Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the ATL FAQ hub — your go-to guide for smart home technology, automation, security, heating, cooling, and beyond.
We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions our customers ask, from choosing the right heat pump to understanding Control4 automation. Whether you’re exploring new solutions or want to get the best from your existing system, our expert insights are here to help.
Automation
A smart home is a house that integrates smart products and appliances - allowing you to control lighting, entertainment, security, and comfort through a central interface.
This technology isn’t just for homes - it’s also highly effective for businesses. For example, our own office and showroom are automated using smart systems linked to alarm settings and a central tablet, helping us manage everything efficiently and securely on a schedule.
Almost anything. A smart home is bespoke to each home and its owners.
You might want your security and lighting to work together, simulating occupancy while you’re away. Or perhaps you love to entertain and want to control multiple audio and video zones throughout the home—from your phone, tablet, TV, or in-wall touch panel.
Smart homes can manage both internal and external elements, from indoor climate and lighting to gate access, outdoor security, and garden lighting—giving you seamless control across your entire property.
Automation is the process of replacing human interaction with technology. When referring to home automation, you are replacing a manual operation with an automatic action.
For example, instead of switching on multiple switches by hand when you arrive home, an automated home could be programmed to turn on lights based on your proximity.
Experience the future of smart living for yourself—visit our certified Control4 Automation Showroom to see it in action.
The best home automation system for you will depend on what you’re trying to achieve, your budget, and the technology already in your home.
While many features can be achieved with DIY products, if you’re interested in a truly seamless and fully integrated smart home, it’s best to speak with an expert.
At ATL, we proudly recommend Control4 - our main automation platform. As a Control4 Gold Dealer, we trust it for its reliability, powerful features, and flexibility to suit homes of all sizes and styles.
A professionally installed smart home is designed to make your life easier.
All of your smart devices are seamlessly orchestrated to make your home more user friendly.
This is often the downside of DIY smart home products. Any benefit is negated by the issues connecting, installing and maintaining the product or system.
Control4’s app for OS3 is a sophisticated and easy way to access all of the smart devices in your Control4 smart home.
No longer fill your phone’s home screen with an app for each device—bring them together in one seamless interface that looks and feels the same, no matter what you’re controlling.
As a Gold Certified Control4 Dealer, we highly recommend Control4 for its reliability, flexibility, and exceptional user experience. We can help you design a system that’s tailored to your lifestyle and easy to manage from anywhere.
By definition, any smart device in your home should be controllable through a Wi-Fi network. In most cases, this includes control through a mobile device.
Most products are hosted on their own apps; however, you will likely find your home screen full as you collect connected devices.
There are free smart home apps that help to centralise your smart home, but these are usually fairly limited in the products they support and the level of control they offer.
Talk to us about using the Control4 app for a truly unified, reliable, and powerful smart home experience—our team can show you how it works and help design a system that fits your lifestyle.
Control4 is the system that ties all of your smart devices together. It is the brain that controls your home and the interface with which you interact.
Access the Control4 menu from TV’s, in-wall touch panels or on your mobile devices. The menu will look the same on all devices, no matter what you are viewing it on.
Control4 now supports Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Control all of your smart devices through a single, sleek and intuitive interface.
Control4 gives the user the ability to control lighting, heating & cooling, security and much more.
Every home and family are different. An automation system is designed with a particular house and its occupants in mind.
The cost is Dependent on the extent of the automation and the size of the home. You could spend anywhere between $2,200 for basic media control, all the way up to $250,000 for a top-of-the-line fully-connected luxury home.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the bulk of the cost of a smart home usually comes down to the equipment you would like to control.
Although a single speaker can be cheap, filling an entire home with in-ceiling and in-wall speakers, amps and distribution hardware will be significantly more expensive, comparatively.
If you are looking for indications into the cost of home automation, speak with the experts at ATL.
Yes and no.
Control4 has a subscription service called ‘4Sight’. 4Sight allows you to use your Control4 system when you are not connected to the system over WiFi. This allows you to check-in and manage your home from anywhere in the world.
4Sight is not a necessity, however, it drastically improves your experience with the Control4 system.
