July 23, 2025

Do I Install a Heat Pump or a Ventilation System (HRV, DVS, SmartVent)?

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It’s the middle of winter in Auckland. Your home feels cold and damp, and despite running your oil heaters and dragging out Gran’s old dehumidifier, nothing seems to help.

So what do you invest in next? A modern energy‑efficient heat pump for Auckland winters to warm things up? Or a whole‑home ventilation solution for damp Auckland houses like HRV, DVS or SmartVent to dry things out?

Before you spend a dollar, you need to identify your home’s biggest problem:

Step 1: Identify the Issue

  • Is your home damp?
    • Signs include excessive morning condensation on windows.
    • Damp air promotes mould, rot, and is harder to heat.
  • Is your home cold?
    • If you’re in five layers and can see your breath indoors, it’s time to rethink your heating strategy.
    • Plug-in heaters max out at 2400 watts and are often insufficient for older or poorly insulated homes.
  • Is your home both cold and damp?
    • Many Auckland homes suffer from both, making the indoor environment uncomfortable and unhealthy.

Heat Pumps / Air Conditioners

  • Primary Benefit: Strong heating power
  • Secondary Benefit: Minor dehumidification in some modes

If your main concern is warmth, a heat pump is the way to go. We’ve seen how the right setup can completely change the feel of a space.

Heat pumps are highly efficient compared to plug-in heaters:

  • 2000W electricity input into a standard heater = 2000W heat output
  • 2000W electricity input into a heat pump = 6000–8000W heat output

They circulate room air through an internal unit, heating it and returning it back into the space. However:

  • Heat pumps do not add fresh air to your home.
  • Warmer air can carry more moisture, so the air may feel drier, but the actual moisture content stays the same.

What about the "Dry” or “Dehumidify” Mode?

How this function works:
  • The heat pump goes into cooling mode
  • Air passes over cold coils within the internal unit
  • Moisture condenses on coils, drips to a collection tray and is drained away to the exterior of the home
Downsides
  1. This process consumes a lot of energy.
  2. It works by cooling the room – not ideal in winter!
Summary:

If your home is freezing, a heat pump is your best choice for reliable,cost-effective heating.

Is There a Difference Between a Heat Pump and Air Conditioner?

No – they are two names for the same thing:

  • "Heat pump": Often used in NZ, may imply heating-only
  • "Air conditioner": More accurate, as they heat, cool, and dehumidify

Ventilation Systems (HRV, DVS, SmartVent)

  • Primary Benefit: Strong dehumidification
  • Secondary Benefit: Minor heating in specific conditions

If your main issue is moisture and condensation, then a ventilation system is your best bet

These systems push warm, dry air from the ceiling cavity into your home through filters, pushing out stale, moist air.

This:

  • Reduces condensation
  • Removes damp air
  • Improves indoor air quality
‍Temperature Impact
  • On sunny afternoons: the ceiling air may be warmer, slightly  heating your home
  • On cold mornings: ceiling air may be cooler, slightly lowering your home’s temperature

But remember: a dry home is easier to heat than a damp one, so even if the air is cooler, your heating system will perform better.

Summary: If dampness, mould/mildew and crying windows are your main issues, a ventilation system will drastically improve air quality and dryness.

HRV vs DVS vs SmartVent: What’s the Difference?

Essentially, all of these systems do the same thing.

  • Draw warm air from the ceiling cavity
  • Filter it
  • Push it into the home, forcing stale air out
Differences lie in:
  • Product quality
  • Filter & Sensor technology
  • Installation
  • Customer service

Take a look at our full comparison post here,to learn about the differences between systems in-depth

Best Home Ventilation Systems: HRV vs DVS vs SmartVent

What If My Home Is Both Cold and Damp?

If budget allows, the best solution is to install both a heat pump and a ventilation system.

This is true for every home, regardless of the symptoms you are experiencing.

This combo:

  • Heats the air
  • Removes moisture
  • Creates a truly comfortable and healthy home

If your budget is limited:

  • Prioritise the bigger problem (cold vs damp)
  • Start with one system and add the other later if possible

Recommendations by Home Type:

  • Older Homes: Heat pumps + Positive pressure ventilation‍
  • Modern, Airtight Homes: Ducted heating/cooling OR Mutli-split heat pumps + Forced air ventilation with heat recovery

Summary

Choosing between a heat pump and a ventilation system comes down to identifying your home’s biggest problem. If it’s cold, get a heat pump. If it’s damp, get a ventilation system.

In an ideal world, you’d install both for a warm, dry and energy-efficient home.
Your comfort, health and electricity bill will thank you.

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Do I Install a Heat Pump or a Ventilation System (HRV, DVS, SmartVent)?