Our Services
Central Heating Installation
Hydronic heating is a heat source, emitters that warm the home, and controls to run it. After 24 years designing and installing these systems in Marlborough, we specify proven equipment for efficiency, reliability and long-term value.
Most of our work pairs an air-to-water heat pump with underfloor heating, radiators, or both, plus room or zone controls. We also design around wood-fired and pellet boilers where that is the better fit. Each system is sized from room-by-room heat loss calculations. On new builds and major renovations, involve us early so pipework, heat pumps and controls are built into the plan.
Marlborough Plumbing & Heating has been installing central heating systems across the Marlborough region since 2002. We've installed over 600 radiators and laid more than 150km of underfloor heating pipe.
Hydronic Underfloor Heating
Hydronic Underfloor Heating
Hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating has been one of MPH's specialties for more than 24 years.
A network of pipes is installed within the floor slab or screed, circulating warm water to gently heat the floor and provide an even, comfortable temperature throughout the room.
Underfloor heating operates at relatively low water temperatures, making it particularly well suited to modern air-to-water heat pumps, as well as wood-fired, pellet and other hydronic heat sources.
At MPH, we design each system specifically for the home, taking into account the building's heat requirements, floor construction, room layout and individual temperature control to provide an efficient and comfortable heating system.
Radiator Systems
Hydronic Radiator Heating
Hydronic radiator heating has been at the heart of MPH's business for more than 24 years, with extensive experience designing and installing radiator systems in homes throughout Marlborough.
Warm water circulates through panel radiators mounted on the walls, providing comfortable and easily controlled heating throughout the home. Radiators respond faster than underfloor heating systems and are an excellent option for retrofitting into existing homes, as well as new builds.
Modern radiator systems can be designed to operate efficiently at lower water temperatures, making them particularly well suited to today's air-to-water heat pumps, as well as wood-fired, pellet and diesel boilers.
At MPH, we carefully size each radiator to suit the individual room's heating requirements, taking into account the construction and heat loss of the home and the operating temperature of the chosen heat source. This ensures every room receives the heat it needs while allowing the overall system to operate efficiently.
Heat Sources
Wood-Fired Heating
Wood-fired heating has been an important part of the systems we have designed and installed throughout Marlborough for many years.
We have extensive experience using wood-fired appliances as a heat source for radiator and underfloor heating systems, including Rayburn and Stanley cookers, Hunter stoves and other purpose-designed wetback and wood-fired boilers.
When correctly designed, a wood-fired system can provide reliable whole-home heating while making excellent use of a readily available fuel source. Our experience allows us to correctly integrate the heat source with radiators, underfloor heating, hot water storage and other heating components to create a safe, practical and effective system.
Over the years, MPH has installed a wide variety of wood-fired central heating systems, from traditional radiator installations through to more complex systems combining multiple heat sources.
Diesel Boilers
Diesel boilers have been a significant part of the central heating systems we have installed and maintained throughout Marlborough for more than 24 years.
Known for their reliability and powerful heat output, diesel boilers can provide heating for radiator and underfloor systems as well as domestic hot water, and remain a practical option for properties where the available electrical supply limits the use of other heat sources.
While increasing fuel costs have seen many homeowners move towards heat pump technology, MPH continues to service, maintain and upgrade existing diesel boiler systems, as well as advise clients on the options available when the time comes to consider an alternative heat source.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps are now the most common heat source we install for radiator heating, underfloor heating and domestic hot water systems.
MPH has been working with heat pump technology for more than 24 years, giving us extensive experience in designing and installing systems for a wide range of homes and applications.
The latest generation of heat pumps, including systems using R32 and R290 refrigerants, has significantly broadened the range of solutions we can offer. Modern units can efficiently produce the water temperatures required for underfloor heating, domestic hot water and radiator systems, making them an extremely versatile whole-home heating solution.