If you already have smart devices in your home and you want to coordinate them all through Control4, you’ll be pleased to know Control4 is compatible with nearly 16,000 third party consumer devices.
Control4 now supports Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Siri isn’t directly connected to Control4, though it is possible to use the Apple assistant using third-party software.
A driver can be used to bridge Apple Homekit and Control4. As Siri can control devices added through Homekit, this will give you voice control using your Apple device.
Control4 does however now support Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Hard-wire as many devices as possible. Think desktop computers, printers, TV’s, gaming consoles or other devices which rely heavily on a speedy connection.
If you have a standard router/modem combo that was supplied by your internet service provider (ISP), you may need to upgrade equipment to hard-wire all of the devices.
Add wireless access points to distribute a strong Wi-Fi signal to the entire home.
Smart lighting uses a network to communicate with a central hub, switches and each other.
With Control4, lighting can be dimmed and combined with other elements to create an impressive atmosphere and experience.
DIY bulbs
If you are happy to have only one or two ‘smart’ lamps, then WiFi bulbs could be the perfect solution.
WiFi bulbs will only fit a traditional bayonet or screw fitting, LED & halogen downlights cannot be controlled.
You can only control that light using your phone. If your mobile is dead, or you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, this could prove to be an issue.
Professional Installation with Control4 lighting
Control any light in your home, from anywhere. Use a keypad instead of your traditional switch and control more than just the lights.
Tie in any lighting circuit and control them through your phone, touchpad or in-wall keypad. Use sensors to set lighting at a low level if you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Don’t touch a thing.
If you are integrating more than one smart device in your home, Control4 brings it all together into one interface.
Traditional irrigation systems work either through manual operation, or a scheduling system.
A smart irrigation controller includes water-saving features. Things such as sensors that adjust the sprinkler based on weather conditions.
What you need will be dependent on what you have in your home and how it is connected.
Speak with us first to ensure you do not purchase any incorrect equipment.
Yes. Just like the lighting inside your home, the outdoor lighting can be connected to your automation system.
The price varies greatly depending on the type of blind used. In some cases, only 15 minutes of programming will be needed. In other cases you may need additional hardware.
If you would like some advice on the type of blinds which would work best with an automation system, get in touch.
Battery-powered, motorised blinds can last about 5 years if used twice daily. More frequent use will cause the batteries to run out sooner.
Replacing the batteries is fairly straight forward, but we can be called in if you’re not confident removing the shaft.
Yes. If your blinds are connected through Control4, they will be controllable through Alexa.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation & air conditioning. It’s simply shorthand encompassing climate control in a home of business.
Control4 works with nearly 16,000 third party devices, including heating and cooling systems.
If you would like to combine your heating, cooling and ventilation control, speak with our experts.
Maybe.
Depending on the age and nature of your devices, you may be able to retrofit a controller.
In these cases we recommend you speak with one of our smart home experts for some free advice.
Yes!
Not everyone has the ability to retrofit speakers into ceilings or walls and audio companies have made great strides in the wireless speaker market.
Depending on your budget, wireless speakers can be a very powerful alternative to traditional wired speaker systems.
Yes! Control4 works with a huge number of third party audio companies.
Our experts will arrange a visit to determine if any additional equipment is required.
Whether you are planning your dream home, have already started building, or you’re home is already built, speak with the experts at ATL.
We will create a bespoke system tailored to your home and families individual needs.
A home theatre is an entertainment system designed for a home. It typically consists of a TV and an audio system with the goal of recreating a cinema experience.
A home theatre can be achieved in an affordable way, but it’s worth remembering that you pay for quality.
Spending $500 on a small tv and some basic surround speakers will never deliver the same sound and video quality as an 8k, $10,000 television paired with 9.2 surround sound.
Every family has a different expectation when it comes to a home theatre and that is considered in the specification.
If you have a home cinema dream you would like to achieve, speak with our experts.
Speak with us first - we’ll guide you through the right options for your space, budget, and existing equipment. Some key things we’ll help you consider:
Budget
High-end audio and video equipment can be a significant investment. Knowing your budget helps us recommend options that work within your price range.
Space
Your room size and layout may affect what’s possible. In some cases, components like amps or streaming gear can be housed in a separate data cabinet, keeping your space clean and clutter-free.
