Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about how to have a more comfortable home? The answer is probably here! If it’s not, please get in touch with us today by calling us on 0800 478 123.
Ventilation
How does an HRV Airsense™ ventilation system work?
HRV AirSense™ is a positive pressure ventilation system* that takes drier air from your ceiling space, filters it and distributes it into the parts of your home that need it. Its 5-layer WoolCare™ filter has exclusive filtration technology that helps improve your home’s indoor air quality by filtering out most of the common asthma and allergy triggers.
*HRV AirSense™ Balanced is a balanced pressure system, making it ideal for modern homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
*HRV AirSense™ Balanced is a balanced pressure system, making it ideal for modern homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
I've just moved into a home with an HRV ventilation system, what do I do?
HRV home ventilation systems are designed to make your home more comfortable. Air from your roof space is filtered and distributed through your home. Our system can help to reduce moisture in your home and, by providing constant air movement, can assist in reducing condensation. In fact, HRV home ventilation is scientifically proven to reduce moisture and mould in your home1.
For more in depth advice on changing settings, take a look at the manual, or talk to our customer service team if you have any questions – 0800 478 123 or online now.
For more in depth advice on changing settings, take a look at the manual, or talk to our customer service team if you have any questions – 0800 478 123 or online now.
How much does an HRV AirSense™ ventilation system cost?
Each home is different – in size, environment, inhabitants etc. Which is why we come to you to take moisture and temperature readings, which we then use to determine the best solution for your home. Our HRV ventilation specialist will talk you through how everything works, provide a price and if you'd like to go ahead, the installation is planned for whenever suits you.
How does HRV Airsense™ ventilation help to create a more comfortable home?
The HRV home ventilation system installed in your roof space creates positive air pressure* in your home to reduce excess moisture. It also helps to improve your home's indoor air quality by filtering most of the common airborne asthma and allergy triggers from the incoming vented air.
HRV AirSense™ ventilation might not be right for all homes. Book a free home assessment to see if it's right for you.
*HRV AirSense™ Balanced is a balanced pressure system, making it ideal for modern homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
HRV AirSense™ ventilation might not be right for all homes. Book a free home assessment to see if it's right for you.
*HRV AirSense™ Balanced is a balanced pressure system, making it ideal for modern homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
What’s involved in installing an HRV Airsense™ ventilation system?
Your HRV AirSense™ ventilation system is installed by a local team of friendly, professionally-trained electricians. A new power point may be installed if required to connect it and a certificate of compliance is issued for electrical work. They will find a time that’s convenient with you for installation. Then your installer will also talk you through how to get the perfect result from your new HRV AirSense™ system.
How do I use Max Fan Mode?
Pressing the Max Fan Mode button on your control panel switches your system to maximum ventilation for one hour. To return your system to its previous setting before the hour is up, just tap the button again. By forcing air and maximising air movement this can assist with clearing bad smells and clearing excess moisture on walls and windows.
Does the HRV Airsense™ ventilation system come with a warranty?
At installation, your HRV AirSense™ ventilation system is warranted for 5 years against fault. In normal use the system will require a filter change every 12 months. Genuine HRV parts are required as part of the ongoing warranty, and to ensure you continue to get the best performance from your system.
Heating
Can a single high wall unit heat multiple rooms in the house?
No, the heat pump should only ever be sized for the room it is in so installing in a hallway to service bedrooms is not recommended.
What is Auto Defrost Cycle?
Defrost Cycle occurs in cold conditions during heating mode; when the outside ambient temperature is very cold (near 0°C or below) the moisture in the outside air freezes on the outdoor unit’s coil as the fan blows air across it. The Defrost cycle simply recognises that ice has formed, or has begun to form, on the outdoor unit coil and starts to automatically de-ice’s the outdoor coil.
Defrost mode is needed as any ice build-up on the outside heat coil will reduce the airflow across it, effecting efficiency and operation of the heat pump.
When the heat pump goes to defrost mode, you’ll notice the indoor unit will stop heating, the indoor fan will stop or slow right down, the indoor louvers may change position and depending on the model there may be a blinking light on the indoor unit. At the same time the outdoor unit fan may stop running, though the outdoor compressor will continue to run.
NOTE: It is important not to turn off the unit or change any settings on the remote before the defrost cycle has ended; if the unit is restarted prematurely it will resume the cycle and cause delays in completing the defrost function.
Defrost mode is needed as any ice build-up on the outside heat coil will reduce the airflow across it, effecting efficiency and operation of the heat pump.
When the heat pump goes to defrost mode, you’ll notice the indoor unit will stop heating, the indoor fan will stop or slow right down, the indoor louvers may change position and depending on the model there may be a blinking light on the indoor unit. At the same time the outdoor unit fan may stop running, though the outdoor compressor will continue to run.
NOTE: It is important not to turn off the unit or change any settings on the remote before the defrost cycle has ended; if the unit is restarted prematurely it will resume the cycle and cause delays in completing the defrost function.
Heating Operation During Winter
Panasonic Heat Pump Defrost Operation Explained
Panasonic Troubleshooting Steps
Can I use my heat pump to cool?
Yes - a heat pump also work as an air conditioner so is a great option to cool your home.
