Unit Size
The optimal cylinder size depends on home layout (1 or 2 stories), number of bathrooms/showers/sinks, household occupancy and peak usage times. Under sizing leads to insufficient hot water availability while oversizing ups energy bills. Cylinders between 180-250 litres suit most North Shore homes but confirm details with plumbers. Consider potential home expansions or family growth when deciding.
Fuel Source
Modern cylinders utilise electric or gas heating with eco-friendly heat pump configurations growing in popularity. Evaluate operating costs, efficiency comparisons, available supply lines and upfront unit expenses for each. Electric cylinders carry lower purchase prices with higher energy demands while gas offers greater efficiency with bigger install complications.
Heat pump cylinders rank best for efficiency using embedded heat exchangers and refrigerant compression technology but carry premium prices. Carefully balance initial investment against energy savings over 10-15 years for the best value.
Efficiency Upgrades
With sustainability in mind, look for A-rated energy efficient cylinders with eco-friendly insulation to optimise heat retention and shrink power bills. Going tankless also boosts efficiency if sized properly.
Smart control panels, efficient heating elements and fast recovery times (to reheat water quickly after high usage) also improve cylinder performance. Consult specialists on ideal options for your home’s setup.
Installation Factors
Where existing plumbing and electrical connections sit inside your home plays a crucial role in installation ease. Costs and complexity rise for additional pipe adjustments or wiring line extensions required to accommodate new cylinder positioning.
Factor accessibility through halls, doors and staircases for moving old units out and new ones in during replacement. Alert installers regarding any obstacles or challenges upfront before quoting.
Safety Certifications
When selecting replacement cylinders in North Shore, stringent safety certifications should top priorities. Check for Wiring Rules certification sticker along with AS/NZS 2792 compliance label indicating robust quality assurance testing. Units not properly certified introduce unnecessary risk.
Reputable Brands
Trust proven cylinder brands like Rheem, Bosch, Rinnai and more carried by leading North Shore suppliers. Seek at least 5-7 year warranties on materials and workmanship for confidence in performance. Lesser known brands often cut critical corners.
Professional Installation: while DIY replacements may seem cost-effective, only qualified professionals have expertise assessing needs, safely removing old cylinders, correctly fitting new hookups and meeting compliance standards during the process. The project complexity warrants hiring certified experts.
North Shore Replacement Costs
According to 2021 figures, homeowners spend an average of $2800-$3700 to replace existing cylinders with basic models including installation. Larger units with greater capacities or premium efficiency upgrades run $4000-$5500+ on average.
Exact pricing varies based on existing infrastructure needs, electrician and plumber hourly rates, disposal fees and other specifics. Gather at least 3 binding quotes from reputable North Shore contractors to compare.
Replacing aging hot water cylinders keeps North Shore homes enjoying reliable supply for laundry, dishes and bathing. Carefully weighing size, fuel type, features and professional installation makes an informed, cost-effective investment delivering 10-15 years of like-new performance.
Warranties
Be sure to understand warranty coverage on both the cylinder unit itself as well as the installation workmanship. Quality cylinders often come with 5-10 year manufacturer warranties against defects. Opt for the longest coverage available for your chosen brand and model. This protects against early leaks, component failures or other issues.
On the installation side, reputable North Shore plumbing companies typically guarantee their professional swap work for at least 2-5 years. This covers any leakage or consequences from improper fittings, connections or positioning. If repair issues emerge stemming from the installation itself, you’ll want reliable warranty backup providing necessary corrections at no added cost during the coverage period. Extended warranties are wise investments for major household systems like water heating.
Export Certification
Given strict regulations governing hot water system safety across New Zealand, always verify your replacement cylinder comes with official export certification from a licensed third-party testing agency. Trusted brands prominently display stickers reading BRANZ, Global Mark, AS/NZS 2792 and more indicating rigorous evaluations were passed. Units lacking proper documentation risk being illegally imported without adherence to regional construction standards. Consulting local experts helps source correctly certified cylinders validated for safe, compliant North Shore homes.
Carefully examining fine print on offered cylinder and installation warranties protects your investment. And confirming official export certification is equally essential for risk-free replacement peace of mind.
Final Words
At Hot Water Solutions we are here to help. Use our contact us page to reach us and we will be more than happy to discuss your situation. Or give us a call on 0800 497658.
At Hot Water Solutions all we do is hot water.
