High Efficiency Heat Pump Hot Water Cylinders for Homes
When it comes to home comfort and running costs, hot water heating is one of the biggest energy consumers in New Zealand homes. That’s why heat pump hot water cylinders are growing fast in popularity—they deliver hot water at a fraction of the energy used by traditional electric cylinders. Whether you choose an indoor coil cylinder connected to your underfloor heating heat pump or a standalone outdoor heat pump cylinder, both options bring significant efficiency gains and cost savings over a traditional electric cylinders.
Why Heat Pump Hot Water?
Massive Efficiency: Heat pump cylinders use about a quarter of the electricity of a standard electric hot water cylinder.
Lower Running Costs: Households can save up to 75% on hot water bills, freeing up budget for other comforts.
Reliable, Modern Comfort: Enjoy steady hot water supply and peace of mind, knowing you’re using advanced, eco-friendly technology.
Comparing Indoor Coil vs Outdoor Heat Pump Cylinders
Indoor Coil Cylinder
(Integrated with Underfloor Heating Heat Pump).
Pros:
Larger capacity options (250–500L) - ideal for big families or high-use homes.
Fastest hot water recovery—uses your main (higher output) heat pump plus a 3kW electric booster.
No extra outdoor unit - uses existing underfloor heating heat pump.
All major components indoors - no visual impact outside.
Great for future expansion or premium homes.
Cons:
Takes up indoor space—requires a dedicated spot inside the home.
In long or multi-wing homes, a single indoor cylinder can lead to slow hot water delivery and temperature loss at distant outlets.
Slightly higher upfront cost—due to system complexity and capacity.
Outdoor Heat Pump Cylinder
WNZ 2in1 Outdoor Cylinder
Pros:
Saves valuable indoor cupboard space - cylinder and heat pump are outside.
Dedicated system - hot water and underfloor heating remain separate.
Cost effective and simpler to retrofit—especially for existing homes with gas hot water.
Easier installation with minimal indoor disruption.
Using an outdoor cylinder provides hot water closer to distant outlets to avoid for an expensive ring main system.
Cons:
Limited capacity - usually 200L or 270L cylinder sizes.
Additional outdoor unit - not everyone likes the look.
Smart Options for Large or Complex Homes
For large homes with multiple bathrooms, kitchens, or separate wings, a single central cylinder can struggle to deliver hot water efficiently everywhere.
In these situations:
Combining two or more outdoor heat pump cylinders—or mixing indoor and outdoor units—can spread demand and bring hot water closer to where it’s needed.
Multi-cylinder setups reduce waiting times, avoid temperature drops in long pipe runs, and add redundancy—especially important in luxury or architecturally complex homes.
Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?
Choose an indoor coil cylinder if you want high capacity, fast recovery, and all major equipment out of sight. Best for premium homes, and high hot water demand.
Choose an outdoor heat pump cylinder if indoor space is tight, you’re retrofitting, or you want a simpler, more cost-effective solution. Ideal for smaller homes, upgrades, or clients who don’t mind an extra outdoor unit.
For large or complex homes, consider a multi-cylinder approach—zone by zone, with indoor and/or outdoor cylinders—to guarantee hot water everywhere, all the time.
Either way, you’re making a smart choice with heat pump hot water: massive energy savings, reliable performance, and a modern comfort upgrade for your home.
Need advice on the best setup for your home? Get in touch with us—we’ll tailor a solution to suit your space, budget, and lifestyle.