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Not all taps are created equal. If you’ve ever turned on a mixer tap in the middle and noticed your hot water cylinder kick in, you’ve experienced a design flaw most people don’t think about. That’s where cold start technology comes in, and it’s one of the easiest ways to save on energy without changing how you live.
Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager for Plumbing World, explains how traditional mixers work. “When you put them in the middle position and you turn it on, it’s always part warm, part cold, so you’re activating your hot water as soon as you turn it on.” That means even quick hand washes or rinsing a toothbrush can trigger the hot water system, wasting energy every time.
Cold start taps are designed differently. In the middle position, they only run cold water. You need to deliberately turn the handle to the left to activate hot water. It’s a simple shift that puts you in control and avoids heating water when you don’t need it.
The beauty of cold start tapware is that it works just like a regular mixer. You won’t notice a difference in function, but over time, you’ll likely see it reflected in lower hot water usage and energy bills. It’s a small change with long-term pay-off, especially in busy households where taps are used constantly.
If you’re updating your tapware anyway, it’s well worth looking into. Ask your supplier or consultant which models include cold start functionality, and check that they suit your water pressure setup.
If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying put in your home, buying or selling, Join MyTrend to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Search similar articles
Not all taps are created equal. If you’ve ever turned on a mixer tap in the middle and noticed your hot water cylinder kick in, you’ve experienced a design flaw most people don’t think about. That’s where cold start technology comes in, and it’s one of the easiest ways to save on energy without changing how you live.
Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager for Plumbing World, explains how traditional mixers work. “When you put them in the middle position and you turn it on, it’s always part warm, part cold, so you’re activating your hot water as soon as you turn it on.” That means even quick hand washes or rinsing a toothbrush can trigger the hot water system, wasting energy every time.
Cold start taps are designed differently. In the middle position, they only run cold water. You need to deliberately turn the handle to the left to activate hot water. It’s a simple shift that puts you in control and avoids heating water when you don’t need it.
The beauty of cold start tapware is that it works just like a regular mixer. You won’t notice a difference in function, but over time, you’ll likely see it reflected in lower hot water usage and energy bills. It’s a small change with long-term pay-off, especially in busy households where taps are used constantly.
If you’re updating your tapware anyway, it’s well worth looking into. Ask your supplier or consultant which models include cold start functionality, and check that they suit your water pressure setup.
If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying put in your home, buying or selling, Join MyTrend to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Search similar articles
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Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
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Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Mastercraft was the brainchild of Murray Belz, a Chief’s supporter with an eye for design, a tonne of ideas and a passion for excellence.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Kitchen Things
Kitchen Things is a 100% locally owned and operated family business that pioneered European cooking in 1986. We specialise in high quality, premium European cooking appliances and our cooking range is complemented with dishwashing, refrigeration, laundry, sinks, taps and small appliances.