New Zealand is a hotbed of innovation and expertise in the domain of household and commercial hot water systems.

Thanks to the Kiwi spirit of endeavour and a climate that dictates a need for regular access to a heated source of water for a home or business setting, these brands have been leading the way for generations.

Australian shoppers therefore are well placed to take advantage of finding hot water cylinders, bypassing domestic manufacturers in favour of outlets that are located just across the Tasman.

It might feel like a foreign concept (literally) to embark upon a search in this market, but the distance from many parts of the Eastern seaboard are actually closer that areas of Western Australia.

Here we will offer some tips and advice for those consumers who want to leverage this opportunity and invest in a product that will give them quality control and peace of mind.

Suitable Model For Environment

There are four key domains to examine when looking for hot water cylinders:

• Heat pump
• Electrical
• Gas
• Solar

What will be suitable for the environment depends on a series of factors. What is currently included on the premises? Does it need an upgrade? How much space is available? What is the quantity of water needed on a level of litres per person? What is the budget and potential future demand? This is a central starting point before items are picked up off the shelf.

Water Use and Efficiency

On average for Australian consumers, approximately 25% of their overall energy use can be attributed to their water heating requirements. Hot water cylinders will be supplied with an energy efficiency label that will offer clarity for the user on this very point. What will often be produced is a heat-loss figure, a data point that will take into account how long the item takes to cool down against how long it will require to reheat. Just like homeowners who have a fridge, toilet and washing machine where an energy label is brandished, finding an overseas model that will cater to the domestic needs should be examined with this factor in mind. It could cost more at the front end, but the long-term savings will make it a solid investment opportunity.

Warranty and Returns

A coherent and fair customer service policy will ensure that any domestic buyer for hot water cylinders will have access to a warranty, a return policy and customer support on the ground. Faults can be experienced. Parts can be missing. Leaks are experienced. The issue is not whether or not they will happen, but how the brand can cater to the needs of the consumer.

Additional Taxes/Fees

Importing any items from one country to the next will incur a tax of some description. Even though the dollar is weaker across the Tasman, locating hot water cylinders can see the product upgraded on pricing due to it being transported over international waters. It is worthwhile for shoppers to see if they can score a bargain with free shipping from certain online outlets or partnered providers who are keen to pass on those savings where possible. Factoring in tariffs is always part and parcel of doing business internationally, but domestic consumers can still be savvy practitioners in this field.

Summary

Finding hot water cylinders is all about applying commonsense and universal shopping principles. Is the item right for the environment? Can it match supply with demand? Does the finances and logistics make sense? Is this a brand with a proven track record with on the ground assistance available in Australia? If it can meet those points, then it will be a sound purchase to make for a home or business.