Mains Pressure vs Low Pressure Hot Water: What’s Best for Your Home?
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When upgrading or replacing a cylinder, deciding whether to go for a mains pressure or a low pressure hot water system is probably the most crucial decision of a homeowner. Knowing the differences will allow you to pick the system that matches the size, plumbing, and lifestyle of your home the best.
Understanding the Basics: What Is Low Pressure Hot Water?
Low pressure systems were typical in New Zealand houses that were built some years ago. These systems heat water in a cylinder but, to safeguard the old plumbing, they give it at a lower pressure.
Benefits include:
- Lower upfront cost
- Less stress on old pipes
- Adequate performance for older-style tapware
However, they rarely meet the expectations of modern households.
What Is Mains Pressure — and Why Is It Better?
Mains pressure systems supply hot water at the same pressure as the cold water supply of your house. As a result, there will be more powerful showers, quicker water flow, and upgraded performance of the modern mixers and appliances.
Key advantages include:
- Fantastic shower pressure
- Better for homes with multiple bathrooms
- Faster filling of sinks and baths
- Ideal for contemporary tapware
This is why most new builds and renovations now use mains pressure as the standard.
Which System Offers Better Energy Efficiency?
Mains pressure cylinders typically use modern insulation, higher-efficiency elements, and more advanced construction. This leads to:
- Reduced heat loss
- Lower running costs
- Longer lifespan
Low pressure systems tend to be older models with less efficient heating and insulation.
Which Option Is More Future-Proof?
It is a wiser decision to go for mains pressure if you intend to update your home or bathroom. Low-pressure systems have a very restrictive effect on the types of tapware that can be used. Almost all new designed fixtures, in fact, are not compatible with low pressure.
With mains pressure, you gain:
- More design freedom
- Better compatibility with rain showers, mixers, and high-flow taps
- Future-proof performance
Cost Considerations
Low Pressure
✔ Cheaper to install
✘ Higher ongoing costs
✘ More limitations for future upgrades
Mains Pressure
✔ Best long-term value
✔ Higher efficiency
✔ Modern performance
✘ Slightly higher upfront cost
For most households, the long-term savings and improved comfort make mains pressure the better investment.
Final Thoughts
Mains pressure is definitely the best option for the majority of New Zealand homes if you are looking for better performance, stronger showers, and an increased home value. Low-pressure systems can still be suitable for older plumbing setups, but it seems that most of the homeowners are upgrading their systems to gain more comfort and efficiency.
Why Choose The Cylinder Guys
If you are upgrading from a low-pressure system or changing an old system, The Cylinder Guys are the specialists you can rely on for hot water solutions. We provide a quick installation, top-quality cylinders, and the support of an expert to be sure you get the best arrangement in your home.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you want to get a recommendation or a quote without any cost. If you are looking for a dependable and efficient water heating solution, turn to The Cylinder Guys.