Just starting a new build. We currently have an electric water cylinder on plans but now thinking a rinnai infinity system would be a better option for hot water and cooking. We would need to use LPG bottles as no gas mains in area. any thoughts out there what is the best option? Also, any idea whether a change to rinnai infinity system from electric would require a variation to building consent if build not started yet?
biggles45,
Sep 16, 4:43am
We had an infinity and gas hob on bottles in Southland a couple of years ago, worked out cheaper than electric water heating. We have just changed to an infinity on piped gas in current house and again it's cheaper. Be aware though if you are in an area where you get lots of lengthy power cuts you have no hot water. You can obviously boil some on the hob for a wash or cleaning. We rarely get power cuts and usually short ones!
supernova2,
Sep 16, 6:52am
If you have power cuts then neither system will be providing hot water.
studio1,
Sep 16, 6:57am
Not quite true. I have a Rinnai Infinity which has its 230 V mains connection fed from an inverter, powered by a deep cycle battery and a solar panel. It will work 24/7 independent of any power cuts, so long as I keep supplying it with gas. It was very easy to set up.
For OP - definitely recommend the Rinnai Infinity. Had one for over 30 years now and wouldn't have anything else. Endless hot water and you're only using energy to heat the water you're actually using, unlike an electric cylinder where you are using energy to keep a tank of water hot all the time, for the few times you actually draw it off. With the Infinity, when you shut off the tap, the whole unit shuts down. No pilot light or any other energy use so it's very efficient. As for your building consent, check with your builder. The Infinity goes on the outside wall of the house (generally - you can get indoor ones but they require a flue etc) so actually require less work to install.
biggles45,
Sep 16, 8:30am
Rubbish. Electric HWC should have enough hot water for most of your needs for 24 hours! The water in it doesn't go cold when the power is off!
comsolve,
Sep 16, 8:52am
This question comes up almost weekly here. Same response as last time. Get gas. Even better if you use it for cooking and heating as well.
ryanm2,
Sep 16, 9:48am
Depends , if you have any desire to have solar you would want a cylinder , if you don’t think you will ever go down the solar path go gas.
supernova2,
Sep 17, 4:17am
ok did you miss the word "lengthy"? Also some places still have water pumps so if no power no water. Think outside the square a bit.
elect70,
Sep 17, 11:32am
First check out the supply charge for the bottles & minimum useage .costs . . New electric HWCs ae vey well insulated & low loss & if on low rate can still be cheaper . But advantage of gas is never run out of HW . LPG is expected to run out inn10 years time & no new exploration is allowed by COL
rbd,
Sep 17, 1:07pm
Having had gas would never go back. Currently have low pressure cylinder with solar and it is horrible. Can't wait to change it out to mains pressure gas.
markv1,
Sep 17, 1:21pm
The electric HWC was on the approved plans. If I switch over to the Rinnai system will it trigger a variation to the building consent?
sooby,
Sep 18, 2:37am
Yes, and you might be able to do it as a "minor on site variation", depending on your council and the individual inspector
markv1,
Sep 18, 4:14am
Thanks Sooby
wembley1,
Sep 24, 1:55pm
Not quite true.
No *new* exploration permits will be allowed but (in the words of the PM) "There are 31 oil and gas exploration permits currently active, 22 are offshore. These permits cover an area of 100,000 square kilometres . and run out as far as 2030 and go an additional 40 years under a mining permit"
So (presuming new gas fields are found) we are looking at close to another century of gas supply.
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