Everything You Need to Know About Electric Water Heating
Electric hot water cylinders use an electric element in an insulated tank to heat the water to a temperature set by a thermostat. While electric hot water cylinders are great for households that use low to moderate amounts of water and they have a relatively low upfront cost, they can be more expensive to run than most other options.
Some models have smart controllers that allow you to select when and to what temperature the hot water is being reheated based on your household’s needs. There are also instant electric hot water in New Zealand
By reducing the amount of hot water in the cylinder when it’s not needed, these systems can reduce heat loss through the insulated walls.
You can also get electric water heaters with additional connections that allow you to add a solar water heater, heat pump water heater or a wetback in the future. It is important to keep in mind that these systems have a relatively expensive running cost compared to other water heating options.
You can also put a hot water cylinder wrap around your cylinder and pipe insulation around the first metre of hot water piping to reduce heat loss, especially if you have an older hot water cylinder. It is also important to note that the system needs to be set up correctly to ensure the water temperature is kept at 60°C to prevent the growth of legionella bacteria.
Which is better – an electric or gas hot water heater?
This is a common question that we asked a lot. We can imagine that you are currently researching the water heating options for your home or are in the process of replacing your existing hot water system. To be honest, both forms of hot water heaters have their advantages and disadvantages, however each one of them works in a different way.
Main advantages of an electric hot water heater
Any New Zealand home that has access to electricity can have an electric hot water cylinder. Most older New Zealand houses are already fitted with a hot water cylinder system. Electric hot water cylinders have a relatively low upfront cost. Some models allow you to select when and to what temperature the hot water is being reheated based on your household’s needs. They come in a variety of sizes, usually from 25L to 250L.
- Most New Zealand houses are already fitted with this hot water cylinder system
- The cost of fixing or replacing the existing hot water cylinder system is not as high as changing the system to a new more energy efficient system
- Ease of installation. A lot of the time you can install the unit yourself. This does not require a gas supply system, only reliable wiring and an outlet of suitable power
- Ease of use & Quiet
Main advantages of a gas hot water heater
They are very popular and can be installed using low pressure or mains pressure. Gas heats water faster than electric systems. Gas hot water cylinders come in a variety of sizes, usually from 130L to 350L. Modern gas hot water cylinder systems have a range of temperature and pressure safety features
- Heats water up faster, this is especially useful when you have several people living at your home
- Cheaper to use as electricity is more expensive than gas in New Zealand
- Many models are equipped with mechanical turn signals. With their help, you can adjust the power of the burner.
- You will continue having access to hot water in the event of a power outage
- Holds a greater volume of hot water
The choice between a gas or electric hot water heater ultimately comes down to your individual needs. To make an educated choice, it is a good idea to speak to one of our plumbers.
Rheem Hot Water Cylinder
Rheem has designed these units to meet New Zealand’s energy performance standards. They can supply both Low Pressure or Mains Pressure electric hot water heaters.
Mains pressure vitreous enamel lined hot water cylinders provide the best protection against corrosion caused by a wide range of water conditions, including varying pH levels, high chlorides, hard water and Microbiological Induced Corrosion as found in various parts of New Zealand and homes supplied by bore water.
Mains pressure vitreous enamel lined hot water cylinders also features Soltice Green insulation, a high quality product that allows the storage tank to maintain the optimum water temperature, saving energy and money. This range also has twin and dual element models, is suitable for unequal and low pressure uses.
The Optima Mains Pressure Vitreous Enamel range is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation, available in a range of sizes from 180L to 400L. The 300L and 400L cylinders are fitted with twin heating elements and come with a 12 year warranty.
The Mains Pressure stainless steel range are usually heated with electricity, but are also compatible with heat pump and solar systems. This range is assembled and designed locally from high quality Stainless Steel, suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation, and designed to connect to Heat Pump and Solar technologies.
This range features cylinders with storage capacity from 135L to 300L. Rheem also has an electric Low Pressure Vitreous Enamel and Low Pressure Copper range to suit your household requirements.
Please note that we also provide solar water heating systems, gas hot water heating systems and heat pump heating systems.
Your hot water specialists at Sumich Plumbing at Auckland will be happy to advise you on the type and size of electric water heaters that you may need contact them now.
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