Affordability is about more than upfront cost. Product selection also influences operational efficiency, service life, and the frequency of maintenance and replacement.

Water heating systems are a key example. Replacement of ageing systems can involve costly construction work, alongside higher ongoing maintenance and energy use. Advances in product design are helping reduce replacement complexity while improving long-term performance — an approach that underpins the Rheem All Pressure range.

Choosing replacement cylinders

Many affordable housing projects involve upgrading existing homes, where traditional copper low-pressure hot water cylinders are common. Replacing these systems can introduce additional costs, including alterations to pipework, floor penetrations, cupboards, and surrounding finishes.

Historically, avoiding this rework often meant replacing the existing cylinder with an identical low-pressure system. While this reduced upfront costs, it also limited opportunities to improve performance.

The Rheem All Pressure Vitreous Enamel (VE) range was developed to address this challenge. Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the range enables like-for-like replacement of many common low-pressure cylinders without requiring cupboard alterations or major plumbing changes. It can also operate as either a low or mains pressure system, allowing upgrades to mains pressure performance without significant additional installation work.

Supporting future-proofed housing

Affordable housing programmes often prioritise solutions that minimise both initial construction costs and future upgrade requirements. Water heating is one area where this can be achieved.

The Rheem All Pressure range allows many existing low-pressure systems to be replaced using existing layouts, while retaining the option to move to mains pressure via a valving change rather than full system replacement.

Upgrading to mains pressure can improve day-to-day performance through more consistent flow, better supply to multiple outlets, and improved usability. Delivering these improvements without major construction work supports better long-term outcomes while maintaining cost control.

Reducing long-term maintenance costs

Durability is a key factor in total cost of ownership for affordable housing. Vitreous enamel cylinders, such as the All Pressure VE range, offer corrosion resistance across a variety of water conditions and are supported by extended warranty periods compared to many traditional copper systems.

Rheem supports affordable and social housing outcomes by providing water heating solutions designed to simplify installation, support long-term performance, and align with existing building conditions. The Rheem All Pressure range offers reduced maintenance requirements, improved reliability, and more predictable asset management across housing portfolios.