Stiebel Eltron’s Hydronic Heat Pumps are a go-to for homeowners switching from fossil fuels to energy-efficient heating thanks to the company’s bespoke service offering.
“From day one in New Zealand, our mission has been to deliver efficient heating solutions tailored to each home. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we engage deeply with every project to ensure the best long-term outcome for the homeowner and the environment,” says Bhawesh Singh, Stiebel Eltron Technical Manager.
For Stiebel Eltron, ensuring the best outcome for the homeowner means providing support throughout the transition, alongside assistance from qualified local installers.
“Put simply, we’re helping our customers transition away from fossil fuels by supplying the heat pump system, sizing the system to meet their home's requirements, connecting them with a trained installer, and remaining on-hand to help with any additional needs along the way.”
Designed for outdoor installation in New Zealand conditions, the WPL 25 AC and WPL 25 ACS Air Source Hydronic Heat Pump systems are a perfect start for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies in your home.
Why transition to a hydronic heat pump?
Energy independence and future-proofing are becoming increasingly important in New Zealand. Because our electricity grid is already largely renewable, Bhawesh says it makes more sense to use technology that runs on electricity — especially as imported fossil fuels have volatile prices and long-term supply uncertainties.
“Hydronic heat pumps align perfectly with this approach. Not only are they efficient, but they can also seamlessly integrate with rooftop solar systems — whether the homeowner already has one, or plans to install one in the future. This gives homeowners greater control over their energy use and costs, and when combined, heat pumps and solar can significantly reduce running costs compared to fossil fuel boilers.”
It’s not just about the cost, Bhawesh says. Burning fossil fuels is also unhealthy for your home and the environment.
“With electricity, there's no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, no gas-related hazards, and fewer pollutants released indoors or out. Add the quiet operation of modern heat pump systems, and the lifestyle upgrade is clear.”
The original multi-fuel burner in a Dunedin home.
The original hot water cylinder connected to the client's multi-fuel burner.
How Stiebel Eltron set you up
Stiebel Eltron’s bespoke approach is based on the knowledge that every home is unique in layout, design, materials, location, and lifestyle, which means the energy required to heat it will vary.
“This is why accurate heat load calculations are so important. Rather than relying on guesswork, we use heat loss calculations to determine precisely how much energy is required to heat each room,” Bhawesh explains.
“Boilers, especially traditional ones, are often oversized — they're typically designed to cover peak demand, and a bit extra just to be safe. In reality, though, homes rarely need that full output all the time. Modern boilers can modulate down to match lower demand, but older ones tend to switch on and off repeatedly, which makes them inefficient and harder on the system over time. Modern inverter-driven heat pumps adjust their output in real-time to meet a home's heating needs efficiently, handling most conditions with ease. Built-in electric backups cover rare extreme cold spells, so there's no need to oversize — in fact, doing so can reduce efficiency.”
By sizing the heat pump system to the specific needs of your home, Stiebel Eltron ensures you’re never overheating, or overpaying.
An Air Source Hydronic Heat Pump was installed by Dunedin company Warm and Cool.
“Thank you Warm and Cool for such an amazing service, we love the result of our converted boiler system. The level of professionalism and skill in this niche area was a lifesaver for us. No more keeping a fire going in the winter; improving the efficiency and energy consumption of our home has been so worth it.”
A Central Otago case study
Dunedin-based installers Warm and Cool recently assisted in the switch from a multifuel boiler to a hydronic heat pump, with great success.
“Thank you Warm and Cool for such an amazing service, we love the result of our converted boiler system. The level of professionalism and skill in this niche area was a lifesaver for us. No more keeping a fire going in the winter; improving the efficiency and energy consumption of our home has been so worth it,” the client says.
"We choose to work with manufacturers who offer high-quality, reliable hydronic systems backed by strong in-country engineering and aftersales support, and that perform efficiently even in the coldest conditions,” says Angus Macniven, owner of Warm and Cool.
“Partnering with Stiebel Eltron two years ago has been a great fit — their values align with ours, their team is excellent, and their equipment has consistently delivered in New Zealand’s climate.”
