Hot water
Lee Todd of Gavin Lowe Energy updates us on smarter ways for hot water in 2026.
What’s new in the heating industry?
We’re seeing a clear shift away from gas and diesel boilers towards hot water heat pump systems in both residential and commercial applications. Hot water heat pumps are the most ideal replacement for old gas or diesel boilers. When planned correctly, they provide safe, reliable hot water for everyday use. Hot water heat pumps are quickly becoming the standard, and for good reason. Most new builds have transitioned away from the traditional energy systems, and existing builds are being replaced with modern, sustainable alternatives. They offer a smart, future-focused solution that aligns with efficiency goals and changing building standards.
What’s driving this trend?
It’s great to see more people making the move toward cleaner and smarter systems. The main drivers are a growing awareness of energy efficiency and emissions, as well as the rising cost of gas and diesel. Better performance and reliability from the advancement of newer heat pump technologies means these systems are now capable of performing efficiently enough to support radiator heating as well as hot water needs. What I like about this trend is that it’s not just about “going green” – it’s also practical. Hot water heat pumps are not only proven to reduce energy costs, they’re safer to operate, and they can be fitted in most existing homes with minimal disruption. Customers would typically see a reduction of up to 65 per cent in their hot water costs, depending on the alternative.
Who should consider this?
We’re currently working on several projects where older boiler systems are being replaced with hot water heat pumps. The feedback has been really positive from clients who are noticing lower energy use and a quieter, cleaner operation. These systems are perfect for homes, apartments and commercial sites like offices, schools, hotels and aged-care facilities. Proper sizing and setup ensure the system delivers consistent, energy-efficient hot water throughout the year.
How can we make it happen?
The key is good design and installation by experts in this field: correct sizing, buffer storage and control setup are all crucial for consistent year-round results. Come and visit us. We have a working example of this technology on display in our refurbished showroom at 48 Battersea Street in Sydenham, Christchurch.
