A Comparison of Rinnai Hot Water Systems

When it comes to upgrading or installing hot water in your Hawke’s Bay home, the options can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Rinnai offers three distinct technologies, each designed to suit different household needs, energy goals, and budgets.

Let’s look at the benefits of the popular Rinnai INFINITY (Gas), the highly efficient HydraHeat (Heat Pump), and the reliable Hot Water Cylinder.

1. Rinnai INFINITY (Gas Continuous Flow)

The Rinnai INFINITY series is the definitive standard for modern gas water heating. This technology works on demand, meaning it only heats water when a tap is turned on.

The Benefits:

• Endless Hot Water: This is the primary selling point. As long as you have gas and water supply, the INFINITY will provide a continuous supply of hot water - a massive benefit for busy households.
• Space Saving: Because it's a compact unit generally mounted externally, the INFINITY frees up valuable cupboard space typically taken up by a large cylinder.
• Energy Efficiency: You only pay for the gas used to heat the water you consume, reducing standing heat loss associated with storage systems.

When is it a Good Choice?

The INFINITY is ideal for larger families or households with high, continuous demand (e.g., three teenagers). It is also the perfect solution for small homes where maximising internal space is a priority.

2. Rinnai HydraHeat (Hot Water Heat Pump)

The HydraHeat represents Rinnai's advanced commitment to energy efficiency. This system works like a reverse air conditioner, drawing heat from the outside air and transferring it to the water stored in your cylinder.

The Benefits:

• Extreme Energy Savings: The HydraHeat is a highly efficient way to heat water, offering the potential for significant savings—in some cases, up to 75% energy reduction compared to a standard electric cylinder.
• Eco-Friendly: By using ambient air heat rather than directly converting electricity to heat, it provides a powerful boost to your home's environmental performance.
• Works with Existing Systems: A huge advantage of the HydraHeat Split system is its ability to integrate with and improve the efficiency of your existing hot water cylinder, making it a fantastic retrofit option.
  

When is it a Good Choice?

This system is perfect for eco-conscious homeowners and those with high daily water use who want to drastically cut their electricity bill. It is also an excellent option if you are replacing an old electric cylinder and want the most energy-efficient upgrade possible without changing your plumbing entirely.

3. Rinnai Hot Water Cylinders (Mains Pressure)

While gas and heat pumps grab the headlines, the reliable Hot Water Cylinder remains a vital part of Rinnai's range, specifically the Mains Pressure models. These store a large volume of pre-heated water, ready for immediate use.

The Benefits:

• Reliable Performance: Cylinders are a simple, established technology with proven reliability and minimal maintenance requirements.
• Excellent Flow: Mains pressure cylinders deliver robust, high-pressure flow to multiple taps and showers simultaneously, avoiding the weak trickle associated with older, low-pressure systems.
• Cost-Effective Replacement: If you are simply replacing an old, tired cylinder; switching to a new, efficient Rinnai Mains Pressure model is often the most straightforward and cost-effective installation.
  

When is it a Good Choice?

Cylinders are best suited for smaller to medium-sized households with predictable hot water demand. They are also the preferred choice when the installation of gas lines or heat pump units is impractical, or when budget dictates a like-for-like replacement of an existing unit.

Talk to Snug, find the best solution for your home

Ultimately, the best Rinnai system for your home depends entirely on your consumption habits and your priorities - endless supply (INFINITY), maximum energy savings (HydraHeat), or reliable simplicity (Cylinder). 

Talk to the team at Snug. We can help you choose the Rinnai Hot Water Solution that best suits the needs of your household.