Healthy Homes Heat Pump Installation & Servicing
Make your rental comfortable through winter and summer. Sona Air helps you choose, install and maintain a heat pump sized for the property’s heating needs.
Start with the heating requirement, check any existing system, and get a clear quote for the work.
Based in Albany · Auckland, Warkworth, Wellsford & Whangārei
to come home to.
Ratings
Conscious
The bigger picture
What are the Healthy Homes standards?
The Healthy Homes standards set minimum requirements for New Zealand rental properties across five areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping.
Rental homes must meet these requirements unless a relevant exemption applies. Landlords are responsible for keeping their properties up to standard throughout the tenancy.
A suitably sized heat pump can help meet the heating requirement and provide summer cooling. The other four areas still need to be checked separately.
Why are they important?
Cold, damp and mouldy homes are linked to poorer health. The standards help create warmer, drier living conditions for tenants and reduce the risk of moisture-related damage to the property.
For landlords, meeting the standards supports tenant wellbeing, protects the rental and fulfils an ongoing legal responsibility.
Learn more from Tenancy Services’ guide for landlords.
Start with the standard
How does a heat pump meet the heating standard?
The heating standard requires suitable fixed heating for the main living room, with enough capacity for it to reach at least 18°C. A correctly specified heat pump is one option.
The right room
Assess the largest room used for everyday living, including the relevant connected spaces.
The right heater
A heat pump must be fixed, have a thermostat and meet the applicable capacity requirement.
The right evidence
Keep the sizing calculation and installed-system details with the rental’s records.
Read the official heating standard and compliance statement requirements.
The heating benchmark
This is a capacity requirement. It is not a guarantee that a tenant will choose to run the heater at that temperature.
A heat pump installation addresses heating. Insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping still need separate checks.
Check before replacing
Will the existing heater do the job?
A working heat pump does not automatically prove compliance. Start with its model, rated heating output, condition and the room’s assessed requirement.
Keep it working well
If the existing heater meets the applicable requirements, replacement may be unnecessary. Arrange servicing if performance, noise or cleanliness needs attention.
Check the calculation
Share the model number, installation date and any previous assessment. Special rules may apply to qualifying heaters installed before 1 July 2019.
Compare repair & replacement
Tell us about faults, leaks or weak airflow. We can assess the system and quote for the appropriate work before you commit.
A size that suits the property
How is the required heating capacity worked out?
Use the Tenancy Services Heating Assessment Tool or another permitted assessment method. A floor-area rule of thumb alone is not a Healthy Homes calculation.
The official tool considers details such as location, room dimensions, insulation, glazing and the spaces connected to the living room. Accurate inputs matter.
- Gather a floor plan and measurements.
- Confirm insulation and window details where possible.
- Include open-plan and connected spaces correctly.
- Save the report showing the required heating output.
For unusual layouts, see Tenancy Services’ assessment options. The alternative specialist pathway has specific qualification requirements.
Heating output matters
The cooling figure does not establish whether this model meets a 5.2 kW heating requirement. Check its heating specification and suitability for the assessed conditions.
Example only. This is not a size recommendation for any particular room or property.
Comfort beyond the heating requirement
Warm in winter. Cool in summer.
Cooling for hot days
A reverse-cycle heat pump can cool the living area as well as heat it. Discuss summer sun, glazing, room use and airflow when choosing the model and its position.
Heating for colder months
Choose a system that meets the assessed heating need and is straightforward for tenants to operate. Explain the heating mode, temperature settings and timer at handover.
Does a heat pump replace ventilation?
No. A typical split-system heat pump recirculates indoor air. Cooling or dry mode can remove some moisture, but does not replace fresh-air ventilation or the required kitchen and bathroom extraction. See the ventilation standard.
Know what you are paying for
How much does a rental heat pump installation cost?
The price depends on the assessed size and installation scope. Request an itemised quote with the total including GST, so you can compare suitable options for your property.
Have an assessment already?
Send the report with your enquiry. It helps us understand the required output and any issues identified.
For an occupied property, include access arrangements and preferred times. If you manage several rentals, list each address and the work needed.
From assessment to handover
How we plan your installation
Review the property
Tell us about the rental, any existing heater and your assessment report. We check what needs confirming on site and agree the scope.
Specify & quote
We propose a suitable system and installation position, with an itemised quote. Confirm costs, access and timing before work starts.
