Electric Hot Water Cylinders in New Zealand: Benefits, Costs, and Installation Tips
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Electric hot water cylinders are still among the top most sought after residential hot water systems in New Zealand. What they do is use an electric heating element to heat water and store it for further use, making them a stable and, basically, an all-round the-home solution. Electric cylinders are capable of being set up for a mains-pressure or a low-pressure system based on the plumbing configuration of your home and the requirements of your household.
Key Benefits of Electric Hot Water Cylinders
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Easy to shut down when away — Simply turn off the power if you go on holiday, saving electricity.
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Ample hot water storage — Large water storage capacities ensure there is usually enough hot water even for larger households.
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Lower upfront cost — Electric cylinders typically cost less to purchase and install compared to many alternative hot water systems.
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Proven reliability and long lifespan — Electric cylinders have a long track record, giving homeowners confidence in their durability.
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Flexibility and future-proofing — Many electric cylinders are compatible with solar, heat pump, or wetback systems.
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Option for external installation — Some models can be installed outside the house, saving indoor space and making maintenance easier.
Things to Consider Before Installing an Electric Cylinder
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Slower recovery rate — Electric heaters usually take longer to reheat water compared to gas systems, which may delay hot water availability in high-demand households.
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Electricity costs can add up — Heating water electrically can significantly impact your household’s electricity bill.
Choosing the Right Cylinder for Your Home
When selecting an electric hot water cylinder, consider:
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Your household’s hot water demand — Larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms may need bigger cylinders.
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Whether you have mains-pressure or low-pressure plumbing — This determines the type of cylinder suitable for your home.
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Future upgrade plans — If you plan to add solar panels, heat pumps, or wetback systems, choose a compatible cylinder.
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Installation space — Limited indoor space may require an external installation option.
How Electric Cylinders Work
Electric hot water cylinders generally include a storage tank that is insulated and is either copper, stainless steel or vitreous-enamel lined steel. Cold water is fed into the bottom of the tank, and an electric heating element heats the water to a high temperature. So, when a hot water tap is opened, hot water flows out from the top of the tank, and cold water is sent to the bottom for reheating.
Typical cylinder sizes for residential homes vary from approximately 135 litres up to 300 litres for bigger or high-demand households.
Is an Electric Cylinder Right for You?
Electric hot water cylinders are ideal if you:
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Want a simple, proven, and low-cost hot water solution
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Prefer a reliable hot water supply without the complexity of gas or advanced systems
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Do not require rapid reheating between uses
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Value flexibility for future upgrades like solar or heat pump systems
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Have limited indoor space or prefer external installation
If you use large volumes of hot water repeatedly or want rapid reheating, consider the slower recovery time and electricity costs in your decision.
Ready for Professional Help with Your Electric Hot Water Cylinder
If your electric hot water cylinder has any issues, for example, leaks or overflow, they must be fixed immediately. It is a good idea to shut off the water supply, drain the tank, and call a qualified technician to avoid damaging your house with water and repair costs that you did not expect. Although it may be that draining the cylinder gives a little while solution to a minor problem, it is generally much safer to have a staff member inspect it or replace it.
If you’re considering a fix or an upgrade, The Cylinder Guy is ready to help you choose the best solution for your home.