Heating and cooling are key areas for cost and energy savings for businesses. On this page you’ll find key tips for energy efficiency, and considerations for installing new technology — like electric heat pumps.  

Smarter heating and cooling

It's estimated that a third of all commercial buildings have inefficient heating, ventilation and cooling systems (HVAC). These systems are some of the biggest energy users in New Zealand businesses — making up around 40% of the typical energy bill of a commercial building.1 

There are great benefits to efficient electric upgrades like heat pumps or improving the performance of your current system. Whether it’s through smarter control settings, regular maintenance or simple tweaks to how your system runs, improving energy efficiency doesn’t just reduce your costs, it also helps ease pressure on the New Zealand electricity grid. 

On this page

Reduce demand for heating and cooling

The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use. So, before you undertake any improvements to your heating and cooling system, it pays to look at how you are maintaining temperatures within your building.

  • Managing extra heat

    Use blinds and screens to minimise overheating from the sun, which can make work areas uncomfortable. 

    Servers, IT equipment and kitchens generate heat that puts more load on air conditioning.  

    There may be cheaper ways to cool these areas, such as installing windows and vents to let in fresh air. You may also be able to duct heat out of the building. 

  • Insulation

    If it's safe to access, check your roof and underfloor spaces for insulation — even if you have some, it may not be in good condition, or may need topping up. 

    For larger buildings and those with specialised heating requirements, such as data processing centres, ask a specialist for advice.  

  • Airtightness and ventilation

    Blocking draughts and sealing gaps, while ensuring healthy airflow is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the thermal performance, comfort, and efficiency of a building. This reduces the need for additional heating or cooling. 

    Thermal imaging is a non-invasive way to find draughts around doors and windows, and find defects in insulation, cables and ducting.  

Consider a heat pump

For smaller businesses, simple electric heat pumps could be all you need. They are highly energy efficient, and cheaper to run than gas heaters, wood burners, or other electric heating options.  

Using a heat pump with 3 stars on the Energy Rating Label uses 34% less energy than a similar heat pump with only 1 star — so make sure you pick the model with the highest rating in your price range. 

Maintaining your heating and cooling system 

Well-maintained heating and cooling systems operate more efficiently, last longer, and save on your business energy costs.   

  • Do annual servicing — Check all filters, heat exchangers and outlets are accessible and unobstructed. 
  • Repair gaps and leaks in ductwork — Gaps let air that has been heated or cooled escape into void spaces and can increase fan power consumption. Repairing these can save 1-5% of your heating and cooling costs in under 1 year.*
  • Clean evaporator and condenser coils — Maintaining these improves the systems energy efficiency and can save 5-15% of your heating and cooling costs almost immediately.* 

Hire an expert  

When you’re maintaining, installing or upgrading your equipment, always seek advice from a qualified professional. Ensure anyone servicing your system holds the right certifications and follows the IRHACE Code of Practice. This helps ensure your system is safe, compliant, and running at peak efficiency.  

Optimise performance of your heating and cooling system   

It's estimated that a third of all commercial buildings have inefficient HVAC systems. Ensuring yours is performing well and only heating or cooling when needed can avoid wasted energy — saving on energy costs.  

Install a building management system

If you have larger premises, it may be worth installing a building energy management system (BMS) — a software system that monitors and controls energy-using services including heating and cooling.  

The payback period for installing a BMS in an existing building can be a fast as 5 years or less.  

  • Energy efficiency for commercial buildings  

    EECA’s commercial buildings pathway provides free tailored tools and resources for businesses to help the sector save money and be more energy efficient.  

  • Commercial buildings checklist

    The energy efficiency checklist for commercial buildings is a practical guide to help commercial building operators establish energy efficient opportunities.