Efficient, reliable heating technology proven in New Zealand conditions
Chofu air-to-water heat pumps have been a trusted part of Central Heating New Zealand’s hydronic heating offering since 2014. Designed and manufactured in Japan, Chofu units are widely used in residential central heating and are increasingly being specified for light commercial projects where efficiency, reliability and strong technical support are essential.
For commercial buildings, Chofu heat pumps provide an effective low-temperature heat source for underfloor heating, radiator systems, domestic hot water production and hybrid system designs. Their inverter compressor technology helps the unit modulate output to match demand, supporting stable comfort and efficient operation across changing occupancy patterns and outdoor conditions. At The Homestead, this flexibility helped support multiple resort-style spaces with different comfort requirements, from lounge and wellness areas through to co-working and circulation zones.
Why Chofu?
Chofu is one of Japan’s leading air-to-water heat pump manufacturers, with a long history in water heating, residential appliances and low-impact heating technology. Central Heating New Zealand’s partnership with Chofu gives commercial clients access to a high-quality Japanese product backed by local design, supply, commissioning and after-sales support.
The range has been proven in New Zealand conditions across thousands of systems, including demanding cold-climate applications. With maximum flow temperatures up to 60°C and operation in ambient temperatures down to -20°C, Chofu heat pumps are well suited to projects that require dependable hydronic performance through winter. This was a key benefit for the Mt Cardrona Homestead project, where The Homestead needed reliable radiant warmth in a high-altitude Central Otago environment.
Efficiency and environmental performance
Chofu’s second-generation air-to-water heat pumps use R32 refrigerant, which has a lower Global Warming Potential than R410A and can reduce energy consumption by around 10%. Combined with high-efficiency heat pump operation and hydronic distribution, this makes Chofu a practical option for projects looking to reduce reliance on traditional fossil-fuel heating methods.
When paired with underfloor heating, the system can operate at lower water temperatures, helping improve efficiency while delivering gentle radiant warmth. This approach was central to the Mt Cardrona Homestead project, where 2,700 metres of Multitubo PE-RT pipe were used to provide even comfort across the building’s premium interiors. For retrofit or mixed-emitter projects, Chofu can also be used with radiators or a combination of radiators and underfloor heating, giving consultants and contractors flexibility across different building types.
Designed for comfort and control
A key advantage of hydronic systems is the ability to deliver even, whole-building comfort without the draughts and temperature swings commonly associated with forced-air heating. Chofu heat pumps support this approach by supplying warm water to the system, while thermostats, manifolds and controls allow spaces to be zoned and managed according to use. At The Homestead, Smart One thermostats and FAR manifolds helped deliver practical zone-by-zone control across spaces with varied occupancy and activity patterns.
In suitable applications, reversible heat pump technology can also support radiant cooling when the wider system is specifically designed and controlled for it. Central Heating New Zealand’s SmartOne control capability helps manage floor temperature, humidity and system response, supporting comfort while protecting against condensation risk.
Key benefits
- 5-year warranty
- Japanese-designed and manufactured air-to-water heat pump technology
- Inverter compressor for efficient modulation
- Quiet operation suitable for occupied buildings
- Maximum flow temperature up to 60°C
- Operation in ambient temperatures down to -20°C, supporting cold-climate projects such as the Mt Cardrona Homestead project
- Efficient R32 refrigerant with lower environmental impact than R410A
- Suitable for underfloor heating, radiators, domestic hot water, and hybrid systems, including large zoned underfloor installations like The Homestead
- Available in 6kW, 10kW and 16kW models
- Backed by Central Heating New Zealand’s design, wiring diagram, commissioning, and after-sales support
Commercial confidence, residential-proven technology
Chofu has become a preferred hydronic heat pump choice in New Zealand homes because it combines reliable heat pump performance with the comfort benefits of warm-water central heating. That same proven platform is now supporting commercial and light commercial projects, where clients need efficient plant, predictable operation, and expert technical backing from specification through to commissioning. The Homestead at Mt Cardrona Station demonstrates how residential-proven technology can be scaled into a commercial resort facility without compromising comfort, control, or reliability.
Whether the project is a premium resort facility, workplace, showroom, accommodation building, or community space, Chofu air-to-water heat pumps give designers and contractors a dependable heat source for comfortable, efficient hydronic heating.