Existing Equipment
Already have an amplifier or other gear? We’ll look at how to integrate it into your new setup - what you have may shape what’s possible.
Preferred Brands
If there’s a speaker brand you love, let us know. We can tailor your system around trusted brands you enjoy.
Wired vs Wireless
Wired systems offer superior reliability and sound quality, with no need to recharge devices. However, wireless technology has come a long way - modern wireless systems can now deliver impressive audio performance without the hassle of running cables.
Yes.
A key may be the only way to get into the house now, but lost keys and giving keys to others cause security risks.
With a digital smart lock, you know who is coming and going and who has access. You also have the ability with unique codes to revoke access at any time.
The best smart lock will depend on your needs.
Some locks will simply let you open and close a door from your phone. Others will allow you to assign custom codes, so you know who is coming and going. Others can be activated with voice control or triggers from other smart home products.
Talk to us today about what product we recommend for your needs.
Both wired and wireless cameras have their benefits.
A wired camera will always beat wireless on reliability. If you are building or renovating, running cables can be easy and cost-effective. With a wired system, you’ll never have to worry about dead batteries or constant recharging—just set and forget.
If you are adding a camera system to an existing home, wireless systems become more practical. Technology has made great strides in the wireless home security space in the last 5 years, offering flexibility and easier installation without compromising too much on performance.
The price of cameras varies greatly depending on the brand, quality and features.
Consider the following when it comes time to purchase CCTV cameras for your home:
Video quality
Would you like a camera that records in 720p, 1080p or 4K?
Storage
Are you happy paying for cloud storage for the life of your cameras, or would the purchase of a recorder be better?
Wired or wireless
Are you happy changing batteries a few times a year, or would you rather forget about them?
Features
Would you like night vision, line crossing, motion sensors, human detection?
We offer custom packages tailored to your needs and budget—chat with our team today for expert advice and a personalised quote.
Your Control4 system is encrypted. Feel safe in the knowledge that your home security system cannot be accessed by anyone else.
Control4 is constantly making updates to its security system.
Both wired and wireless systems have their benefits.
A wired system will always beat wireless on reliability. If you are building or renovating, running cables can be easy and cost-effective.
If you are adding a security system to an existing home, wireless systems become more practical. Technology has made great strides in the wireless home security system space in the last 5 years.
A video intercom is a system that manages calls at a door or gate. When a visitor ‘calls’ the intercom, a connection is made between the camera and speaker in the intercom; and a receiver.
A receiver can be a number of things, although these days, modern video intercoms connect to mobile devices or a fixed screen in the home.
The visitor and occupier can then speak through the speakers, with the occupier able to see the visitor.
The cost of a video intercom will vary greatly.
Like many technology items, the quality & brand will usually dictate the price.
A 2k fully integrated video intercom system with access control will vary greatly in price when compared to a DIY battery-powered doorbell with video capability.
Before committing to purchase, make a list of your wants and needs, and give us a call on 0800 555 770.
Security
A video intercom is a system that manages calls at a door or gate. When a visitor ‘calls’ the intercom, a connection is made between the camera and speaker in the intercom; and a receiver.
A receiver can be a number of things, although these days, modern video intercoms connect to mobile devices or a fixed screen in the home.
The visitor and occupier can then speak through the speakers, with the occupier able to see the visitor.
The cost of a video intercom will vary greatly.
Like many technology items, the quality & brand will usually dictate the price.
A 2k fully integrated video intercom system with access control will vary greatly in price when compared to a DIY battery-powered doorbell with video capability.
Before committing to purchase, make a list of your wants and needs, and give us a call on 0800 555 770.
Your Control4 system is encrypted. Feel safe in the knowledge that your home security system cannot be accessed by anyone else.
Control4 is constantly making updates to its security system.
Both wired and wireless systems have their benefits.
A wired system will always beat wireless on reliability. If you are building or renovating, running cables can be easy and cost-effective.
If you are adding a security system to an existing home, wireless systems become more practical. Technology has made great strides in the wireless home security system space in the last 5 years.
Both wired and wireless cameras have their benefits.
A wired camera will always beat wireless on reliability. If you are building or renovating, running cables can be easy and cost-effective. With a wired system, you’ll never have to worry about dead batteries or constant recharging—just set and forget.
