Finding the best gas hot water system
The modern alternative to electric hot water systems is instantaneous LPG or natural gas hot water systems. With instant gas hot water systems, you don’t need storage space for a large hot water cylinder, and there’s no waiting time for water to heat up.
An LPG gas cylinder stores fuel in an LPG hot water system, providing the necessary heat for continuous hot water flow. The gas cylinder is then connected to a heat exchanger via gas hoses and fixtures.
When the hot water tap is switched on, the LPG burner will ignite, and then water from a continuous supply flows into the heat exchanger in a series of copper pipes. At the same time, heat from the burning gas transfers to the copper coils and the flowing water and either exits the shower head (for continuous flow systems) or is stored in a hot water storage tank to produce hot water on demand.
LPG hot water systems also use several safety devices, such as thermostats that regulate the water tank temperature and control the gas valve and burner. To maintain safety, combustion gases are also vented outside the premises.
Here’s what you need to consider while buying one.
- What size water heater service do I need?
- What is the best hot water system price?
- Can I combine gas cooking, room heating, and hot water?
When choosing a new hot water system, ensure you consider the thermal efficiency and star energy rating for cost-effective water heating and energy-efficient water supply.
What size water heater service do I need?
Firstly, work out the number of people in your household and the type of hot water system used, then ask yourself a few questions.
- Does everyone take hot showers at the same general time of day?
- Do they take showers simultaneously in different bathrooms?
- Do some prefer baths? Is the bath or spa oversized?
- What type of showerheads are installed?
- Do you run the washing machine, using hot or warm water, while people are showering?
- Is your dishwasher connected to cold or hot water? If hot, do you use it while hot water is being used elsewhere?
- Do you use off-peak hot water?
What is the best hot water system price?
Like any other gas appliance, choosing the best hot water system will depend on your needs, preferred energy source, budget, and level of maintenance that you’re happy to take. Different types of hot water systems have varying upfront costs and running costs, which are both important in determining the best hot water system for you.
Typically, LPG hot water systems cost around $800 – $2,000, excluding installation and maintenance costs. However, these hot water systems often have lower upfront costs than electric and boosted solar hot water systems and can even supply hot water during power outages.
For those on a higher budget and who need on-demand hot water, heat pump hot water systems are available for about $2,300 to $4,000. These systems use electricity to transfer heat from a source to the hot water heat exchanger instead of generating it directly.
Can I combine gas cooking, room heating, and hot water?
Several business and industrial facilities use an adequately sized gas cylinder to fuel multiple gas appliances and water systems. However, all of these facilities have a well-designed LPG pipeline installed by qualified LPG handlers and professionals.
Combining gas appliances for cooking, room heating, and hot water into a single LPG cylinder is possible in a residential setup. Doing so offers more convenience and compactness regarding LPG storage and supply.
However, only a qualified professional must install and activate the LPG system. ELGAS always uphold safety and efficiency by ensuring all gas connections and piping are leak-free, away from obstructions, and well-regulated to provide adequate gas supply to respective gas appliances.
Efficient gas hot water
The most energy-efficient gas hot water systems have a 6-star or 7-star energy rating. With rising power costs, it makes sense to invest in efficient appliances that will save you money. Instantaneous gas hot water systems are generally the most energy-efficient. Combining them with solar hot water systems can boost their efficiency even more. Remove the cumbersome and inefficient electric water cylinder to make more space in your home. Run your instantaneous system with LPG from ELGAS with a high flow rate for busy families.
How to look for Value for money options
Every kind of system has pros and cons, but LPG hot water systems offer many benefits over electric storage systems that will make your life easier. For the best available tariffs, make sure to factor in all the benefits of instantaneous gas hot water, including:
- Environmentally Friendly: LPG systems heat water more efficiently. A continuous-flow hot water system could be the right choice if you want to reduce waste and harmful emissions.
- Cost-Effective: LPG options include continuous flow systems. Instead of storing hot water in a gas water heater tank, water is only heated when needed, bringing down energy costs.
- Saves On Space: Traditional water heating gas storage systems use bulky water tanks. Instant gas hot water systems, on the other hand, are tankless, stainless steel, and small enough to be mounted on a wall.
