At Mount Maunganui Plumbing & Gas, we specialize in the installation and conversion of gas water heaters, commonly known as califonts, in Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, and Tauranga. Califonts are a great solution for many households looking for efficient and instant hot water. If you're considering this option for your home, here's a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide.
A califont, also known as a gas water heater or instantaneous water heater, is a tankless, on-demand water heating system powered by gas. Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water in a tank, califonts heat water as it flows through the unit, ensuring you only use energy when needed. In New Zealand, these systems typically run on bottled LPG or natural gas from the mains.
• Energy Efficiency: Since califonts heat water only when needed, there’s no energy wasted on keeping water stored and hot in a tank. This can result in lower energy bills compared to traditional water heaters.
• Endless Hot Water: As long as your gas supply is steady, you’ll never run out of hot water. This is particularly beneficial for larger households or homes with high water usage.
• Compact and Lightweight: Califonts take up minimal space. Their compact design allows for installation in small spaces, making them ideal for tiny houses, apartments, or homes with limited storage.
• Environmentally Friendly Option for Off-Grid Systems: For homes using solar power, a califont is a great complement, as it reduces reliance on electricity, further supporting an off-grid lifestyle.
• Durability: When properly installed and maintained, califonts can last up to 20 years, providing a long-term solution for your hot water needs.
• Cost-Effective: While the upfront cost of califont installation may be high, the saturated market offers many affordable options, including second-hand units. Additionally, installation costs can be reduced with partial DIY work, provided it's signed off by a licensed gas fitter.
• Flexible Installation: Califonts can be installed both indoors and outdoors (depending on the unit), allowing for greater flexibility when choosing an installation location.
Disadvantages of a Califont
• Gas Emissions: While califonts produce fewer emissions than some electric water heaters, they still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a cleaner option compared to fossil fuel-generated electricity, but not entirely emission-free.
• High Upfront Costs: Califonts may have a higher installation cost compared to traditional water heaters, particularly when adding in the cost of required venting or extra installation considerations.
• Maintenance Requirements: Califonts require regular maintenance, especially if you're using hard water, which can lead to mineral buildup. A water softener may be needed to prolong the system’s life.
• Noise: While operating, califonts can produce noise, which may be a factor in deciding where to install the unit.
• Gas Refills and Safety Checks: If your system uses bottled LPG, you'll need to refill or replace gas bottles regularly. These systems also require periodic safety checks, adding to the ongoing maintenance costs.
• Installation by a Licensed Gas Fitter: While some aspects of installation can be handled by the homeowner, all califont systems must be signed off by a qualified and licensed gas fitter. This ensures safety but adds to the overall cost.
Califonts are available with different flow rates, ranging from 5 litres per minute to over 30 litres per minute. For a small household, a unit that provides between 10-20 litres per minute should be sufficient. The flow rate determines how many taps or showers can run simultaneously with hot water. For example, if your shower uses 10 litres per minute, a 16-litre-per-minute califont could still supply hot water to another tap at the same time.
Califonts offer many advantages, including energy efficiency, endless hot water, and space-saving design. However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential downsides, such as maintenance needs, initial installation costs, and gas emissions. At Mount Maunganui Plumbing & Gas, we can help you navigate the options and provide expert installation, ensuring your system is safe, efficient, and tailored to your needs.
Whether you're in Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, or Tauranga, contact us today to discuss how a califont could be the perfect water heating solution for your home.
Mount Maunganui Plumbing and Gas is a local, family run business, servicing customers in the Mount, Papamoa, Tauranga , Te Puke and wider Bay of Plenty.