Install & explain
We install and test the system, explain the controls and provide the agreed system information. Keep the documents with the property file.
We install Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic and Rinnai systems. Model selection depends on the property, required capacity and agreed budget.
A clear property file
What records should a landlord keep?
Keep the heating assessment, installed heater type and capacity, and any evidence for an allowance or exemption. The compliance statement records the rental’s current position across all the Healthy Homes standards.
A heat pump invoice on its own is not a complete Healthy Homes compliance statement. Ask what assessment and handover documents are included before accepting the quote.
Your heating file
- Heating assessment or calculation
- Model and heating-capacity information
- Installation invoice and date
- Warranty and operating instructions
- Service and repair history
- Evidence for any applicable allowance or exemption
A practical file checklist; the exact legal information required depends on the assessment route and property.
Care throughout the tenancy
Heat pump servicing, repairs & tenant care
Keep the system working for both heating and cooling. Sona Air can help with servicing, fault diagnosis, deep cleaning and replacement of older units.
Landlord responsibilities
Landlords maintain the supplied heating equipment in good working order. Technical cleaning, repairs and maintenance that need specialist tools or access generally fall to the landlord.
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance and arrange a service if performance drops, water leaks indoors or unusual noise develops.
Everyday tenant care
Tenants should keep safely accessible units and filters reasonably clean, and keep vegetation clear of the outdoor unit. Show them the safe cleaning steps and operating instructions.
Inaccessible filters or work requiring technical knowledge should be referred to the landlord. Tenants should report faults promptly.
Responsibilities: Tenancy Services’ heating and ventilation guidance.
One rental or a portfolio? Tell us how many systems need attention.
Customer reviews
5.0 ★★★★★ Google Rating
Reviews of Sona Air’s installation and servicing work. These are company-wide reviews, not specific to one service area.
Does every rental need a heat pump?
No. Other acceptable fixed heaters can meet the heating standard. The heater type, capacity and property circumstances determine suitability; see the official heating requirements.
Do I need a heat pump in every bedroom?
The Healthy Homes heating standard focuses on the main living room. Additional bedroom heating or cooling can be discussed as a separate comfort requirement.
Are the Healthy Homes requirements already in force?
Yes. Rental properties must meet the standards unless a relevant exemption applies. Check the current Tenancy Services compliance guidance rather than treating this as a future upgrade deadline.
Can a ducted system meet the heating standard?
Yes, if it supplies heat directly to the main living room and meets the required capacity. The design and controls need to support that output. Explore ducted systems.
Will the installation make the whole property compliant?
A heat pump installation addresses the heating part of the property’s requirements. The remaining Healthy Homes standards need their own checks; agree the assessment scope before booking.
How long does installation take?
Timing depends on the system, pipe run, electrical work and access. We confirm the expected installation time and any interruption when quoting; tell us if the property is occupied.
How often should the heat pump be serviced?
Use the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and the system’s condition to set the interval. Tell us the model, age and usage so we can recommend appropriate servicing and quote the cost.
What warranty will I receive?
Warranty terms depend on the selected model and installation agreement. Ask for the manufacturer’s cover, workmanship terms, exclusions and maintenance requirements in writing before proceeding.
Can you help with several rental properties?
Yes. Send the property addresses, existing system details and any assessment reports. We can discuss installation, repairs and servicing, with scope and access agreed for each property.
Which areas do you cover?
Our Albany-based team takes enquiries across Auckland, including Warkworth and Wellsford, and in Whangārei. Share the address to confirm availability and travel costs. In Waikato, see our ducted heat pump service.
Installation, servicing & repairs
Let’s make your rental comfortable
Tell us about the property and what you need. We’ll discuss the next step, assessment scope and a quote for the work.
- ✓ Heating & summer cooling
- ✓ New installations & existing systems
- ✓ Individual rentals & property portfolios
Request an assessment or quote
A few details will help us plan your enquiry.
Your enquiry goes straight to the Sona Air team. Your details are handled under our Privacy Policy.
Help for other properties
Explore our heat pump services
Planning a ducted system in Waikato? Explore ducted installation and servicing →
Also look after business premises? Explore heating, cooling and maintenance for offices, retail and other workplaces.
Official guidance for landlords
Requirements checked on . Use the current official guidance for property-specific requirements and exemptions.