If there’s one thing most of us can agree on, it’s that consistent hot water is almost a must-have these days. Nobody has a great morning if they have to shower in cold water (unless you’re doing those ice bath trends and you enjoy it you weirdo).
But here’s the big question: should you stick with electric hot water, or is it time to make the switch to gas?
In this blog we’ll break it down for you in a simple way to give you the information that you need:
Electric Hot Water: The Old Faithful
For many homes, especially older ones, an electric cylinder in the hot water cupboard has been the go-to option for decades. It gets the job done, but not always efficiently:
- Reheating lag: Once the tank’s empty, it’s back to cold showers until it refills and reheats.
- Energy use: Cylinders heat water continuously, which means higher electricity bills.
- Space: That cylinder takes up prime storage real estate in the cupboard.
Electric cylinders can still make sense in some cases, especially with a low-pressure replacement for investment properties or if budget is tight. (And yes, we offer these too – from $2,295 on special.)
Gas Hot Water: Instant and Efficient
Gas hot water, on the other hand, heats water on demand. That means:
- Endless hot showers (no more family arguments about who used it all).
- Cheaper to run: You only pay for the water you actually use.
- Space saving: Removing the cylinder frees up cupboard storage.
- Consistent pressure: Hot and cold water balance properly, so you don’t get that dreaded blast of cold when someone flushes the toilet.
It’s little wonder more Kiwi whānau are switching over. An upgrade from a hot water cylinder to a gas system can save you money month after month, and it feels like a lifestyle upgrade too.
The Numbers That Matter
Here’s where it really counts: on your monthly bill. While exact savings vary depending on household size and usage, many families report noticeable drops in power bills after switching to gas. For example:
- A family of four using electric hot water might spend $100 – $120 per month on heating water.
- The same family with gas hot water might see costs closer to $60 – $80 per month.
That’s hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year,while enjoying never-ending hot showers.
Safety and Experience Matter
Of course, safety is everything when it comes to gas. This is where our experienced gasfitters step in. We check, test, and sign off every job so you know your system is safe and compliant before we leave. Whether it’s a new build or an upgrade to your existing setup, our team has seen it all. Our team is highly trained and experienced.
Thinking About Switching?
If you’re weighing it up, here are a couple of options we’ve made more affordable:
- Hot Water Cylinder to Gas Instantaneous Heater – now $3,495 (normally $4,525). Includes a Rinnai A26 Instantaneous unit, all copper pipework, regulator, disposal of your old cylinder, and more. It’s the full works, done properly.
- Mains Pressure Upgrade – now $2,985 (normally $3,620). A great option if you’d prefer to stay with a cylinder but want stronger, more consistent water pressure.
- Low Pressure Replacement – from $2,295. The budget-friendly option, ideal for rentals or when you just need a like-for-like swap.
Final Thoughts
If your priority is lower running costs, endless hot water, and a bit more space at home, gas is the winner in the long run. Electric cylinders still have their place, but for most families, switching to gas feels like moving from a trusty old flip phone to a smartphone – once you’ve made the change, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Curious about what would work best for your home? Give us a call or fill out the form online for a no-obligation chat. We’ll help you figure out the best option for your budget and your family.
