Hot Water Heat Pumps & Underfloor Heating Christchurch | Alpha Heat Pumps

Complete Heating Solutions for Your Christchurch Home

Beyond heat pumps: professional hot water heat pump and underfloor heating installation, service, and maintenance. Efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective heating solutions.

Hot Water Heat Pumps

Revolutionary water heating technology that slashes energy costs while delivering reliable hot water for your home or business

What is a Hot Water Heat Pump?

A hot water heat pump is an incredibly efficient alternative to traditional electric or gas water heaters. Instead of generating heat directly using electricity or gas, hot water heat pumps extract warmth from the surrounding air and transfer it to heat your water—using the same proven technology as your heat pump or refrigerator, just in reverse.

This fundamental difference in how they operate can make hot water heat pumps 2-3 times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters*, potentially translating to dramatic savings on your power bills year after year.

60-70%*

Reduction in water heating energy consumption compared to traditional electric systems

2-3x*

More energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters

$300-600*

Estimated annual savings on energy bills for average households

How Hot Water Heat Pumps Save You Money

Water heating is one of the largest energy expenses in any home or business, typically accounting for 18-20% of total energy costs*. Traditional electric water heaters are energy-intensive, consuming significant power to heat water from cold.

Hot water heat pumps can completely change this equation. By extracting free heat from the air rather than generating it from scratch, they may use a fraction of the electricity while delivering the same reliable supply of hot water. For the average family, this can translate to savings of $300-600 per year*, with potential lifetime savings exceeding $5,000* compared to conventional systems.

While the upfront cost is higher than a basic electric cylinder, the energy savings can quickly offset the initial investment—many systems pay for themselves within 3-6 years* through reduced power bills alone.

Dramatic Cost Savings

Potential to reduce your water heating costs by 60-70%* compared to traditional electric systems. The savings on your power bill can be immediate and substantial, continuing for the 10-15 year lifespan of the system.

Environmentally Friendly

By using significantly less electricity, hot water heat pumps can reduce your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. You're making a positive environmental impact while potentially saving money.

Reliable Hot Water Supply

Despite being highly efficient, hot water heat pumps can deliver consistent, reliable hot water for your entire household or business. No compromise on performance—just potentially lower running costs.

Applications & Services

Residential homes (domestic hot water)
Commercial properties and businesses
Swimming pool heating
New installations
System upgrades and replacements
Annual servicing and maintenance
Breakdown repairs
System diagnostics and support

Why Upgrade to a Hot Water Heat Pump?

If you're currently using a traditional electric hot water cylinder or an aging gas system, upgrading to a hot water heat pump is one of the smartest home improvement investments you can make. The combination of energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits makes it a win across the board.

Modern hot water heat pumps are reliable, quiet, and require minimal maintenance. They work efficiently even in New Zealand's varying climate conditions and provide hot water on demand without the high running costs of resistance heating.

We provide professional installation, ongoing servicing, and breakdown repairs for hot water heat pump systems across Christchurch. Whether you're building new, renovating, or simply looking to slash your power bills, we can help you choose and install the right system for your needs.

Comprehensive Heating Solutions

From energy-efficient water heating to luxurious underfloor warmth, we provide complete heating services for Christchurch homes and businesses.

Underfloor Heating

Experience the ultimate in home comfort with professional underfloor heating installation, service, and maintenance

The Luxury of Warm Floors

Underfloor heating transforms your home into a haven of comfort. Imagine stepping out of bed onto warm floors on a cold Canterbury morning, or enjoying consistent, draft-free warmth throughout your living spaces without bulky radiators taking up wall space.

Unlike traditional heating systems that create hot and cold spots, underfloor heating can provide even, radiant warmth from the ground up. Heat rises naturally, warming people and objects rather than just the air, potentially creating superior comfort with lower energy consumption.

Modern underfloor heating systems can be 15-40% more efficient than traditional radiators*, operating at lower temperatures (35-45°C vs 65-75°C for radiators*) while delivering the same level of comfort. This may translate to lower power bills and reduced environmental impact.

15-40%*

More energy efficient than traditional radiator systems

25%*

Potential savings on heating costs when properly installed and insulated

35-45°C*

Operating temperature (vs 65-75°C for radiators), improving efficiency

Installation Services

We provide professional underfloor heating installation for both new builds and renovation projects across Christchurch.

  • New home construction installations
  • Renovation and retrofit projects
  • Bathroom underfloor heating
  • Living area and whole-home systems
  • Both hydronic (water-based) and electric systems
  • Custom design for your space and heating needs

We offer comprehensive annual maintenance plans for underfloor heating systems—a unique service that ensures your system operates at peak efficiency for years to come.

  • Scheduled annual system inspections
  • Performance testing and optimization
  • Early detection of potential issues
  • System cleaning and servicing
  • Thermostat and control system checks
  • Documentation and service records

When issues arise, our experienced team can diagnose and repair underfloor heating systems quickly and professionally.

  • System diagnostics and fault-finding
  • Breakdown repairs for all system types
  • Thermostat and control replacements
  • Circulation pump repairs
  • Zone valve and actuator repairs
  • Emergency callout service available

Annual Maintenance Plans: Our Unique Advantage

Most underfloor heating installers disappear after installation, leaving you to manage your system alone. We're different. Our annual maintenance plans can help ensure your underfloor heating continues to operate efficiently, potentially saving you money and preventing expensive failures.

Regular servicing may extend system life, maintain efficiency, and catch small issues before they become major problems. It's proactive care that helps protect your investment and aims to ensure consistent comfort year after year.