Are heat pumps noisy?
The internal wall mounted unit has a fan which is designed to be as quiet as possible during operation.
How many heaters do I need for an average three bedroom house?
HRV can pop around to your house to provide a free home assessment and discuss your heating requirements, as this can significantly vary depending on building design.
Cooling
If I get air conditioning should I still consider home ventilation?
Yes – that’s because an air conditioner / heat pump circulates and cools or heats the air that’s already in your home. Adding HRV home ventilation means you can have a constant flow of fresh, filtered air from outside.
Does HRV home ventilation cool my house?
HRV home ventilation is designed to increase airflow, filter your air and reduce moisture levels, but won’t usually cool your house. Our optional SummerKit can help, but for powerful cooling during summer we recommend a heat pump / air conditioner.
What’s the difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner?
There isn’t any! A heat pump transfers heat energy between outside air and inside air to either heat or cool your home as needed. It’s a year-round comfort machine!
Water
Do I need a water softener?
If you’re seeing lime scale around taps and sinks, or buildups in your electric jug, then you’re probably in a hard water area. An HRV water softener can help with this.
My system is indicating it needs a filter change.
Your system will only work properly when its filter is changed regularly. Get in touch today to book a filter change and we’ll take care of it.
Why would I choose whole-home water filtration?
Single-outlet filters are great if you just want to reduce impurities from water at your kitchen tap or shower head. Our whole-home systems do that before a drop of water enters your home’s system so all the water you use for drinking, washing, laundry and even watering your garden is filtered and purified.
Does your system work on tank water?
Yes! We offer a home tank water filter system for people using tank water, bores, stream collection or any other method of collecting water. We laboratory test your water before designing a solution that’s just right for your situation.
Solar
Does HRV sell and install solar panels?
HRV no longer offers residential solar installations. If you are interested in adding solar to your home, we suggest using an approved SEANZ professional.
How do I get my HRV solar system serviced?
If you purchased a residential solar system from HRV Solar and would like to speak with someone about service, you can get in touch on 0800 HRV 123 or at service@hrvsolar.co.nz.
Electric Vehicles
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
If you drive an average of 25-30km a day (like most Kiwis), the cost of charging an EV is equivalent to paying 30c per litre for petrol1. You can charge your EV while you sleep for about $3.00 per 100km, depending on the model and your electricity retail plan. A fast charge can cost up to $10 for 100km, and takes about 20 minutes.
1 Source: Meridian Energy Website
1 Source: Meridian Energy Website
Is charging an electric car cheaper than petrol?
Charging an EV costs the equivalent of around $0.30 per litre of petrol – which is where some substantial savings can be made. The Ministry of Transport estimates the average car in New Zealand travels around 11,500 kilometres per year.
How much does it cost to fit an EV charger?
This will vary depending on your electrical infrastructure, location of the charger and the current capacity at your house. A home assessment by our licensed electrician will answer these questions and provide a full quote.
Can I charge my EV at home?
Unlike owning a conventional petrol car, you can “refill” your electric vehicle at home – just pull into your garage and plug it in. Owners generally prefer to install an EV wall charger which provides a quicker charge. A standard outlet can be used in some circumstances (a home assessment will confirm this) but it takes longer to fully charge.
Do electric vehicles lose charge when parked?
Electric vehicles can handle extended periods of inactivity very well, even better than combustion-powered engines, as there are fewer moving parts and perishable items like fan belts and radiator hoses to worry about.
Should I charge my electric vehicle every night?
It’s not necessary to charge every night unless you’re driving enough to use up most of your battery’s charge during the day. However most people do plug in their vehicles each night to top up. Some vehicle models have onboard tools where you can auto set the charger to start and end at designated times.
Should I charge my EV to 100%?
There's no need to charge to 100% consistently, unless you need to rely on the entire driving range of your vehicle. Staying between 20% and 80% battery capacity will leave you with plenty of driving miles and be gentle on the battery.
How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?
The time it takes to charge an electric car from empty varies significantly from a couple of hours to 12 hours or more. This depends on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point. A typical electric car (60kWh battery) takes just under 8 hours to charge from empty to full with a 7kW charging point.
Is it bad to leave your electric car plugged in?
It’s completely safe to leave an electric vehicle charging (or plugged in) overnight. In fact, charging at night could allow you to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electrical rates (if included in your electricity retailer’s plan). It’s also an effective way of managing your home’s power consumption if there is a risk of tripping due to limited power capacity.
When do I need more ½ hourly data?
In some circumstances when you are using excess to your available capacity and wish to have an EV installed, you can request half hourly data from your power supplier. A home assessment will determine this and our electrician would make this recommendation as it more accurately provides the actual consumption within your home.
What happens if an electric car runs out of charge?
Naturally, you’d try to avoid this happening, but if it does you would manage it the same way as if you ran out of fuel. Roadside services (e.g., AA if you’re a member) would tow your electric vehicle to the nearest charging station.
How can I charge an electric car without a garage?
Our electrician can install a hardwired outdoor EV charging station. This can be attached to either an external wall or a freestanding pole and is weather proof except for extreme situations like water blasting or natural disasters.