Hot water heat pump install on a Wellington home
Lower running cost Wellington & Hutt Valley

Cut your hot water bill by up to 65%.

Heat pump water heaters across Wellington — from Porirua to the Hutt Valley. Installed by one qualified plumber, with a fixed price up front.

How It Works

A fridge, in reverse.

Hot water makes up roughly a third of your power bill. A heat pump water heater works like a fridge in reverse — it pulls warmth from the air outside and uses it to heat your water, using around a third of the electricity a standard electric cylinder needs.

ZBF Limited installs heat pump hot water systems across the greater Wellington region. Whether you're replacing a failing cylinder or building new, Zac can walk you through the options and find the right setup for your household.

65%

Less Power

A heat pump water heater uses 60–65% less electricity than a conventional hot water cylinder.

4–6YRS

Payback Period

Most households recoup the upfront difference within four to six years through lower power bills.

15+YRS

Lifespan

A well-maintained unit should last 15 years or more — comparable to a standard electric cylinder.

Why Switch

Lower bills, lower emissions.

For every unit of power drawn, a heat pump produces three to four units of heat. For most Wellington households, that's a few hundred dollars a year back in your pocket — more for larger families.

Renewable grid

Cleaner by default in NZ.

New Zealand's electricity grid is already largely renewable, so a heat pump hot water cylinder also means lower emissions — without changing how you use hot water.

Solar synergy

Stacks with solar.

If you've got solar panels, the savings stack further — run the heat pump during the day and you're heating water with energy you've already paid for.

Climate-tested

Built for Wellington winters.

Modern units operate efficiently down to −5°C to −7°C — well below typical Wellington temperatures, even on the coldest mornings.

What We Install

Two heat pump systems.

Zac installs the full range of heat pump water heaters. The right choice depends on your space, your existing setup, and how much hot water your household goes through.

Most common

Integrated (all-in-one)

The heat pump and hot water cylinder built into a single unit. Straightforward to install, compact, and the most common choice for residential installs in NZ.

  • Sizes160L – 300L
  • Best forMost homes
  • FootprintSingle unit
Retrofit option

Split system

The heat pump unit sits outside while the cylinder stays in its existing location inside — a good option if you've got a compatible existing cylinder, or if your property layout makes an integrated unit impractical.

  • Heat pumpOutside
  • CylinderExisting location
  • Best forRetrofit installs

Cost & Payback

Pays back in 4–6 years.

A heat pump costs more upfront than a standard electric cylinder, but most households recoup the difference through lower power bills within four to six years. The exact cost depends on the unit, cylinder size, and complexity of the install — Zac will give you a fixed quote on your setup.

What Zac's quote covers

  • The unit itself

    Heat pump and cylinder, sized to your household.

  • All plumbing & electrical connections

    Single tradesperson, single callout fee — no subcontractors.

  • Valves & fittings

    Pressure relief, tempering valve, and any required isolation valves.

  • Commissioning

    Full check that everything's running properly before Zac leaves.

Straight pricing

No upselling. No surprises.

There's no single cheapest heat pump that suits every situation. Zac doesn't push particular brands or upsell extras — he'll assess your setup and give you a straight price.

Get a fixed quote

Installation & Care

Install day, and after.

Zac holds qualifications across plumbing, gas fitting, and drainage, so he handles the full scope in a single visit — one tradesperson, one callout fee. Removing an old gas califont or modifying drainage is all covered.

On install day

Half a day to a full day.

Most installations are wrapped up the same day. The heat pump component goes outdoors for airflow; the cylinder can sit inside or outside depending on your setup.

  • Old unit removed & disposed of.
  • New heat pump positioned for airflow.
  • Plumbing & electrical fully connected.
  • Commissioned & tested before handover.

Over the years

Maintenance is minimal.

Heat pumps are largely set-and-forget. A few small habits keep yours running efficiently for the full 15+ year lifespan.

  • Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris.
  • Check the anode rod every few years.
  • Make sure the pressure relief valve is working.
  • If something's off, Zac diagnoses before replacing.

From the tools

Recent heat pump installs.

Hot water heat pump install
Hot water heat pump install
Hot water heat pump install

Where Zac Works

Heat pump installs across greater Wellington.

From Upper Hutt down through central Wellington, out to the eastern bays and across to Porirua. Same-week installations where possible.

  • Wellington CBD
  • Lower Hutt
  • Upper Hutt
  • Porirua
  • Petone
  • Eastbourne
  • Wainuiomata
  • Karori
  • Miramar
  • Kilbirnie
  • Johnsonville
  • Tawa

Frequently Asked

What people usually ask.

Can't see your question? Flick Zac a message or give him a call on 027 360 0378.

How much does a heat pump hot water system cost in NZ?

Costs vary by unit, cylinder size, and installation complexity. Zac will assess your setup and give you a fixed quote up front — no surprises.

Is a heat pump water heater worth it?

For most Wellington households, yes. Running costs are 60–65% lower than a standard electric cylinder. Most homeowners recoup the upfront difference within four to six years.

How long does a heat pump hot water cylinder last?

With proper maintenance, 15 years or more — comparable to or better than a standard electric cylinder.

Can you retrofit a heat pump to an existing hot water cylinder?

In many cases, yes. A split system heat pump can connect to a compatible existing cylinder. Zac can assess whether your current setup is suitable.

Does a heat pump water heater work in Wellington's climate?

Yes. Modern units operate efficiently down to −5°C to −7°C, well below typical Wellington temperatures.

Get In Touch

Ready to cut the bill? Flick a message.

Whether you're replacing a failing cylinder or building new, Zac can walk you through the options and give you a fixed price up front. Honest advice, no upselling.