A Five-Zone Ducted Heat Pump for a Prebbleton New Build
For this new three-bedroom home in Prebbleton, comfort was planned in from the beginning. The Heat Pump People installed a Daikin FDYAN100 ducted heat pump with AirTouch 5, giving the family discreet whole-home heating and cooling with separate control across five zones.
At approximately 160 m², the home did not need an unnecessarily complicated solution. What it did need was a system sized for the calculated heating load, thoughtfully integrated into the build and flexible enough to suit how different parts of the home would be used.
Planning The System with The Home
Early coordination made it possible to incorporate the ducted system cleanly into the new build.
Working with the builder, space for the concealed indoor unit was included in the attic truss design before construction progressed. This gave our installation team suitable room for the equipment and helped avoid the compromises that can occur when a ducted heat pump is added after the roof structure has already been finalised.
The project began with a clear design and good communication between everyone involved. As a result, the installation moved smoothly through both first fix and second fix.
During first fix, our team installed the indoor unit, insulated ductwork and the services concealed within the ceiling and walls. Once the build had progressed, we returned for second fix to install the outdoor unit and fit the visible ceiling grilles.
Choosing the Right System and Zones
After assessing the heating requirements of the home, we selected a Daikin FDYAN100 ducted heat pump to provide the required capacity
The indoor unit is hidden in the roof space, with heated or cooled air distributed through insulated ductwork. This allows the system to serve the whole home without separate high-wall units taking up wall space in the living areas and bedrooms
The AirTouch 5 controller divides the house into five zones: the living and dining area, master bedroom, ensuite and two spare rooms
Giving the ensuite its own zone adds a useful level of flexibility. It can be warmed independently without needing to condition the entire master bedroom area at the same time.
The homeowners can manage the system from the AirTouch 5 wall controller or through the mobile app. Individual zones can have different target temperatures, allowing the family to adjust the system around how each part of the home is being used.
The living area might need heating during the day, for example, while the bedrooms can be managed separately in the evening. Unused rooms do not always need the same level of conditioning as occupied areas.
The Installation Details Behind the Finished Result
Much of what determines the quality of a ducted heat pump installation is hidden once the house is complete.
For this project, the indoor unit was suspended on threaded rod and the ductwork was properly supported. These installation methods help reduce vibration transfer and excessive operating noise.
R1.0 insulated flexible ducting was installed throughout the roof space. The insulation helps reduce heat gain or loss as conditioned air travels between the indoor unit and each room.
Outside, the heat pump unit was installed behind the garage and away from the bedrooms. This provided a practical location for installation and future servicing while reducing its potential impact around the sleeping areas.
Inside the home, standard round ceiling grilles provided the right balance of performance, appearance and cost. Architectural or linear grilles would have added expense without offering a meaningful benefit in a relatively compact and straightforward home.
The grilles were positioned for effective air distribution and lined up with the downlights to create a considered, orderly ceiling layout.
Discreet Comfort Ready for the Family
The finished installation gives the family one integrated system for heating and cooling the home.
Most of the equipment is concealed within the roof space. Inside, only the carefully positioned ceiling grilles and AirTouch 5 wall controller are visible.
When the family moves in, they will have whole-home comfort with the flexibility to control five different areas from the wall controller or app. The system is easy to use, discreetly incorporated into the house and designed around the way the rooms will be occupied.
For The Heat Pump People, it is another high-quality ducted heat pump installation we can be proud of: carefully planned, professionally installed and ready to create comfort throughout the home.
Building for Renovating in Christchurch?
The best time to plan a ducted heat pump is while the house plans and roof structure are still being developed.
Early involvement allows space to be considered for the indoor unit, ductwork, return air, ceiling grilles and outdoor equipment. It also gives the heat pump installer and builder the opportunity to coordinate grille positions with lighting and other ceiling features.
If you are building or renovating in Christchurch or Canterbury, talk to The Heat Pump People about the heating and cooling options for your home.
Call 03 366 1823 or contact us to arrange a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a ducted heat pump be planned for a new build?
Ideally, the system should be considered while the house plans and roof structure are still being developed. Early planning allows sufficient space for the indoor unit and ductwork and helps coordinate the ceiling grilles with lights and other fixtures.
How is the correct ducted heat pump size determined?
The required capacity depends on factors such as the home’s size, layout, insulation, glazing and expected heat loss. A heat-load assessment helps determine which system is appropriate rather than selecting equipment based only on floor area.
Can a ducted heat pump control different rooms separately?
A zoned ducted system can divide a home into separate areas that are controlled individually. Systems such as AirTouch 5 can also support different target temperatures across zones, depending on how the system is designed and configured.
Is a ducted heat pump noisy?
A correctly designed and installed ducted system should operate without excessive noise or vibration. Indoor-unit mounting, duct support, equipment placement and airflow design all contribute to quieter operation.
Are ducted heat pumps suitable for smaller homes?
Yes. A ducted system can suit a smaller home when it is correctly sized and the roof space can accommodate the indoor unit and ductwork. Zoning can provide additional control over which rooms are heated or cooled.
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