Energy efficient, high quality, affordable heat pump hot water for NZ homes
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below a selection of our most frequently asked questions. Feel free to contact us if you have other questions or would like more information.
How do you compare performance and savings?
Heat pump performance, in general, varies with the ambient temperature. Currently, there are no regulations on how to present performance results, so it is hard to compare the various available heat pump hot water systems in the market.
Below are the test results of our Calitec system set to 55°C (for comparing with other systems) and the test results at 60°C hot water, as our system can heat the water up to 60°C with the heat pump only. As the COP could give a misleading impression, we also mention the savings percentage compared to an electric hot water cylinder (HWC).
Is the Calitec Hot Water System proven and reliable?
Heat pump technology for hot water is commonly used overseas. The Calitec Hot Water System is our own New Zealand brand and specially redesigned with Kiwi homes in mind, for example, the ability to use longer refrigerant pipes and added protection against corrosion.
The main parts of the outdoor heat pump unit are from well-known manufacturers such as Panasonic (compressor), Saginomiya (4-way valve), Emerson (thermal expansion valve) and golden and blue hydrophilic fin-tube evaporators. The manufacturers have produced hot water heat pumps for over 20 years with great success. Calitec chose these manufacturers because of their dedication to creating the best quality products.
Is the compressor unit noisy?
Like all heat pumps the fan and the compressor make some noise, but it is less than 50 Decibels for the 3.4 kW units, and 55 Decibels for the 4.0 kW units. This is considered soft conversation level (humming sound) and equal to air-to-air heat pumps of similar size. However, due to the ability to use refrigerant pipes up to 20 metres, we can place it out of sight of frequented areas.
Are Calitec systems tested?
Yes. The system complies with all required laws and regulations and is fully tested. However, standards as MEPS (minimum energy performance standards) and MEPL (mandatory energy performance labelling) are still under consideration for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems and Solar Hot Water Systems.
How long does it take to heat up a full hot water cylinder?
As the heating output is 1½ or 2 times the heating output of a conventional electric heating element your hot water cylinder will be fully heated in about 2½ hours.
How does it work?
Calitec Hot Water Systems use heat pump technology and work on the same principle as an air conditioning or a refrigerator, extracting ambient free energy from the atmosphere and transferring it into gas. This gas is compressed to a liquid in the heating coil inside the stainless steel hot water cylinder thus, heating up the water.
Can I use the heat pump for warming up my house?
No. The Calitec hot water system is solely designed for heating water. However, we do also sell heat pumps and air conditioning units for this purpose.
Can the hot water cylinder be placed outside as well?
The stainless steel cylinder of our Calitec heat pump hot water system can be placed inside and outside. An outside placement can be beneficial if space is limited in your home. It's not uncommon for hot water cylinders to be installed outside. Just make sure that the water pipes are well insulated.
How long does the system last?
The outdoor unit has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. At its end of life you only have to replace the outdoor unit and not the whole system. During heat pump repairs you can also rely on the electric back-up heater, so you never run out of hot water. Until its end of life, we can do repairs through our New Zealand service network.
How about climate and location?
Calitec Hot Water Systems will operate very efficiently in all New Zealand's climates. The systems are designed to operate between -10 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius ambient temperature. As with all heat pumps, the efficiency varies with the ambient temperature.
How does your system differ to other heat pump hot water systems?
Calitec is a refrigerant cycling split system (RSS). Other heat pump hot water systems available in New Zealand are typically all-in-one or monoblock systems. The main difference is that our system uses refrigerant gas, which is transferred to the coil inside the hot water cylinder where the water is heated inside the cylinder, any time of the day or night, under all weather conditions.
Other differences:
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Robust stainless steel design, with wetback option and PV solar compatible
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The purchase price of a Calitec system is more economical
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Plumbing costs are reduced because the Split System is easy to install
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Our outdoor unit only weighs 35 kg and therefore doesn't need a solid foundation outside. Other systems which are heavier in weight might need such a solid outside foundation
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The Calitec water cylinder fits into your existing hot water cupboard in your house
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The long refrigerant pipes (up to 20 metres) give more flexibility as to where you place your outside unit
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The outside compressor can be placed out of sight, so you don't have 'ugly' units in front of your home or garage
What are the water requirements for the hot water cylinder?
I’m an architect/developer, can you tailor suit the system for my project?
Absolutely. With orders over 20 units, we can tailor a system to suit your needs, for example cylinder size and position of connections etc. For smaller quantities, please contact us to see what we can do to meet your requirements in our production process.
Green building with Homestar?
For many years, we have taken pride in being a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC). The NZGBC represents a collective of over 700 organizations and companies who share the belief that New Zealand requires quality, sustainable buildings. We firmly believe that better buildings lead to healthier and happier Kiwis.
The NZGBC operates the independent Homestar rating tool for new builds. Constructing a Homestar-rated home not only contributes to a healthier living environment but also ensures a home that is warmer, drier, and more environmentally friendly than a similar home built to the minimum standards of the New Zealand Building Code.
Calitec heat pump hot water systems provide Homestar credits due to the energy efficiency, low running costs, and the contribution to reducing our carbon footprint. Calitec has collaborated with the consultancy firm EnviroSpec. As a result, we are listed as a Homestar Product in the EnviroSpec database, providing detailed documentation that is readily available for download for Homestar Assessors, Group Builders, Green Building Councils and Authorities.
What does 'up to 70% saving' mean?
Our systems are designed to operate between -10° Celsius and 45° Celsius ambient temperature. At an outside temperature of 15 °C they save 70% of energy compared to an ‘old-fashioned’ standard electrical hot water cylinder. The energy efficiency of the different heat pump hot water systems are very similar, and while 70% is an average saving, every home is different and will therefore achieve slightly different savings (some higher, some lower).
Higher savings are achieved at higher temperatures and lower savings are achieved at lower outside temperatures. This is the case with all heat pumps because air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps collect their energy from the outside air. The colder the temperature of the outside air, the less energy is present, and the harder the heat pump has to work to collect that energy.
Can I view the Calitec Split System?
Visit us at the Calitec stand at the Auckland Home Show (Hall 5, site 509), Thursday 7 September - Sunday 10 2023, Auckland Showgrounds, Greenland, Auckland. For a free no-obligation quote just fill our quote form or call us on 0800 125225 and the Calitec will be in touch. Our friendly team can visit you at home and provide a quote specific to your needs and requirements.