Hi TinyTawny
Had the HRV rep over last night, and have spoken to the heatpump people today. It sounds odd, but Mitsubishi seemed to recommend getting an HRV system as opposed to one of there heatpumps and offered to send someone round, so I guess they have an "HRV" equivalent as well.
Your house sounds almost identical to mine, the floor area and number of bedrooms is exactly the same, and I also have that awful black mould that you need to keep wiping off.
I asked the rep (was the NZ sales manager) about heating, and he said that generally speaking, HRV do not market heaters north of Hamilton, as the heating is not often needed. You can add a heating unit to the HRV system post-installation so I will see how it goes without one (provided this is the choice we make).
My main concern is getting the humidity and condensation down, and its almost a given that this will accomplish that, in my eyes, any additional heat/comfort I get will be a bonus.
Will let you all know how I get on.
Oh - Tiny, the reps offer a "buy now" price, so it would pay to have your mind 90% made up before they come around (Wish I had known that before I saw him!!!)