Electrify Your Hot Water
Step by Step guide
Water heating in your home
Switching from an LPG hot water system to a heat pump hot water heater is one of the most effective ways to cut household energy costs and reduce emissions.
Heat pump systems use around 75% less energy than gas, don’t use any fossil fuels, and can significantly lower running costs. This guide walks you through the key information and steps to make the switch.
LPG Hot Water Heater
$3,000-$4,000
Fossil fuel with high emissions
80% Efficient
Costs $810 per year to run
Hot Water Heat Pump $6,000-$8,000
10 tonnes emissions avoided
300-400% Efficient
Costs $160 per year to run
Heat Pump Benefits
Convenient: No more LPG deliveries.
Safe: No risk of leaks or fires.
Cheaper to run: LPG prices are high and variable. Electricity prices are more stable.
Far lower emissions: Especially on a renewable tariff or solar.
Pair with Solar: Acts as a thermal battery, maximising savings.
Step by Step
1. Research
- See how much you could save using Rewiring Aotearoa’s calculator.
- Decide which type of system suits your household (size, brand, outdoor space).
- Research hot water heat pump installers online. Shortlist three to contact for quotes.
- Check out potential financing options, such as Green Loans.
2. Get quotes
Ask three installers for quotes to include:
- Advice onon how the unit will be configured. Most homes need an outdoor compressor.
- LPG disconnection and capping and new cylinder installation.
- Power supply for the heat pump unit (often a dedicated 10–16A circuit).
- Any switchboard or wiring upgrades (most homes won’t need this).
3. Install
- Your plumber removes and isolates the LPG system, installs the new cylinder and connects the heat pump.
- Your electrician completes the electrical connection for the outdoor unit.
- The entire job can usually be done within a day, and you’ll have efficient, low emission hot water immediately.
Useful Resources
- Rewiring Aotearoa’s Electrification Calculator estimates your savings in around 1 minute.
- Rewiring Aotearoa’s Water Heating Guide & EECA’s Guide to Hot Water Heat Pump Detailed info on heat pump hot water heaters.
- Money Hub Green Loan Rundown An easy-to-read guide for finance options.
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