  • Scheduled annual visits at your convenience
  • Comprehensive system health checks
  • Performance optimization for maximum efficiency
  • Priority service for plan members
  • Detailed service reports and recommendations
  • Peace of mind knowing your system is professionally maintained

Even, Comfortable Heat

No more cold spots or drafts. Underfloor heating can provide consistent warmth throughout the room, warming you from the ground up for superior comfort.

Energy Efficient Heating

Operating at lower temperatures than radiators, underfloor heating may use 15-40% less energy* while maintaining the same comfort level—potentially saving you money on power bills.

Design Freedom

No bulky radiators taking up wall space. Underfloor heating is completely hidden, giving you complete freedom to design and furnish your rooms exactly as you want.

Silent Operation

Unlike noisy heat pumps or fan heaters, underfloor heating operates completely silently. Enjoy warmth without any operational noise disrupting your peace.

Adds Property Value

Underfloor heating is a desirable feature for home buyers. It may increase your property's appeal and value, particularly in renovated bathrooms and living areas.

Low Maintenance

Once installed, underfloor heating requires minimal maintenance. With our annual service plans, you can enjoy worry-free operation for decades.

Perfect for New Builds and Renovations

Underfloor heating is ideal for new construction projects where it can be integrated into the floor design from the start. It's also increasingly popular in renovation projects, particularly in bathrooms, kitchen extensions, and open-plan living areas where the combination of comfort and efficiency makes the investment worthwhile.

We work with builders, architects, and homeowners to design and install underfloor heating systems that deliver optimal performance. Whether you're planning a new home, extending your living space, or renovating your bathroom, we can provide expert advice and professional installation.

Ready to Upgrade Your Heating?

Contact us today for expert advice and professional installation of hot water heat pumps or underfloor heating systems.

Common Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about hot water heat pumps and underfloor heating

Hot water heat pumps may reduce your water heating energy consumption by 60-70% compared to traditional electric resistance systems. For the average household, this could translate to annual savings of $300-600 on power bills, with potential lifetime savings exceeding $5,000. The exact savings depend on your household size, hot water usage, and current electricity rates, but the reduction in energy consumption can be substantial. Contact us for a personalized assessment based on your specific situation.

Yes, modern hot water heat pumps work efficiently in New Zealand's climate, including Canterbury's colder months. They're designed to operate effectively in temperatures ranging from 5-40°C. Most systems include backup electric elements that automatically activate during extremely cold periods to ensure you always have hot water. Even in winter, the heat pump mode remains the primary heating source, maintaining high efficiency.

Underfloor heating is generally more economical to run than traditional radiators. Because it operates at lower temperatures (35-45°C vs 65-75°C for radiators) and provides more even heat distribution, it may use 15-40% less energy while maintaining the same comfort level. In a well-insulated home, underfloor heating could reduce your heating costs by up to 25% compared to radiator systems. The key factors are proper installation and good insulation. Contact us for a quote and personalized cost analysis.

Yes, underfloor heating can be retrofitted into existing homes, particularly during renovation projects. It's most commonly installed in bathrooms, kitchen extensions, and living areas where flooring is being replaced anyway. The installation does add some height to the floor (typically 15-50mm depending on the system), which needs to be considered, but modern low-profile systems minimize this impact. We can assess your property and recommend the best retrofit solution for your situation.

Hot water heat pumps typically last 10-15 years with proper maintenance, which is longer than conventional electric hot water cylinders (8-12 years). The key to maximizing lifespan is annual servicing, which we provide. Regular maintenance ensures the system operates efficiently, catches potential issues early, and extends the overall life of your investment. Given the substantial energy savings, even with replacement costs, hot water heat pumps deliver excellent long-term value.

Tile and stone flooring work exceptionally well with underfloor heating due to their excellent heat conductivity and retention. Engineered wood flooring is also suitable, provided it's specified for underfloor heating. Carpet can be used but should be low-tog (less insulation) to allow heat transfer. Vinyl and laminate flooring designed for underfloor heating also work well. We can advise on the best flooring choices for your specific underfloor heating system to maximize efficiency and comfort.

Yes, we service and repair hot water heat pumps and underfloor heating systems regardless of who installed them. If you're experiencing issues with your existing system, need annual maintenance, or require repairs, we can help. Our experienced technicians work with all major brands and system types, providing professional service and honest recommendations.

Our annual maintenance plans typically include comprehensive system inspections, performance testing, cleaning and servicing of key components, thermostat and control system checks, and detailed reporting. For underfloor heating, this may include circulation pump inspection, zone valve checks, and system pressure testing. For hot water heat pumps, we typically inspect the heat pump unit, check refrigerant levels, test safety systems, and ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance can help extend system life, maintain efficiency, and prevent expensive breakdowns. Contact us for specific details on what's included in a maintenance plan for your system.

Get Expert Advice Today

Whether you're interested in hot water heat pumps, underfloor heating, or want to discuss which solution is right for your home, we're here to help.

Service Areas

We provide hot water heat pump and underfloor heating services throughout Christchurch, Rolleston, and surrounding areas.

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*Efficiency and Savings Data Sources:

Hot water heat pump efficiency statistics (2-3x more efficient, 60-70% energy savings) sourced from U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR, and independent industry research. Actual savings vary based on household size, usage patterns, electricity rates, and existing system type.

Underfloor heating efficiency statistics (15-40% more efficient than radiators, 35-45°C operating temperature) sourced from Energy Saving Trust (UK), industry manufacturers, and heating system efficiency studies. Actual performance depends on installation quality, insulation levels, and system design.

All figures represent typical performance under normal operating conditions. Individual results may vary. Contact us for personalized assessments based on your specific situation.