EECA is disappointed and concerned about the number of electric hot water cylinders sold in New Zealand that have failed energy efficiency testing and are not meeting manufacturers' claims.
Chief Executive Andrew Caseley says EECA commissioned testing of 12 hot water cylinder models over the past year and six failed to meet energy efficiency requirements.
"This issue is important because hot water makes up about 30% amount of the average energy bill - about $600 a year. Failure to meet Standards is costing each household up to $1,240 over the life of the cylinder (about 20 years) at current energy prices."
Mr Caseley says about 60,000 electric hot water cylinders are sold each year in New Zealand and plumbers and the public are reliant on claims by importers and manufacturers about the energy efficiency of hot water cylinders.
"They are the most popular choice for New Zealand homes to heat water but tend to be an emergency purchase which means homeowners frequently don't have the time to make a considered decision."
EECA has published its test results on its website so consumers can assess which models have passed testing. Manufacturers and importers of the tested models have been informed, two suppliers have stopped offering four cylinder models for sale, and a prosecution is being taken against a manufacturer. One further investigation is ongoing, Mr Caseley says.
"We have published test results because we feel it is in the public interest for people to be informed. EECA will now work with industry to help ensure electric hot water cylinder manufacturers and importers understand and comply with Regulations."
Mr Caseley advises homeowners who have a model that has failed testing to contact the manufacturer.
EECA is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using products) Regulations 2002. EECA check tests regulated products to ensure they meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards and label requirements, as well as the energy efficiency claims of manufacturers and suppliers.