We are also carrying out an increasing number of diesel boiler to heat pump conversions, where our experience with both technologies allows us to assess the existing system and design a heat pump solution that works effectively with the home's existing radiators, underfloor heating and hot water requirements.
Wood Pellet Heating
Wood Pellet heating provides another versatile option for radiator heating, underfloor heating and domestic hot water, particularly for homeowners who prefer a renewable, wood-based heat source.
MPH has installed a number of Ravelli wood pellet fires, supplied in New Zealand through Pellet Fire Solutions. These freestanding fires provide the warmth and ambience of a fire in the living area while also heating water that can be distributed throughout the home to radiators, underfloor heating and domestic hot water.
For clients wanting a dedicated central heating boiler, EasyPell pellet boilers from Austria provide another option. These operate as a purpose-designed boiler and can be integrated into a complete hydronic heating and hot water system.
Pellet heating can be an excellent solution where clients want the benefits of a wood-based fuel while retaining the convenience and control of a modern central heating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Price depends on home size, zones, controls and heat source. As a guide, a complete air-to-water heat pump underfloor system for a modern 150m² new home can start from around $25,000 + GST. Larger or more complex jobs cost more. We design and price each system for the house and how it will be used.
Price depends on the home, how many radiators you need, pipe access, controls and heat source. As a guide, a complete radiator system with an air-to-water heat pump typically starts from around $25,000 + GST. Larger homes, retrofits and more complex jobs cost more. We size radiators room by room and quote in detail before work starts.
Both underfloor heating and radiators are hydronic systems that use warm water to heat your home. The main difference is how that heat is delivered. Underfloor heating uses pipes embedded in your floor to radiate heat upward from the ground, providing even, comfortable warmth with no visible components. Radiators are wall-mounted panels that heat the air in a room more quickly but with slightly less even heat distribution. Underfloor heating is typically best for new builds or major renovations, while radiators are often more practical for retrofit installations. Both deliver excellent comfort, and we can help you choose the right option for your home and situation.
It is done in three stages. Before the slab is poured we lay and fix the pipe, typically 1½ to 4 days. At pre-line we fit manifolds, control wiring and heating circuits, and any primary pipe in the roof space, typically 1 to 2 days. Final fit-off connects the heat pump and any hot water cylinder, then we test, commission and hand over the controls, typically 2 to 3 days, or up to 4 on larger systems.
Two stages. First we run the main heating pipe and the runs to each radiator, either under the slab or through the roof and walls at pre-line, typically 2 to 3 days. Then we fit the heat source (air-to-water heat pump, diesel boiler or similar), hang and connect the radiators, integrate a hot water cylinder if it is part of the design, test and commission the system, and hand over how to use it, typically 2 to 4 days.
In most cases, yes, central heating can be retrofitted into existing homes, though the approach differs from new builds. Radiator systems are generally the most straightforward retrofit option, as they don't require floor modifications. Underfloor heating retrofits are possible using screed overlay systems or subfloor installations, but these suit some homes better than others. The key factors are your floor construction, ceiling heights (screed overlays add height), and the condition of your current heating infrastructure. We carry out free site assessments and will give you honest advice on what's practical for your specific home.
We work with several leading brands for central heating components. For heat pump heating, we're a Stiebel Eltron Accredited Installer and have extensive experience with their highly efficient heating systems. For radiators, we supply European and Australasian brands sized to suit each room. For underfloor pipe, we use quality cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe with long manufacturer warranties. We also work with Central Heating New Zealand (CHNZ) system designs and components. We'll specify the right products for your system and budget, and we don't have a blanket preference for one brand over another.
Services Include
- Hydronic underfloor heating for new builds and retrofits
- Hydronic radiator system design and installation
- Heat pump heating system integration
- Gas boiler installation and servicing
- System design with proper heat loss calculations
- Manifold installation and zone control
- Thermostatic controls and smart programmers
- Annual heating system servicing and maintenance
- Heating system commissioning and balancing
- Underfloor pipe pressure testing
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