- No Danger of Rust: When using an instantaneous gas hot water system, there is no need for water storage in a large tank that can rust or leak.
- Cleaner Water: Fresh-flowing, instantaneous hot water is cleaner and healthier for you and your family.
LPG Boosted solar hot water
Solar hot water heaters have low running costs and few greenhouse gas emissions, but they have more expensive upfront installation costs. To maximise efficiency, you can equip one with a booster unit for hot water during periods without sufficient sunlight. Solar hot water system boosters can be electric, natural gas or LPG gas.
It’s important to purchase gas-boosted solar hot water with enough solar panels and sufficient tank storage to reduce the risk of booster overuse. Choose a gas-boosted solar hot water system that is compatible with your home’s roof configuration and check if you are eligible for solar hot water system installation rebates.
How a tankless water heater works
Tankless gas hot water systems have been around for a while, but they still appear to be magical as they heat water instantly without a visible power point or heating element.
Here’s how a tankless water heater works.
- Cold water flows into the water heater when a hot water tap is opened.
- A sensor that detects the water follows ignites the gas burner using a heat exchanger to heat water.
- The water flows through the heat exchanger, absorbing as much heat as required.
- A control regulator unit modulates the gas burner to maintain a water temperature.
You can set a Tankless gas hot water system’s temperature to 50ºC and greatly reduce the risk of burn injuries without installing a tempering valve. To learn more about Tankless hot water systems, click HERE.
What Size Hot Water System Do I Need?
Firstly, work out the number of people in your household and the type of hot water system used, then ask yourself a few questions.
- Does everyone take hot showers at the same general time of day?
- Do they take showers simultaneously in different bathrooms?
- Do some prefer baths? Is the bath or spa oversized?
- What type of showerheads are installed?
- Do you run the washing machine, using hot or warm water, while people are showering?
- Is your dishwasher connected to cold or hot water? If hot, do you use it while hot water is being used elsewhere?
- Do you use off-peak hot water?
Frequently asked questions
How long does an LPG hot water system last?
Most LPG hot water systems last 8-12 years with regular maintenance and proper use. One way to extend the lifespan and maximise your use of an LPG hot water system is by using the right-sized LPG cylinders and having the best-quality gas valves, piping, and efficient shower heads.
Another factor affecting its lifespan is usage frequency. Continuous hot-flow water systems operate differently than storage tank hot water systems, often lasting twice as long.
Do I need a permit to install an LPG hot water system?
Yes. You must comply with local and national regulations and obtain the necessary permits and inspections to install an LPG hot water system.
In New Zealand gas fitters are required to hold a license in order to carry out all LPG hot water gas installations. This mandatory requirement ensures that the installation conforms with local building codes and safety regulations.
How do I maintain my LPG hot water system?
As a homeowner, you can regularly inspect whether the ventilation system is free of obstructions. You can also replace the hot water filtration system as the manufacturer recommends to prevent clogging.
For annual check-ups, have our licensed gas fitters inspect the hot water system and detect any leaks, obstructions, or signs of corrosion in your copper piping and gas hoses.
What are the signs that my LPG hot water system needs repairs?
The most obvious telltale sign of a faulty LPG hot water system is if it does not produce hot water at all. Sometimes, you might notice the water turning a bit rusty or flowing at a very low pressure.
The problem could be detected at several locations. Either from the LPG gas valve, gas fittings, water tanks, or LPG hot water system.
More severe signs include leakage in the water pipeline or, worse, in the gas fittings. For these situations, it’s important to stop using the LPG hot water system and contact our emergency team on 0800 435 427.
How can I find a qualified plumber to install or service my LPG hot water system?
In New Zealand, licenses for gasfitters are regulated by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. If you are looking for a qualified plumber you can search the register to find a registered gasfitter near you. Just head to www.pgdb.co.nz
Why choose ELGAS to supply LPG gas for your hot water system?
ELGAS has been in business since 1984 and has become one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading suppliers of LPG gas for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. We take pride in our high standards of safety, sustainability, and innovation in energy solutions.
We offer residential and commercial gas bottles, LPG refills, and other customised solutions to cater to the various LPG hot water heating needs of more than 350,000 homes and businesses.
Contact us at 0800 435 427 to get started.