If your heat pump has suddenly stopped working, or has been underperforming for a while, you’re probably weighing up two options: get it repaired, or replace it entirely. Both come with costs, and the right choice isn’t always obvious.
At Fonko, we work with homeowners and businesses across New Zealand to assess systems, diagnose faults, and help people make informed decisions, without guesswork or sales pressure. This guide is based on what we look at when advising customers on whether to maintain or replace their heat pump.
How Old Is the Heat Pump?
The age of your system is one of the most important factors. Heat pumps are designed to last for a significant period, but they don’t run forever.
- Less than 5 years old: Repairs are usually straightforward and cost-effective. Most parts are still under warranty, and modern systems are highly repairable.
- 5 to 10 years old: Repairs may still be viable, especially if the unit has been well maintained. However, if issues are starting to build up, you should consider whether replacement is worth budgeting for in the near future.
- 10+ years old: Older heat pumps are more likely to become inefficient, noisy, or unreliable. At this point, frequent faults can signal that the unit is reaching the end of its life. In most cases, replacement offers better long-term value.
We always check whether your unit is still supported by the manufacturer. Once spare parts become harder to source, repairs can become more expensive or less effective.
What’s the Cost of the Repair?
We don’t believe in sugar-coating the cost of repairs, especially when they start climbing towards the price of a new system. If the quote for repair is more than 40–50% of the cost of a new heat pump, we usually advise customers to replace it instead.
Typical repair costs can vary widely:
- A basic service or cleaning issue might cost under $200.
- Replacing circuit boards, fans, or compressors can run well into the hundreds.
- If multiple components are failing at once, the total cost can quickly outweigh the system’s value.
We’ll always give you a clear breakdown of the likely cost, how long the repair should last, and what that means over the next few years.
How Often Is It Breaking Down?
One breakdown is unfortunate. Two or three within a year is usually a sign of deeper problems.
If you’re calling for service every few months, even minor repairs can start to add up. Beyond the cost, frequent issues mean less reliability and comfort, which defeats the whole point of having a heat pump in the first place.
Our general advice is this: if your unit has needed more than two repairs in the last 12–18 months, it’s time to seriously consider replacement.
Is It Still Doing the Job?
A heat pump’s job is to keep your space comfortable: reliably, quietly, and efficiently. If it’s failing to do that, it may not be worth hanging on to.
Look for signs such as:
- Blowing cool air when it should be heating
- Inconsistent temperatures across rooms
- Weak or noisy airflow
- Unit constantly running without reaching set temperature
- Frequent cycling on and off
If your system struggles to maintain a consistent temperature or runs constantly without delivering the results it used to, it’s likely working overtime to achieve the same effect. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not cheap either.
Are Your Power Bills Creeping Up?
One of the clearest signs your heat pump may be on its way out is a slow and steady rise in your electricity bill, without any other changes in your usage.
Old or malfunctioning heat pumps draw more power as they become less efficient. That could be due to a failing compressor, clogged filters, refrigerant issues, or internal wear that’s forcing the system to work harder.
A new, energy-efficient model might cost more upfront, but it can deliver significant monthly savings, especially if you’re running it regularly throughout the year.
Not Sure? Let Us Have a Look
If your heat pump’s underperforming or just not working at all, the best next step is a professional assessment. We’ll carry out a full inspection, test the system, and give you straightforward advice based on the actual condition of your unit.
No pushy sales tactics. No vague recommendations. Just honest insight from a team that knows heat pumps inside and out.
Book a diagnostic check with Fonko and we’ll help you make the right call: for your comfort, and your budget.