At Goldstar Heat Pumps, we often hear the question: “How much does a heat pump cost to run?” It’s a fair question—after all, no one wants to invest in a heating and cooling system only to find out that it’s costing them a fortune in power bills. The good news is that heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective ways to heat and cool a home in Tauranga. When used correctly, they can offer significant savings compared to traditional electric heaters, gas heating, and other climate control options.
However, the amount you pay to run a heat pump depends on several factors, from the size and efficiency of your unit to the way you use it. Some households unknowingly waste energy by running their heat pump inefficiently, leading to higher power bills than necessary. Others may have an undersized or oversized unit, which can also drive up costs.
In this article, we’ll break down the real running costs of a heat pump in Tauranga, explain what factors influence these costs, and provide expert advice on how to maximise energy efficiency so you can keep your home comfortable without overspending.
What Influences Heat Pump Running Costs?
The running costs of a heat pump are not fixed—they vary from home to home based on a range of factors. Understanding these variables can help you optimise your heat pump’s performance and keep your power bills as low as possible.
Heat Pump Size and Efficiency Rating
One of the biggest influences on running costs is whether your heat pump is appropriately sized for your home. A heat pump that is too small will struggle to heat or cool your space effectively, forcing it to work harder and run for longer periods, which increases electricity consumption. Conversely, a heat pump that is too large may cycle on and off frequently, using more energy than necessary.
This is why we always recommend professionally assessing your home’s heating and cooling needs before choosing a unit. At Goldstar Heat Pumps, we ensure our customers get a correctly sized heat pump that balances power and efficiency. We also prioritise high-efficiency models from brands like Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu, and Daikin which are designed to perform well in New Zealand conditions while keeping power usage low.
Tauranga’s Climate and Humidity
Tauranga’s climate is relatively mild compared to other parts of New Zealand, like Hamilton, which means heat pumps don’t have to work as hard in winter as they do in colder regions like the South Island. However, Tauranga also experiences high humidity, particularly in summer. This can impact how efficiently a heat pump operates in cooling mode, as the system must also work to remove excess moisture from the air.
Dehumidifying the air takes additional energy, so if your heat pump is running constantly in summer, it’s a good idea to ensure it has energy-efficient cooling and dehumidification functions. Investing in a modern inverter heat pump with smart climate control features can help regulate humidity without excessive energy use.
Electricity Prices in Tauranga
Electricity rates in Tauranga play a direct role in how much it costs to run your heat pump. On average, Tauranga residents pay 25-30 cents per kWh, depending on their power provider and plan. This means that if your heat pump uses 1.5 kWh per hour and runs for 6 hours a day, your daily cost would be around $2.25 – $2.70. Over the course of a month, this could add up to $67.50 – $81, depending on efficiency and usage.
For homeowners who use their heat pumps frequently in winter and summer, it’s worth considering off-peak electricity plans, which offer lower rates for energy use during certain hours. Smart meters and timers can be set up to take advantage of these lower-cost periods, further reducing your energy expenses.
Home Insulation and Air Leaks
One of the most overlooked factors affecting heat pump efficiency is the quality of insulation in your home. A well-insulated house retains heat in winter and keeps cool air in during summer, allowing your heat pump to work less while maintaining a comfortable temperature. On the other hand, poor insulation forces your heat pump to run longer, as warm or cool air escapes through walls, windows, and doors.
If you notice that your heat pump seems to be running all the time but your home never feels quite warm or cool enough, it may be due to air leaks or inadequate insulation. Addressing these issues—such as installing double glazing, sealing gaps under doors, and adding ceiling insulation—can lead to a significant reduction in power consumption.
Average Cost of Running a Heat Pump in Tauranga
Now that we’ve covered the factors influencing heat pump efficiency, let’s talk about actual running costs. These figures are based on our experience working with Tauranga homeowners and taking into account real-world power usage.
Heating Costs in Winter
During winter, a properly sized heat pump running for around 6 hours per day will cost approximately $1.50 – $2.50 per day. If you run your heat pump overnight on a lower setting, this cost may increase to $2.00 – $3.00 per day.
For larger homes or households running multiple heat pumps, winter heating costs can range between $3.50 – $6.00 per day, depending on energy efficiency and insulation.
Cooling Costs in Summer
Cooling your home with a heat pump during Tauranga’s humid summer months is generally cheaper than heating in winter. Running a heat pump in cooling mode for 6 hours per day typically costs $1.00 – $2.00 per day, while overnight cooling may add $1.50 – $2.50 per day.
One thing to watch out for is the extra energy consumption from dehumidification. If you frequently run your heat pump’s dry mode to control humidity levels, you may see an increase in power use.
Standby Mode and Hidden Power Drains
Many people don’t realise that even when not in use, heat pumps consume a small amount of standby power. However, modern units are designed to be energy-efficient, with standby consumption typically less than 10W per hour, which equates to a few dollars per year.
The real concern is when homeowners leave their heat pumps running at inefficient settings, such as extreme temperatures or constantly cycling on and off. Setting a moderate, consistent temperature can reduce unnecessary energy use and lower your bill.
How to Keep Running Costs Low
To help you get the most out of your heat pump while keeping your energy bills under control, here are some practical cost-saving tips:
Optimise Temperature Settings
For heating, set your heat pump between 18-22°C. Going higher won’t heat your home faster, but it will increase energy use. For cooling, set your heat pump between 22-24°C to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive power consumption.
Regular Servicing and Maintenance
A dirty or clogged filter forces your heat pump to work harder, increasing energy usage. We recommend cleaning your filters every 2-4 weeks and scheduling a professional service once a year to keep your unit running at peak efficiency.
Smart Timers and Eco Modes
Using timers to turn your heat pump on before you need it and off when it’s not in use can prevent unnecessary energy waste. Many modern heat pumps also have eco modes that adjust output to optimise efficiency.
Smart Heat Pump Use Saves You Money
Heat pumps are one of the best investments you can make for heating and cooling your home in Tauranga, but how you use them makes all the difference in running costs. With the right model, correct settings, and smart energy habits, you can enjoy a comfortable home all year round—without high power bills.
If you need help selecting, installing, or maintaining a cost-efficient heat pump, Goldstar Heat Pumps is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and a free quote!
