Hot Water Maintenance & Tips
The Cylinder Guy have been giving expert advice and providing hot water cylinders to NZ’ers since 2011
What the November 2024 Building Code Update Means for Your Hot Water System
Understanding the Recent Changes to NZ Plumbing & Hot Water Regulations From 1 November 2024, the updated version of G12/AS1 — part of the New Zealand building regulations governing water supplies — introduces important changes affecting domestic hot water systems. Most notably: the maximum allowed hot-water temperature delivered at taps used for personal hygiene (bathrooms, […]
Switching from Gas to a Hot Water Heat Pump — A Smart Move for Kiwi Homes
Why More Homeowners Are Ditching Gas For many New Zealand households, traditional gas-based hot water heating (whether LPG bottles or piped natural gas) was once the go-to solution. However, rising gas costs and increasing monthly line charges have made gas less attractive over time. Many homes are now looking at more efficient, cost-effective alternatives — […]
Celebrating a Decade of Innovation — What the Success of Apricus Eco Means for Your Hot Water System
A Decade of Progress in NZ Hot Water Solutions This year marks a major milestone for Apricus Eco — ten years of steering New Zealand homes toward sustainable, efficient water-heating solutions. Under the leadership of their founder “Marcus,” Apricus Eco has evolved from offering solar hot water systems to delivering cutting-edge heat pump technologies, displaying […]
Why Electric Hot Water Heating Systems Are the Most Efficient and Sustainable Choice for Modern Kiwi Homes
Electric hot water systems have rapidly become a favorite option in New Zealand homes — and rightly so. With the move of residential buildings to eco-friendly and energy-saving technologies, electric hot water systems are still the ones to go in terms of being reliable, environmentally-friendly, and offering great value over time. If that’s not enough, […]
Everything You Need to Know About Outdoor Hot Water Cylinders for Kiwi Homes
Many New Zealand homeowners of late are choosing outdoor hot water cylinders as a fast means of creating more space inside the house, making the system safer, and enhancing its performance in general. Given New Zealand’s updated building regulations and the trend towards smaller house designs, moving your hot water system outside can be a […]
Mains Pressure vs Low Pressure Hot Water: What’s Best for Your Home?
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 […]
Gas Hot Water Heating Options: Choosing the Best Gas Hot Water Solution for Your Home
Understanding Gas Hot Water Systems One of the major reasons leading to the sustained popularity of gas water heaters is their capability to serve as a reliable and efficient hot water source in households. When coupled with an uninterrupted gas supply, such systems are able to deliver the heating at a very fast rate and […]
How Chlorinated Water Can Damage Pipes & Hot Water Cylinders — A Homeowner’s Guide
Chlorine has become a standard method to disinfect water supplies and guard against water‑borne diseases. While this keeps drinking water safe, there is a hidden downside — chlorinated water can gradually damage your plumbing and hot water cylinders. In this guide, we explain why chlorinated water is a concern, what signs to watch out for, […]
Hunson Model RT Direct Mains Pressure Cylinders — What You Need to Know
Hot‑water cylinders have changed a lot over the decades — and among the pioneers was the Hunson Model RT. Once celebrated for delivering a better shower experience, it now belongs to a bygone era. In this guide we explain what made the Hunson RT special, why it was discontinued, what challenges came with it, and […]
The Hastings Hot Water Cylinder Mystery — What Went Wrong, and What You Should Know
In 2025 a major investigation finally shed light on why many homes in Hastings, New Zealand have experienced unusually high rates of hot‑water cylinder failures. For owners of older cylinders — especially low‑pressure copper units — the results were surprising, and alarming. In this guide, we unpack what the “Hastings mystery” was, what the investigation […]
Why Predicted Gas Price Increases Matter for Your Hot Water Strategy
With changes in energy markets worldwide, those families that use gas to heat water will perhaps be the first to experience the consequences of gas price hikes. This situation turns out to be a very important moment for lots of New Zealand houses to think twice about their choices of hot water heating. The […]
Top Reasons Why Proper Water Pressure is Essential for Every Kiwi Household
Why Water Pressure Matters in Hot Water Systems Your hot water system is not only about the heating part — the way the water flows also matters. Water pressure is a factor that influences how well taps, showers, appliances, and the hot water cylinder will work. If the pressure is too low — or too […]
Hot Water Heat Pumps vs Solar Hot Water Systems — Which is Right for Your Kiwi Home?
