There are many misconceptions out there about heat pumps / air conditioners. Here we debunk 5 common heat pump myths and set the record straight on frequently asked questions about these misconceptions.

MYTH 1: Most heat pumps / air conditioners pull air from the outside.

FACT: Indoor units recycle the air from inside and do not pull air from outside unless it is a commercial heat pump / air conditioner. The indoor unit of the heat pump / air conditioner typically features a return air intake grille that has a filter to catch dust and other debris whilst still allowing air to pass through. The air then passes over refrigerant-filled copper coils which absorb excess heat from the air. The now cooled air is pushed back into the room. The outdoor unit fan then takes the heat out of the coils and the whole process starts again.

MYTH 2: A bigger heat pump / air conditioning system is better.

FACT: Before purchasing a heat pump / air conditioning system make sure it is suitable for the size of your home or designated room. An oversized unit, even if it has a high-efficiency rating, may consume more power, but can cycle on/off more frequently causing faster wear and tear on the system. When shopping for a new system take room measurements with you, so the specialist can advise what’s the best fit for your requirements.

MYTH 3: A low thermostat setting cools the home faster.

FACT: Selecting the coldest setting will not cool the home faster and can use unnecessary power for minimal comfort gains. Fujitsu recommends setting the air conditioner above 23 degrees Celsius to create a comfortable environment whilst minimising energy consumption. For more tips on how to cool your home while conserving energy, visit our page on how to beat summer with your heat pump / air conditioning system. 

MYTH 4:  Heat pump / air conditioners only cool 

FACT:  Installing a reverse cycle heat pump / air conditioning system enables you to cool and heat the home. Compared to electric heaters, a heat pump / air conditioner won’t overheat a room as it distributes air evenly around a room and responds to the thermostat to control the set temperature and create a comfortable environment at any time of the year.  

MYTH 5: The location of your wall mounted heat pump / air conditioner doesn’t impact performance

FACT: Where you have a wall mounted heat pump / air conditioner installed in a room can significantly impact thermostat performance and air distribution. It is recommended that the indoor unit be located away from obstructions, direct sunlight, light fixtures, and other electrical appliances, as this can affect accurate temperature sensing and delivery of the conditioned air. 

Additional Heat Pump Myths We Want to Debunk

Are heat pumps efficient?

Yes, heat pumps / air conditioners are an efficient way of providing year-round comfort to your home. 

Fujitsu’s range of heat pumps / air conditioners feature inverter technology that continuously monitors the power output of the unit. In doing so, it ensures the system uses only the required amount of energy to heat or cool the room to the desired temperature. Fujitsu heat pumps / air conditioners feature other energy-saving features, such as human sensor controls and timers to further maximise the efficiency of your unit.

Are heat pumps expensive to run?

The cost to run your heat pump / air conditioning system will depend on your usage, the size of the space you are heating or cooling, and local energy prices. Generally speaking, however, heat pump / air conditioners are a low-cost way of providing comfort in your home.

Are heat pumps cost effective?

Yes, Fujitsu heat pump / air conditioners are cost effective as they do not waste power unnecessarily. Fujitsu has a range of energy-saving features such as timers and human sensor control to further reduce unnecessary electricity use.

Fujitsu heat pumps / air conditioners move air rather than generating it, meaning they are able to provide several times as much heating or cooling than the energy they consume.

Is a heat pump worth it?

Heat pump / air conditioning systems are a highly effective and relatively inexpensive way of heating or cooling your home. They provide a comfortable living environment, allowing you to precisely control the temperature of your space. 

Fujitsu General New Zealand’s range of heat pump / air conditioners are ideal for hot or cold climates, with advanced technology to provide effortless year-round comfort to you and your family. 

A quality heat pump / air conditioner is also ideal for those looking to add value to a home before selling or renting it out. We also provide a high level of after-sales support to ensure you receive the best value for money when purchasing a heat pump / air conditioner.

Are heat pumps noisy?

Early versions of heat pumps / air conditioners were often quite loud, but advancements in technology have made current models much quieter. This reduction in noise has been combined with improvements in performance to add to the comfort of your home.

Many new models in Fujitsu’s range of heat pumps / air conditioners include a ‘quiet’ mode that lowers their noise output to around 20 decibels.

Do heat pumps / air conditioners require frequent maintenance?

Heat pumps / air conditioning systems do require frequent maintenance to keep them operating at their best. 

Regularly inspecting your heat pump / air conditioner to check for damage and cleaning your filters will help your system operate efficiently. We recommend having the system checked by a licensed technician annually will ensure it continues to provide year-round comfort to your family.

Are heat pumps / air conditioners suitable for cold climates?

Modern heat pump / air conditioning systems are suitable for use in a wide range of environments, including warm and cold climates. 

Advancements in technology have made contemporary heat pumps / air conditioners particularly effective regardless of the ambient temperature. Fujitsu heat pumps / air conditioners have a low operating temperature, meaning they can provide heating when it is as low as -15 degrees1 for some models.

Review the specifications for each model of heat pump / air conditioner to view the minimum operating temperature.