If you are adding a camera system to an existing home, wireless systems become more practical. Technology has made great strides in the wireless home security space in the last 5 years, offering flexibility and easier installation without compromising too much on performance.
The price of cameras varies greatly depending on the brand, quality and features.
Consider the following when it comes time to purchase CCTV cameras for your home:
Video quality
Would you like a camera that records in 720p, 1080p or 4K?
Storage
Are you happy paying for cloud storage for the life of your cameras, or would the purchase of a recorder be better?
Wired or wireless
Are you happy changing batteries a few times a year, or would you rather forget about them?
Features
Would you like night vision, line crossing, motion sensors, human detection?
We offer custom packages tailored to your needs and budget—chat with our team today for expert advice and a personalised quote.
Yes.
A key may be the only way to get into the house now, but lost keys and giving keys to others cause security risks.
With a digital smart lock, you know who is coming and going and who has access. You also have the ability with unique codes to revoke access at any time.
The best smart lock will depend on your needs.
Some locks will simply let you open and close a door from your phone. Others will allow you to assign custom codes, so you know who is coming and going. Others can be activated with voice control or triggers from other smart home products.
Talk to us today about what product we recommend for your needs.
HVAC (Heating, ventilation & cooling)
To comply with the Healthy Homes Standards, your rental’s main living area must have a fixed heating source that can heat the room to at least 18°C. In most cases, a heat pump is the best option - it’s energy-efficient, cost-effective, and meets the performance requirements set by the standards.
At ATL Electrical, we supply and install Healthy Homes compliant heat pumps designed for NZ conditions. If your property isn’t up to standard, we can help you get compliant quickly.
It’s important that you know what you are looking for in a heat pump. Top brands tend to have a longer, more reliable life—this more than makes up for the price difference between a high-quality heat pump and a ‘cheaper’ unit.
Mitsubishi Electric took top honours in the Canstar Blue ratings in November 2020, with Daikin following closely behind.
Rinnai has over a million appliances installed in New Zealand homes, showing their long-standing trust and reliability.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has consistently been named Consumer NZ’s People’s Choice Award winner for heat pumps year after year, further proving their commitment to performance and customer satisfaction.
Depending on your budget, project, and specific needs, we can help you choose the most suitable solution—our team has the experience and product knowledge to recommend the best fit for your home.
A heat pump can definitely save you money when compared with other forms of heating.
Like any appliance, the savings you experience will depend on how often you use your heat pump. It’s also crucial that your heat pump is the correct size for the space you are heating to ensure maximum efficiency.
Unsure of how you want to pay for your new heat pump? ATL has partnered with Q Card Finance to make the process easier. With interest-free plans available over 6, 12, or 18 months, you can enjoy the comfort of a new heat pump now—without the stress of paying for it all upfront.
No.
If your heat pump is not installed by an authorised installer, your manufacturer's warranty won't be honoured. An experienced technician should always be employed.
A registered electrician is required to connect the heat pump to your switchboard. Should your home handy work result in any damage (such as a fire), your insurer will not accept an insurance claim.
Like any other appliance, a heat pump's longevity will vary between brands and models. A good quality heat pump can last 15 years or more, where are a budget unit may die 5 or more years earlier.
Given the difference in price & reliability, you're always better off installing a top-quality brand.
If you notice your heat pump’s indoor unit leaking, it’s often due to condensation buildup inside the unit when cooling your home.
So why is your heat pump leaking?
A blocked drain
Your heat pump should be serviced annually and cleaned quarterly. Over time, dust and dirt can build up inside the unit and block the drain, preventing proper water flow.
A failed condensate pump
If your heat pump isn’t installed as a standard back-to-back system, it may rely on a condensate pump to remove water. These pumps generally don’t last as long as the heat pump itself and may need replacing.
A disconnected drain
In some cases, the drain line can come loose from the unit, causing water to leak down your walls.
If you have a leaking heat pump, get in touch with one of our technicians—we can quickly diagnose the problem and get your system back to working as it should.
No.
A high-wall or floor standing heat pump is designed to heat a single room. If you’re looking for a way to heat your entire home, consider a ducted heat pump system.