Why New Zealand Homeowners Are Looking at Efficient Hot Water Solutions In response to NZ energy prices going up and the impact on the environment becoming more evident, New Zealand homeowners are searching for different solutions to electrics and gas hot water cylinders, than just replacing their existing ones. Heat pump hot water systems and solar […]
A Comprehensive Comparison of Hot Water Heat Pumps — Reclaim, Apricus, and EcoSpring
Understanding Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in New Zealand For Kiwi homeowners looking to reduce energy bills and environmental impact, heat pump hot water systems are increasingly popular. These systems extract heat from the surrounding air to warm water in a storage cylinder, using significantly less electricity than traditional electric cylinders. With several brands available in […]
Pros and Cons of Solar Water Heaters: A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Hot Water for Sustainable Homes
Why Consider Solar Hot Water for Your Home Solar hot water systems are becoming a more popular choice among New Zealand households as the energy prices go up and the homeowners become more environmentally conscious. These systems don’t use gas or electricity. They capture the sun’s natural energy to heat your water—so you save on […]
Things to Consider When Choosing a Hot Water Installer: Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask
Choosing a suitable hot water installer is probably the major decision that you will make when you are either upgrading or replacing your home’s hot water system. It is true that a hot water cylinder may be your idea of a simple appliance, but in fact, the installation process is quite technical and can substantially […]
Do You Need a New Hot Water Cylinder? 6 Warning Signs Your Tank Is Failing
Key Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Cylinder Leaks, Rust or Corrosion Water pooling and rust signs on the tank exterior are some of the things that you should lookout for. If you also find discolored (brownish or metallic) water coming from taps — these are very powerful clues that the inside of the water […]
Hot Water Cylinders: How They Work — A Complete Guide for New Zealand Homeowners
Hot water is something that we cannot do without in our daily lives, and a good hot water cylinder is basically what will keep your showers, baths, and taps going uninterruptedly. Here, we will tell you all about a hot water cylinder – its meaning, working, types in New Zealand, and how to take care […]
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems — What You Should Know Before Upgrading
As homeowners across New Zealand look for smarter, eco‑friendly ways to power their homes, hot water heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice. This guide explains what a hot water heat pump is, how it works, the benefits and trade‑offs for Kiwi homes, and what to consider if you decide to upgrade. What Is […]
Why Consider a Hot Water Heat Pump System — A Smart Upgrade for Kiwi Homes
With the increase in the price of electricity and the rising environmental consciousness in New Zealand, a lot of residential customers are reconsidering the way they provide hot water in their homes. A hot water heat pump is a stylish, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly solution compared to the old electric or gas water heaters. Here, […]
Holiday‑Home Hot Water Hassles — What You Should Know Before You Go
Owning a holiday home or “batch” is a great way to unwind — but if you leave it unused for weeks or months, hot water systems can act up. Whether your water heater sits idle, gets exposed to irregular power use, or simply hasn’t been maintained, problems can crop up. In this guide, we explain […]
The Evolution of Hot Water Cylinders in New Zealand — A 50‑Year Journey
Water heating, a major part of the average New Zealand household energy consumption, has been dramatically changed in the last 50 years. Basically, the transformation has gone from electrically heated copper tanks to energy-saving systems that are automatic and the change even mirrors the technological advancements, energy awareness, and consumer’s increasing need for their appliances […]
CO₂ vs R134a in Heat Pump Hot Water Systems — What Homeowners Should Know
