simple enough just sent a few photos.

I used Happy Air, and the person on that trade me listing sounds worthwhile (perhaps better, as their company name suggests they are primary an electrician).

Rickles

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#3258697 12-Jul-2024 10:41

FWIW, my daughter is presently replacing two units that have failed (after about 15 years).

Quote for supply and installation (5.8kw and 9.0kw units) ranged from $6999.00 to $10,300.

This is in Wellington

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raytaylor

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#3259033 12-Jul-2024 23:57

johno1234:

Good to know, thanks. $600 is a lower than what I am seeing in my own search which is typically around $800 for a straight forward install.

I found an old 2011 thread here at GZ on heat pump install prices that seemed to be saying around $800 back then so it is effectively a lot less expensive these days.

The minisplit in my bedroom, i bought from harvey norman for $1200 and their price for their subcontractor installer to come out and do a back-to-back install was about $700 with a short run through the attic to the fuse board 1 room away. This was ~3 years ago.

I'd be happy to pay $800 now.

Ray Taylor

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