Upgrade Your Hot Water System: Why Emerald Hot Water Heat Pumps are the Smart Choice for Electric and Gas Users

Hot water is one of those daily essentials you barely think about - until your system starts chewing through energy and driving up your bills. Many New Zealand homes still rely on older electric storage hot water cylinders, bottled gas, or piped gas systems, including gas califonts. While these have been the norm for decades, they’re far from the most efficient or cost-effective options available today.

Enter the Emerald hot water heat pump - a high-performance, energy-saving alternative designed to slash your power bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and provide reliable hot water all year round. Whether you’re replacing an old electric cylinder, a bottled gas unit, a gas califont, or a piped gas setup, here’s why an Emerald hot water system upgrade makes so much sense.

1. From Electric storage to Emerald: cut costs and energy use by up to 75%

Traditional electric storage hot water cylinders are notorious for their high running costs. They work by heating a full tank of water with an electric element - essentially like running a giant kettle all day. This constant heating uses a huge amount of electricity, especially in households with high hot water demand.

An Emerald heat pump works differently. Instead of generating heat directly, it extracts warmth from the surrounding air - even in cooler temperatures - and transfers it to the water. This process is up to four times more efficient than a standard electric element.

The benefits for electric storage users include:

Massive power bill savings – Expect reductions of up to 75% compared to a traditional hot water cylinder.

Faster heating – Hot water heat pumps can reheat water more quickly, so you’re less likely to run out during busy family mornings. They even have a boost mode.

Eco-friendly operation – With lower energy use, you’ll dramatically cut your household’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Gain Extra Storage Space – Because hot water heat pumps are installed outside, you can reclaim the indoor spot where your old hot water cylinder used to be. That means a whole new cupboard for towels, cleaning gear, or anything else you need to store.

2. From gas bottles or gas califont to Emerald: no more delivery worries or price spikes

Bottled gas systems and gas califonts (instant gas hot water units) are common in some areas in New Zealand where this is no piped gas (Christchurch as an example). While they can provide on-demand hot water, they come with ongoing hassles - ordering deliveries, changing heavy cylinders, or dealing with fluctuating gas prices.

Switching to an Emerald heat pump removes those headaches entirely.

The benefits for bottled gas or gas califont users include:

Goodbye gas deliveries – No more waiting for a truck or worrying about running out mid-shower.

Price stability – You’ll no longer be at the mercy of unpredictable LPG or gas price spikes.

Lower operating costs – Even on standard electricity tariffs, Emerald heat pumps are far cheaper to run than bottled gas or califonts.

Perfect solar pairing – If you add rooftop solar, your hot water could run almost cost-free and carbon-free.

For many households, especially in South Island cities and towns, making the switch not only saves money but also provides peace of mind and independence from gas suppliers.

3. From piped gas to Emerald: future-proof your home

Piped natural gas hot water systems have been promoted as an efficient alternative to electric cylinders for years. But with gas prices rising in New Zealand - and with the Government signalling a long-term move toward electrification - now is the perfect time to rethink your hot water system.

The benefits for piped gas users include:

Significant bill reductions – Gas hot water can be one of the biggest components of a household gas bill. A heat pump eliminates that cost entirely.

One step closer to an all-electric home – Removing your gas hot water system is a major milestone toward getting rid of gas altogether, reducing service fees and simplifying your energy supply.

Better environmental performance – Gas combustion produces carbon dioxide and methane. A heat pump powered by renewables avoids this completely.

Future-proof your home – As more Kiwis switch to electric systems, gas network costs may increase. Switching now locks in lower costs.

The bottom line: savings, comfort, and sustainability

Whether you’re running an electric hot water cylinder, bottled gas system, gas califont, or piped gas unit, upgrading to an Emerald hot water heat pump is one of the fastest ways to cut household energy costs and emissions in New Zealand. You’ll enjoy reliable hot water, lower bills, and peace of mind knowing you’re using one of the most efficient technologies available today.

With power and gas prices on the rise and the shift towards renewable electricity gaining momentum, there’s never been a better time for a hot water system upgrade. An Emerald heat pump isn’t just a replacement - it’s a smart investment in your home, your wallet, and the environment.

Check out the Emerald Heat Pump here