A Day in the Life of Residential Electricians and Heat Pump Installer in Alexandra

Ever wondered what it’s like working as a residential electrician and heat pump installer? Whether you're curious about the trade or thinking about getting into it yourself, here's a look at what a full day on the job really looks like — coffee included.

🗂️ 7:00 AM – Plan the Day and Load the Van

My day starts early at home or in the workshop. I check over the job details, confirm the heat pump model I’ll be installing, and review any notes from the client.

Today’s a full Mitsubishi high-wall heat pump installation for a family in Clyde. It’s a new build, so I’ll be handling everything — indoor and outdoor units, pipework, electrical, and commissioning.

I make sure the van is fully stocked with:

The heat pump units and mounting brackets
Vacuum pump, pressure gauge, and pipe insulation
Electrical cable, circuit breakers, and fittings
Full toolkit, drill gear, and PPE

With everything packed, I hit the road.

☕ 8:15 AM – Coffee Stop

I usually swing past Rob’s Coffee on my way through town — great service and consistently good flat whites. With a coffee in hand, I head out toward Clyde, ready to get into the install.

🛠️ 8:30 AM – Heat Pump Installation Begins

Once I arrive, I walk through the plan with the homeowners:

Confirm the indoor unit location for best airflow
Choose a solid, compliant location for the outdoor unit
Check cable runs, drainage options, and switchboard setup

Then I get to work:

Mount the indoor unit and run the piping through the wall
Set the outdoor unit in place and begin refrigerant line connections
Run the electrical cable to the switchboard and prepare the circuit
Pressure test and vacuum the system to ensure it’s leak-free

It’s a job that takes most of the day — especially when you’re doing it right. Taking shortcuts with heat pump installs just leads to call-backs, and I’d rather get it done properly the first time.

✅ 3:30 PM – Power Up, Testing, and System Check

After completing the install and wiring, I:

Run the heat pump on its own dedicated circuit
Wire and label everything at the switchboard
Test voltage and current draw to ensure efficiency

Then I:

Power up the unit
Run the system through all modes — heating, cooling, fan
Show the client how to use the remote
Share some quick tips on filter cleaning and energy savings

🧹 4:30 PM – Tidy Up and Final Check

I clean up the workspace, remove any offcuts or debris, and walk the client through a final check. The job looks tidy, the unit’s running silently, and the home is already warming up.

🏠 5:30 PM – Head Home

Once packed up, I head home — then update my job records and prep for the next day.

Being a licensed electrician and heat pump installer in Alexandra means I get to help people stay warm and safe all year round. The variety, independence, and satisfaction of quality workmanship make every day worthwhile.