Listen to this article
The Rinnai Infinity is one of the most popular continuous flow hot water systems in New Zealand. Rather than storing heated water in a tank, it heats water on demand as it passes through the unit. The residential favourite is the Rinnai Infinity A26, delivering 26 litres per minute — enough for two showers running at once.
Advantages
Unlimited Hot Water
The primary selling point — and it delivers. Whether it's long showers, back-to-back baths, or filling a spa, the system keeps running without interruption.
Energy Efficiency
The system only heats water when you're using it, eliminating the standby losses of a traditional 180-litre cylinder that runs 24/7 whether you need hot water or not.
Space Saving
Wall-mounted on the exterior of the house. No more hot water cupboard — free up that space for a pantry or storage.
Extended Lifespan
With routine maintenance, these systems typically last 20+ years — well beyond most storage cylinders.
Established Brand
Rinnai has a strong NZ market presence with reliable parts availability and warranty support, including a 10-year heat exchanger warranty.
Considerations
Installation Cost
Typical installation costs range from $3,500 - $5,500, including the unit, gas work, plumbing, electrical, and compliance certification.
Gas Dependency
You need a natural gas or LPG connection. Adding a new gas connection — which must be done by a qualified gas fitter — increases the cost significantly.
Flow Rate Limits
While 26 litres/minute sounds like a lot, running three or four outlets simultaneously can push its limits.
Maintenance
Annual servicing is recommended, costing approximately $150 – $250 per service.
Who Is It Right For?
- Families who regularly run out of hot water
- Homes with existing gas infrastructure
- People looking to reduce energy costs long-term
- Homeowners wanting to free up cupboard space
- Properties with difficult cylinder access
Who Should Consider Alternatives?
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting the lowest upfront cost
- Properties without a gas supply
- Households with minimal hot water usage
The Verdict
For most Auckland homes with gas — yes, it's worth it. The Rinnai Infinity A26 is a proven, reliable system that pays for itself through lower running costs and a longer lifespan. We install them regularly across all Auckland suburbs and they rarely give trouble. The EECA also rates gas continuous flow systems highly for energy efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rinnai Infinity worth the money?
For most households that use a decent amount of hot water, yes. The higher upfront cost is offset by lower running costs, a longer lifespan (20-plus years), and the fact you never run out of hot water. It is especially worth it for larger households or homes with multiple bathrooms.
How long does a Rinnai Infinity last?
With regular servicing, a Rinnai Infinity continuous flow unit typically lasts 20 years or more. That is significantly longer than a standard hot water cylinder, which usually lasts 15 to 20 years. Rinnai also has good parts availability in New Zealand.
What size Rinnai Infinity do I need for my home?
For a small household with one bathroom, a 20-litre unit (like the A20) is usually enough. For two bathrooms or a busy household, the 26-litre A26 is the most popular choice. For larger homes with three or more bathrooms, the 32-litre A32 handles multiple outlets running at once.