BU577 Water heating systems

Water heating in an average New Zealand house accounts for around one-third of total energy use. Costs of purchase, installation, energy and maintenance should all be considered when selecting a water heating system.

This bulletin provides guidance on options for residential installations in New Zealand and replaces Bulletin 480 of the same name.

The bulletin covers:

• energy options, including electricity, gas, wetback, solar water heating and heat pump water heating
• regulatory requirements
• water heating systems, including electric storage water heaters, gas storage water heaters, gas continuous-flow water heaters and electric instantaneous water heaters
• operating costs and energy use.