Avondale has a real mix, 1960s and 70s brick-and-tile, older weatherboard bungalows, and new townhouses near the train station. A lot of the older homes have never had proper heating. Most of them qualify for the Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy as well so it is worth checking that before you commit to full price.
Local knowledge: Avondale has a wide mix of housing eras and construction types, and each one needs a different install approach. Older bungalows and weatherboard homes get a standard pipe penetration. Brick-and-tile needs masonry core drilling. Newer townhouses near the train station need extra care around steel framing and rigid insulation. A lot of Avondale homes are under-heated, which is exactly the problem a properly sized heat pump fixes. If your home qualifies for the Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy, that gets checked too. My Mt Eden specialist confirms your construction type at the site visit and prices accordingly, before anything is ordered.
The right system and the right installation method both depend on your home's era. Here is how the three main Avondale housing types differ.
Most Avondale homes suit one of three system types. The right choice depends on how many rooms you want to heat and how the home is laid out.
A high-wall unit in the main living area covers the most-used space first. For many Avondale homes that have been under-heated for years, this is the change that makes the biggest difference. It is the fastest to install, the lowest upfront cost, and it handles the room where you spend the most time. Bedrooms can be added later with a second unit or a multi-split.
A multi-split system runs two, three, or four indoor units from a single outdoor unit. This suits Avondale homes where you want the living area and bedrooms covered without running multiple outdoor units on a tight section. One outdoor unit is easier to site on a compact property than two or three, which matters particularly on the newer townhouse sections near the racecourse and transit corridor.
Avondale's bungalows and older weatherboard homes with accessible ceiling cavities can suit a ducted system that heats the whole home from concealed ceiling vents. No visible indoor units, even heating throughout. The specialist I recommend assesses ceiling cavity access at the site visit to confirm whether ducted is feasible for your property.
My Mt Eden specialist identifies your cladding type at the site visit. Bungalows, weatherboard, brick-and-tile, and steel-frame townhouses each have different drilling requirements and different pricing. You receive a quote that reflects your actual home, not a generic estimate adjusted later.
Avondale has a strong community of owner-occupiers in older homes who may qualify for a Government subsidy through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme. Eligibility is checked at the site visit. If you qualify, that is factored in before you receive your quote.
Avondale's housing spans several decades of switchboard standards. Older bungalows and weatherboard homes from the mid-century onwards often need a new dedicated circuit. If that applies to your home ($300-$800), that cost is in the fixed price before you commit.
All wiring is done by registered electricians. You receive an Electrical Certificate of Compliance on completion, a legal document required for your home's records and any future sale.
Every install is backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee on top of the manufacturer warranty. The specialist I recommend only services what he installs, so if something is not right within that period, he comes back.
Most single-room jobs are done within a week of your first call.
Get in touch and give me a few details about your home, the rooms you want heated, and your situation. If you think you might qualify for the Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy, mention that too.
Free, no obligationI refer you to the installer I trust in Central Auckland, someone I have known for years from working alongside him on the job. He visits your Avondale home, checks your cladding type, ceiling cavity, switchboard, and outdoor unit options, and confirms the approach before anything is priced.
Within 48 hoursWeatherboard and bungalow installs run 4 to 6 hours. Brick-and-tile takes slightly longer due to the masonry drilling. He works cleanly and leaves the site tidy.
4 to 6 hoursThe system is started up and tested. He walks you through the controls. Your registered electrician issues the Certificate of Compliance on the same day.
Same dayAvondale sits alongside several Central Auckland suburbs with similar housing stock. The specialist I recommend covers all of them.
See the full list of service areas across Central Auckland, or visit the Mt Eden installation page for general information. Return to the Mt Eden Heat Pumps homepage.
The specialist I recommend assesses your building type, checks your subsidy eligibility, identifies the right system, and gives you a price that covers the actual job. No surprises on install day.