When deciding to install a heat pump hot water system, a significant decision that you will come across is the selection of the refrigerant. Simply put, CO₂ (carbon dioxide) and R134a are two of the most common options. Each has advantages and disadvantages — and the proper decision is determined by what you consider to […]
The Importance of Hot Water During Winter — Why Kiwi Homes Need a Reliable Supply
Why Hot Water Matters More in Winter The chilly seasons in New Zealand are not only about the cold mornings, but they also show the importance of hot water for our comfort, hygiene, and domestic chores. A reliable hot water supply is absolutely necessary for bathing, washing, heating, and general well being. Cold, damp winters […]
Hot Water Suddenly Gone? What to Do When Your Hot Water Cylinder Runs Out in Your Kiwi Home
Sometimes, even when you have a properly working hot water cylinder, you turn on the tap and… only cold water comes out. It’s basically a situation where the hot water that was stored has been used up in a short time and the cylinder hasn’t had time to heat or fill again. The main reasons […]
The Benefits of Installing a Mains-Pressure Hot Water Cylinder in Your New Zealand Home
Why Mains-Pressure Hot Water Cylinders Are Ideal for Kiwi Homes The selection of a suitable hot-water system is basically a top 1 decision for any New Zealand house owner. Within the choice of different options, mains-pressure cylinders — also referred to as unvented cylinders — are the ones that make a difference since they provide […]
How to Choose the Right Hot Water Cylinder for Your NZ Home: A Complete Homeowner’s Guide
How to Choose the Right Hot Water Cylinder for Your Home Having hot water on tap is something many of us take for granted — hot showers in the morning or a relaxing bath in the evening are just there when we need them. This convenience is provided by the humble hot water cylinder: an […]
Common Hot Water Cylinder Buying Mistakes in New Zealand and the Expert Tips to Choose Right
Why Choosing the Right Cylinder Matters In many New Zealand homes, the hot water cylinder is tucked away — out of sight until that unexpected cold shower signals something has gone wrong. Buying a replacement isn’t something most people do regularly, and without experience it’s easy to make decisions that could cost you time, money, […]
Choosing the Right Hot Water Cylinder or System: Expert Advice for Long-Term Performance
How to Choose the Right Hot Water System for Your Home Choosing a new hot water system is one of the most important home‑improvement decisions you’ll make. The right system should deliver enough hot water for your household when needed — while being energy‑efficient to keep running costs manageable over time. When deciding on a […]
Electric Hot Water Cylinders in New Zealand: Benefits, Costs, and Installation Tips
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 […]
How to Safely Drain a Hot Water Cylinder in New Zealand: Step-by-Step Guide
Sometimes the worst happens — you open the cupboard where your hot water cylinder lives and discover it is leaking. If calling a plumber immediately isn’t possible (e.g. late at night), draining the cylinder can act as a temporary “first‑aid” measure to prevent flooding inside your home. Draining the tank helps stop water from accumulating and […]
Leaking Hot Water Cylinder NZ: Pete’s Guide on What to Do and When to Replace
It is not only an annoying situation when a hot water cylinder is leaking but, such kind of leakage can result in water damage to your facility, waste of energy, and, in the worst case, the total breakdown of your system. Pete from The Cylinder Guy explains that a leak can be caused by any of these […]
Hot Water Cylinder Maintenance in NZ: Pete’s Step-by-Step Guide to Keeping Your System Running Efficiently
Why Maintenance Matters A well-maintained hot water cylinder can save you money, prevent breakdowns, and extend the life of your system. Over time, neglecting cylinder care leads to reduced efficiency, more repairs, or even early replacement. This guide provides expert maintenance tips from Pete, helping you protect your investment and make sure your cylinder runs […]
Gas Water Heating NZ: A Complete Guide to Systems, Benefits, and Costs
Gas water heating is still one of the most energy, efficient and dependable methods in New Zealand to have stable hot water, this is exactly what owners would want if they were looking for lower running costs, good performance, and the possibility to have a continuous flow. The gas keeps being the winning solution for […]