FAQ

What size heat pump do I need?

Always seek advice from a qualified installer by having an in-home assessment before making a purchase decision. Having a correctly sized heat pump for your specific situation will ensure that you get satisfactory results. The specialist will also provide advice on where, how and the type of unit to be installed, the cost involved, as well as how to operate the heat pump optimally once it is installed. For an indication of the appropriate size and type of heat pump for your needs please refer to our Sizing Guide for more details. 

Are Sair heat pumps environmentally friendly?

All Sair heat pumps use the R410A refrigerant and are RoHS compliant. This means that they not only use environmentally friendly refrigerant, they are also free of lead, cadmium, mercury and other hazardous substances which are harmful to the environment. 

How much does it cost to run a heat pump?

This is a difficult question to answer. It depends on how much you use it, what the cost of electricity is in your local area, how hard the unit has to work and whether you maintain your heat pump in good working condition.

Sair heat pumps are very efficient to run and our models are among the most efficient on the market. In fact, our Sair Super GT series have all been awarded the ENERGY STAR mark indicating that they are among the most efficient models available.

Heat pumps in general are approximately 300% more efficient than an electric heater of the same output capacity and more efficient than other forms of heating. In cooling, there is no equivalent comparison for these air conditioning units.

Are your heat pumps noisy?

No. Sair heat pumps are extremely quiet. Sair air conditioners are very, very quiet. Sair Super GT SGT-09 and Sair Super GT SGT-12 can operate as low as 22dB noise level on their lowest fan speed. Even on a higher fan setting, which is the more likely setting you’ll use, Sair heat pumps are still very, very quiet.

What maintenance is required on your heat pumps?

Domestic split system heat pumps require the indoor air filters cleaned regularly, usually once a month. The outdoor unit also needs to be kept free of debris. For details, please refer to the manufacturer's manual which comes with your newly purchased heat pumps. It is advisable however, to get an annual inspection/service by a qualified technician to ensure that your heat pump operates trouble free. 

Are Sair heat pumps reliable?

Sair heat pumps, built by Midea Air Conditioning Joint Venture, one of the largest air conditioning manufacturers, are particularly reliable and backed by a 5 year full warranty (including labour, parts and compressor). Sair heat pumps have been on the New Zealand market for more than 5 years and have proven to be extremely reliable in our environment.

Are Sair heat pumps inverter?

All Sair’s newer heat pump models are inverter type which use a variable-speed compressor motor that can slow down and speed up as required to maintain a more constant temperature. This also makes them more efficient to run. 

Can I use Sair heat pumps for cooling as well?

All Sair heat pumps are reverse cycle air conditioners, which means, you can use them for cooling in summer as well as heating in winter.

Will Sair heat pumps work below zero degrees Celsius outside?

Yes, all Sair heat pumps will operate when outside temperatures drop below freezing point. In fact, all Sair inverter models are designed to operate down to -15°C. Sair Super GT series are ENERGY STAR qualified models which means that they have been tested to provide good performance in low outdoor temperatures.

How do Sair heat pumps compare with other brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi and Fujitsu?

Sair heat pumps compare quite favourably with other brands on the market.  Sair air conditioners are very efficient (in fact Sair heat pumps are among the most efficient with several models awarded the ENERGY STAR mark).  Sair heat pumps are very quiet (as low as 22dB on a few models), very sophisticated with unique features, yet easy to use, and Sair air conditioners are extremely reliable with 5 years full warranty (subject to warranty terms and conditions). And let’s not forget, Sair heat pumps are very stylish!

Tips for using you heat pump and saving power:

Reduce the amount of time you need to use the heat pump. Do not leaving cooling and heating appliances on overnight or when you are out.

Turn up (or down) the thermostat - a heated room in winter usually feels comfortable between 18-22°C, and a cooled room in summer about 21-24°C. Remember the humidity indoors will be low, so it will feel cooler. Try turning the thermostat to a warmer setting in summer, or a cooler one in winter. Even 1 degree can save a lot of energy - around 5 to 10% saving!

Dress appropriately for the weather. Putting on a sweater is better than turning the heater up.

Keeping your house warm in winter by making sure it is well insulated, and that shades or blinds on north and west facing windows are open during the day to let in winter sun. Use thermal drapes or thick curtains, especially on large windows or consider double-glazing, and close them as soon as the sun goes down. Exclude draughts by closing gaps under doors and around windows.

Keeping your house cool in summer by making sure it is well insulated and by shading north and west facing windows.

Try to cool or heat only those areas which need it, rather than the entire house or building. You will need to close doors between the conditioned and unconditioned areas, and close windows and doors in areas that are being cooled or heated. Close drapes or blinds, especially in the evening when you are heating.

In winter, you may need to heat living areas to a higher temperature (20-24°C) than other areas, e.g. the bed rooms (16-18°C), to feel comfortable.

Adjust louvers towards the ceiling when cooling, and towards the floor when heating (as cool air falls, while hot air rises).

Maintain your heat pump. Service all air conditioners according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep the indoor unit free of dust. Clean air filters regularly (preferably monthly).

Make sure the heat pump is sized correctly to do the job!