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Efficiency And Affordability
Simple ways to make your heat pump work smarter and keep costs down in your Kiwi home.
author
Shirli Talbot
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Heat Pumps: How They Work (Without the Tech Talk)

A heat pump doesn’t “generate” heat the way a traditional heater does. Instead, it moves existing heat from outside your home to the inside — even on cold days. This process uses much less electricity than producing heat from scratch.

And in summer? Your energy-efficient reverses the process to cool your home.

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The Cost Comparison: Heat Pumps vs. Other Heating Options
Heating Type Cost to Run (approx.) Efficiency Sustainability
Heat Pump 5–10 cents per kWh* Very high (300–400%) Low emissions
Electric Heater 25–30 cents per kWh Low (100%) High energy use
Gas Heater 15–20 cents per kWh Moderate Produces CO₂
Wood Burner Variable (may be cheap if you have firewood) Moderate–High Produces smoke/particles

Key takeaway:
Heat pumps can deliver 3 to 4 times more heat per unit of electricity
than a standard electric heater — meaning you get more warmth for your money.

How Heat Pumps Save You Money

  • Lower energy bills: A well-installed heat pump can save households hundreds of dollars per year compared to electric or gas heating.
  • Efficient heating: They quickly warm your home and then maintain the temperature using very little energy.
  • Zoned control: You can heat the rooms you're using and turn off others, so you're not wasting energy.
  • Set-and-forget timers: Save even more by programming your heat pump for overnight or when you’re not home. 

Sustainability Benefits

Choosing a Carrier or Toshiba heat pump is also a smart move for the environment. Here’s why:

  • Low greenhouse gas emissions: Heat pumps produce significantly fewer emissions than gas heaters or wood burners.
  • No smoke or soot: That means indoor air quality and less outdoor pollution.
  • More efficient energy use: Using less electricity overall helps reduce demand on the NZ power grid, especially during cold winter months.

At Carrier Toshiba, our performance heat pumps are built with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, so you can feel good about your choice — for both your wallet and the planet.

Bonus: Year-Round Comfort

Another great thing about heat pumps? They’re not just for winter.

In summer, your heat pump acts as an air conditioner, keeping your home cool and comfortable. So instead of
investing in separate heating and cooling systems, you get year-round comfort in one unit — another smart way to save.

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In Summary

If you're looking for a home heating solution that’s:

  • Affordable to run
  • Efficient and reliable
  • Better for your family and the environment

...then a Carrier Toshiba heat pump is a smart choice.

Whether you're heating a single room or your whole home, we have a range of heat pump solutions to suit every space and budget.

Get in touch today to talk to our friendly team and find out how a heat pump can make your home warmer, healthier — and more affordable to run this winter.