Made for New Zealand - Why Calitec designs its own heat pump hot water solutions for Kiwi homes?

Calitec Team
5 days ago
4 min read

Heat pump water heaters are gaining momentum in New Zealand, and for good reason. According to a recent EECA report, hot water accounts for around 30% of household energy use, making it one of the biggest opportunities to reduce energy bills and emissions.

But not all heat pump hot water systems are created equal.

At Calitec, we believe that New Zealand conditions require New Zealand-designed solutions. That’s why we don’t simply supply off-the-shelf products. Instead, we develop and refine our own heat pump hot water systems to perform reliably in real Kiwi homes, optimised for New Zealand ambient temperatures and conditions, from coastal environments to colder southern regions.

Designed in New Zealand, for New Zealand

New Zealand’s climate, buildings and household water usage patterns are unique. Many systems on the market are designed overseas for very different conditions and are simply adapted for NZ. Calitec takes a different approach.

As a New Zealand-owned and operated business, we develop heat pump hot water systems specifically for:

NZ’s variable climate, temperatures and conditions
Coastal and high-corrosion environments
Local installation practices
Real household hot water demand

This focus allows us to deliver systems that are robust, efficient and practical. Not just good on paper.

Not off-the-shelf products. Purpose-built systems for NZ

Rather than importing generic units, Calitec has developed two unique heat pump hot water models, each designed to solve different challenges commonly found in New Zealand homes:

WH-70 Heat Pump Heater (water cycling),
a mono block which can be connected to a (heat pump ready) hot water cylinder.
KP-50 Split System (refrigerant cycling),
a complete system including the hot water cylinder.

Both systems are made of stainless steel and built around durability, efficiency and long-term performance, with careful attention to how they are installed and used in the real world.

WH-70 model: High-output water heating

The WH-70 is a water cycling heat pump water heater (mono block), developed for homes that require fast recovery and reliable performance.

Why the WH-70 works so well in NZ:

High heating capacity, solely utilizing efficient heat pump power to heat your water to 60 degrees.
The WH-70 delivers fast hot water recovery, ideal for busy and high-demand households.
R290 refrigerant (very low GWP). An environmentally responsible refrigerant that performs well across a wide range of New Zealand temperatures.
Designed for local conditions and optimised for NZ’s climate rather than overseas test environments.
Optional dual-cylinder heating. A unique solution for larger homes with multiple bathrooms or a kitchen under-bench cylinder.
Stainless steel durability. Built to handle coastal conditions and deliver a long service life.
Read more.

KP-50 model: Flexible split system, perfect for retrofits

The KP-50 is a refrigerant cycling split system, offering excellent efficiency and installation flexibility, especially valuable in existing homes and renovations.

What makes the KP-50 different:

Split system design. Allows the outdoor unit and cylinder to be placed where they make sense for the home.
Internal heat exchanger. Integrated directly into the stainless steel cylinder for efficient heat transfer. Minimal energy loss.
High-efficiency performance. Delivers significant reductions in energy use compared to conventional electric water heating.
Wetback options are available, and PV solar compatible.
Built tough for NZ environments. Stainless steel construction designed for longevity.
Well suited to both new builds and retrofit installations.
Read more.

Built for the long term

EECA’s recent market insights report highlights that while heat pump water heaters can deliver large energy savings, real-world performance depends heavily on system design, installation quality and suitability for local conditions.

This is where Calitec stands apart:

By developing systems specifically for New Zealand, and working closely with experienced local installers, we focus on:

Real-world efficiency, not just standard lab figures
Long-term durability in Kiwi conditions and climate
Practical installation outcomes
Ongoing support and short communication lines
Our systems are designed to be installed once and relied on for years. Backed up by long warranties.

Calitec, a New Zealand business with a long-term view

Calitec has been operating in New Zealand since 2017. As a local business, we understand that trust, reliability and support matter just as much as technology.

We continue to refine and improve our systems based on:

Installer feedback
Customer experience
NZ climate and usage patterns
Ongoing industry research

Rather than chasing volume, our focus remains on quality, performance, and direct and honest communication. Feel free to contact us.

Choosing the right heat pump hot water system

Heat pump hot water technology is a powerful tool for reducing energy use, but choosing the right system matters. Every household and environment is different.

If you’re considering a heat pump hot water system, it’s worth asking:

Was it designed for NZ conditions?
Will it perform good at your local ambient temperatures? Tip: Ask for performance (COP) at different temperatures.
Is it suitable for my household’s hot water demand?
Will it perform reliably over time?
How are the warranties and is there local support behind the product?

At Calitec, these questions guide everything we design.