Alternatively, you could install a small unit in each bedroom and a larger unit in the living room. Talk to us about multi-room solutions.
It definitely will.
While not a dehumidifier, it does remove the stale, humid air from inside your home, taking the moisture with it. Removing this air from your home will help reduce crying windows and frames.
No it doesn't. Instead of pulling dirty air down from your ceiling space, it brings in fresh air from outside, passes it through its filters, then distributes this fresh clean air throughout your home.
The air leaving your home passes through a core inside the Lossnay which takes up to 90% of the heat energy from it, and passes that through the core to the fresh, clean air being introduced to your home.
While it's hard to put a dollar figure on it, the VL-250 model will use between 11w and 106W (30% airflow up to 100% airflow). The VL-350 uses between 19W and 155W (30% airflow up to 100% airflow). This is incredibly efficient on power!
No it isn't, you'll still need a heat source to help warm your home.
The Lossnay system is exceptionally quiet, starting from 15 dB. Since the Lossnay units aren't a heating device there is no compressor, making it exceptionally quiet.
Yes!
The Lossnay can have a timer set up to run at different times of the day to match your family’s movements. The timer is easy to use, allowing you to set both on/off times and different fan speeds for optimal comfort and efficiency.
No need for a specialist technician here. You can purchase the filter medium from local companies throughout New Zealand, and you can replace the filters yourself.
It depends on how much filtration the filters need to do, but once every 12 months is normally fine.
Choosing the right size for your home depends on factors like room size, insulation, and your local climate. ATL Electrical’s expert team will assess your space and recommend the best Mitsubishi heat pump to ensure comfort and efficiency.
Yes, Mitsubishi heat pumps are designed with advanced inverter technology to optimise energy use. This helps reduce energy costs while keeping your home comfortable year-round.
To keep your heat pump running smoothly, it’s recommended to have it serviced at least once a year.
ATL Electrical offers professional maintenance services to ensure your Mitsubishi heat pump continues to perform at its best. Check out our servicing inclusions.
Yes, Mitsubishi heat pumps come with advanced filtration systems that help remove allergens, dust, and bacteria, promoting healthier indoor air quality.
Install alongside Mitsubishi Electric’s Lossnay Heat Recovery Ventilation system to deliver fresh, filtered air into your home without losing heat.
At ATL Electrical, we offer expert Mitsubishi heat pump installation, personalised recommendations, and ongoing support.
Our goal is to ensure you get the best performance and value from your Mitsubishi heat pump.
Choosing the best Daikin heat pump depends on factors like room size, insulation, and climate conditions.
To ensure maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness, ATL Electrical’s heat pump experts will assess your home and recommend the ideal residential heat pump for your needs.
Yes! Daikin heat pumps are designed with advanced inverter technology, which optimises power usage, reduces energy waste, and helps lower electricity bills.
They provide year-round comfort while maintaining efficiency, making them a smart investment for both homes and businesses.
Yes, regular servicing helps maintain peak performance and extends the lifespan of your Daikin heat pump.
We recommend an annual maintenance check, and ATL Electrical offers professional servicing to keep your unit running efficiently while preventing costly breakdowns.
Absolutely!
Daikin heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, making them the perfect all-in-one climate control solution.
Whether you need to stay warm in winter or cool during Canterbury’s hot summers, a Daikin heat pump in Christchurch keeps your home comfortable year-round.
Most residential heat pump installations are completed within a day. However, ducted or commercial heat pump systems may take longer.
ATL Electrical will give you a clear installation timeframe during your consultation, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has consistently been named Consumer NZ’s People’s Choice for heat pumps — a title based on real customer satisfaction in performance, reliability, and support.
It’s a brand Kiwis trust for quality and long-term value.
MHI heat pumps are engineered to perform in some of the toughest conditions on Earth. Whether it’s a frosty morning in Canterbury or a humid summer in the North, MHI systems are designed to keep going strong — thanks to their robust build and rigorous testing.
With deep roots in Japanese engineering excellence, MHI consistently develops heat pump technology that pushes boundaries. From ultra-quiet modes to advanced filtration and energy-saving innovations, every feature is designed for year-round comfort and smarter performance.