When it comes to comfort at home, few things are as essential as a reliable hot water system. Whether it’s those early morning showers before work, washing the kids’ muddy sports gear, or getting through a stack of weekend dishes, hot water is something Christchurch households can’t live without.
But with so many options available, homeowners are often left wondering: Should I stick with a traditional hot water cylinder, or make the switch to a modern continuous flow system? The right choice depends on your household size, energy setup, and lifestyle needs.
At BC Plumbers, we’ve helped hundreds of Christchurch families and businesses choose, install, and maintain hot water systems that fit both their homes and their budgets. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between hot water cylinders and continuous flow systems so you can make an informed decision that keeps the hot water flowing, without any nasty surprises.
Hot Water Options Explained
Hot Water Cylinders
Hot water cylinders are the traditional system most Christchurch homes are familiar with. They work by heating and storing a set volume of water in an insulated tank, ready to be used whenever you turn on the tap.
Benefits:
- Reliable supply: Because the water is pre-heated and stored, you’ll have strong, steady pressure across multiple taps, showers, or appliances running at the same time.
- Ideal for larger households: Great for families where several people might be showering or using hot water in different rooms simultaneously.
Proven and trusted: A well-installed cylinder can last many years with the right maintenance.
Considerations:
- Space requirements: Cylinders usually require room indoors (such as a cupboard or garage), but outdoor units are also available to free up valuable storage space inside.
- Limited volume: Once the stored hot water is used up, you’ll need to wait for the tank to reheat before it’s available again.
- Installation cost depends on placement: While straightforward in many homes, costs can vary depending on whether a new location is required or if an outdoor solution is chosen.
Example of an electric hot water cylinder
Heat Pump Assisted Storage Cylinders
Heat pump hot water systems combine a storage cylinder with an energy-efficient heat pump that extracts warmth from the air to heat the water. They’re becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand for households wanting long-term energy savings.
Benefits:
- Lower running costs: Uses less electricity than a standard electric cylinder.
- Sustainable choice: A great option for reducing household carbon emissions.
- Good for larger households: Like a traditional cylinder, they can store a high volume of hot water.
Considerations:
- Higher upfront cost: Supply and installation are more expensive compared to standard systems.
- Space and placement: Requires outdoor space with good airflow for the heat pump unit.
- Long-term value: Although the initial investment is higher, the running costs are lower, so savings accumulate over time.
Heat Pump Assisted Water Storage Solution
Continuous Flow (On-Demand) Systems
Continuous flow, or “instantaneous” systems, heat the water only when you need it. Instead of storing hot water in a tank, the unit kicks in when you turn on the tap, heating water as it passes through the system.
Benefits:
- Endless hot water: You’ll never run out, no matter how many showers or baths are taken in a row.
- Energy-efficient use: Because the system only heats water on demand, you’re not paying to keep a whole tank hot all day.
- Compact: These systems are wall-mounted and take up very little space compared to a cylinder.
Considerations:
- Installation cost: They can be more expensive to install if your home requires upgrades to gas or electrical systems.
- Ongoing running costs: Continuous flow systems rely on gas, and with gas prices steadily rising in New Zealand, households may notice higher ongoing costs over time.
Flow limits: While you won’t run out of hot water, the system can only supply so much at once, which may affect pressure if multiple taps are used simultaneously.
Example of a continuous flow or “instantaneous” hot water system.
How to Choose the Right System for Your Christchurch Home
Now that you know the options, hot water cylinders, heat pump-assisted cylinders and continuous flow, the next step is finding the best fit for your household. Here are the main factors to consider:
1. Household Size & Lifestyle
- Larger families or shared homes: A hot water cylinder or heat pump-assisted cylinder is often the better choice, as both can deliver consistent pressure across multiple outlets.
- Smaller households or couples: Continuous flow may suit if water use is staggered and convenience is the top priority.
2. Energy Source & Running Costs
- Electricity only: Standard cylinders remain the simplest to install, while heat pump-assisted cylinders offer major long-term savings on power bills.
- Gas supply (natural gas or LPG): Continuous flow is convenient, but gas prices have been trending upward, making them more expensive to run than in the past.
3. Available Space
- Indoor cupboard or garage: Standard cylinders work well.
- Limited space inside: Outdoor cylinders or compact continuous flow systems are good alternatives.
- Outdoor airflow available: Heat pump cylinders need clear air circulation, making them ideal for homes with suitable outdoor space.
4. Budget & Long-Term Value
- Lower upfront cost: Standard hot water cylinder.
- Mid-range with convenience: Continuous flow is efficient at heating only when needed, though rising gas prices affect running costs.
- Higher upfront cost but long-term efficiency: Heat pump-assisted cylinders provide the best lifetime value for energy savings.
5. Future Plans
- Adding bathrooms or expecting higher demand: Larger capacity cylinders or heat pump systems are ideal.
- Renovating or upgrading for sustainability: A heat pump system offers efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
At BC Plumbers, we know every Christchurch home is different. That’s why our team takes the time to assess your current setup, listen to your household needs, and recommend a system that balances comfort, cost, and long-term efficiency.
Hot Water System Decision-Making Checklist
Not sure whether a hot water cylinder, heat pump-assisted cylinder, or continuous flow system is right for you? Use this quick checklist to guide your choice:
- Household size:
- Large family / multiple bathrooms → Cylinder or Heat Pump Cylinder
- Small household / couple → Continuous Flow
- Large family / multiple bathrooms → Cylinder or Heat Pump Cylinder
- Energy source:
- Electricity only → Cylinder (lower cost) or Heat Pump Cylinder (long-term savings)
- Gas available → Continuous Flow (convenient, but watch for rising gas costs)
- Electricity only → Cylinder (lower cost) or Heat Pump Cylinder (long-term savings)
- Space available:
- Indoor cupboard or garage → Cylinder
- Limited indoor storage → Continuous Flow
- Outdoor space with airflow → Heat Pump Cylinder
- Indoor cupboard or garage → Cylinder
- Budget considerations:
- Lower upfront → Cylinder
- Mid-range with convenience → Continuous Flow
- Higher upfront, lowest running costs → Heat Pump Cylinder
- Lower upfront → Cylinder
- Future plans:
- Expanding bathrooms → Cylinder or Heat Pump Cylinder
- Renovating / sustainability focus → Heat Pump Cylinder
- Expanding bathrooms → Cylinder or Heat Pump Cylinder
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right system depends on how your household actually uses hot water, your property setup, and your long-term plans.
Ready to Upgrade Your Hot Water System?
Choosing between a hot water cylinder, heat pump assisted storage Cylinders or a continuous flow system can feel like a tough decision, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right advice, you can install a system that gives you reliable hot water, suits your household’s needs, and helps you save money in the long run.
At BC Plumbers, we’ve been helping Christchurch homeowners and businesses with hot water solutions for years. From recommending the best option to handling installation and ongoing maintenance, our friendly team is here to make the process simple and stress-free.
Get in touch with us today
Contact BC Plumbers for a no-obligation chat about your home’s hot water needs. We’ll help you compare the options and choose the system that’s right for you.