Introduction to Gas Hot Water Systems
Gas hot water systems are preferred by many Australian households for their on-demand heating capabilities, offering greater energy efficiency than traditional electric storage systems.
Gas hot water tank systems heat water in an insulated tank, ensuring a constant supply of hot water is readily available.
Continuous flow systems contain a small buffer tank to regulate water temperature, offering a slight variation from instantaneous models.
Gas systems surpass electric models in speed and efficiency when it comes to heating water. Gas prices have also remained relatively stable in recent years, while electricity prices keep rising. This can render gas systems more financially viable to operate in the long run.
However, gas systems tend to have higher initial costs. Installation can also be more complex, especially switching from an electric to gas system. A gas hot water system can offset its higher purchase price through energy savings, typically within 5 to 7 years.
In summary, gas systems offer rapid hot water delivery with notable energy efficiency and potential savings on ongoing expenses. But the higher initial investment means they may not suit every home or budget, making it important to consider specific needs for your home. Careful consideration of your usage, costs, and the payback period is vital in deciding if a gas system is the most economical choice for you.
Types of Gas Hot Water Systems
There are three main types of hot water system your home might consider in Australia:
Storage Gas Hot Water Systems
Storage gas hot water systems offer larger capacities than standard electric tanks, with options ranging from 50 to 400 litres. Water tanks call for ample space and encounter heat dissipation overnight, but the readily available supply ensures you never have to a run out of hot water.
Water is heated by a gas burner and stored until needed. These systems provide a reservoir of hot water for peak water demand times, ensuring your hot water needs are met.
Instantaneous Gas Hot Water Systems
Instantaneous or 'tankless’ gas water heaters warm water on demand via a gas burner rather than storing it. Water flows through a heat exchanger when a hot tap is turned on, ensuring you can get hot water immediately.
These tankless systems deliver hot water rapidly, though flow rates may decrease during periods of simultaneous usage compared to electric systems.
Continuous Flow Gas Hot Water Systems
Continuous flow gas systems provide continuous hot water on demand, but have a small 5-25 litre buffer tank. The tank pre-heats water to help maintain the flow rate if multiple taps are used simultaneously. This marries the limitless hot water advantages of tankless systems with the reliable pressure support characteristic of vs electric hot water light storage.
When it comes to efficiency, instantaneous and continuous flow gas systems heat water only as required so there are no standby losses. Tankless systems can save 15-30% on energy bills compared to storage hot water options. But storage tanks ensure there is hot water when burners operate less frequently, resulting in a steadier gas usage rate.
How Gas Hot Water Systems Work
Employing a hot water system using gas for your home involves natural gas to heat your water on demand or for storage. There are a few key components that make these systems work:
Heat Source
The gas combustion process optimises emissions control while maintaining the water at the optimal temperature. This is achieved by burning The system operates on either natural gas or LPG to fuel the burner or heat exchanger. The gas valve controls gas flow and a pilot light ignites the burner.
Water Heater
The core component, whether a storage tank or instantaneous model, utilises a gas burner to heat water to the set temperature. In tankless models, water flows through a heat exchanger as needed.
Flue
Exhaust gases are vented outside through a flue. Proper fluing is critical for safe operation.
Control Valve
A thermostat and gas valve maintain the target water temperature by regulating gas flow to the burner.
Circulation Pump
Some circulating pump systems use a pump to keep hot water moving between the heater and fixtures for faster delivery.
Gas burners keep the tank of storage systems hot continuously, with insulation minimising standby heat loss. Hot water is readily available when taps are turned on, ensuring that you have access to hot water the next day and every day.
For instantaneous models, cold water is heated as it passes through the heat exchanger upon tap activation. Sensors trigger the gas burner to fire up and heat up the water rapidly to the set temperature on demand. There is no tank standby loss.
Continuous flow systems merge on-demand heating with a buffer tank to maintain stable pressures and temperatures during high usage periods.
Upfront Costs of Gas Hot Water Systems
The primary drawback of gas hot water systems is the high upfront cost. Purchasing a new hot water system for gas use can impact hot water system prices, being a significant investment compared with electric alternatives, with basic models starting around $1,000 and premium systems reaching up to $4,000.
Various factors, such as the complexity of the new unit and the installation requirements, contribute to the higher initial costs:
- The gas hot water unit itself is more complex and costs more to manufacture than an electric system.
- Additional gas piping and fluing is required, adding to installation costs.
- A licensed and very professional gas fitter is needed to install it.
- Switching from an existing electric system to gas involves extra installation considerations.
However, despite the higher upfront price, gas systems can pay back the difference within 5-10 years through lower running costs. For instance, an installed instantaneous gas heater priced at $1,600 can recoup its costs by saving approximately $300 annually on energy bills, compared to an electric system priced at $1,000. This situation would make any homeowner very happy, as the gas system effectively pays for itself within 5 years.
Selecting a simpler gas storage system without advanced electronics or a circulating pump can reduce installation costs. Simple mains pressure storage units start from around $1,000 to $1,500 installed.
For the more energy-efficient continuous gas flow systems, the period for financial return may extend to 7-10 years, yet remains a worthy investment.
While electric units are less costly upfront, their lifetime costs can be higher than those of a gas system. Given their long-term savings and lifespan of over 10 years, gas hot water systems are a cost-effective investment.
Installation Costs
The cost of installing your gas hot water system in the Cambridge Park area pivots on various pivotal elements:
Type of System
The more complex the system, the higher the install cost. A standard mains pressure storage unit, factoring in annual energy expenditure, starts from $1,500 to $2,000 for installation. Instantaneous and continuous flow systems range from $2,000 - $3,000 installed.
Gas Connection
If gas is already connected, prices start from $1,500 installed. Adding a new gas line can be more expensive, adding $500 - $1,000+ to costs.
Venting Requirements
New fluing to exhaust gases averages $300 - $600. High flues or difficult venting can cost $1,000+. Condensing systems need an acid-resistant flue.
Switching From Electric
Converting from an electric to gas system averages $2,500+ in Cambridge Park. This covers the hot water unit plus wiring, pipe and ventilation changes.
Accessibility
Installations become more costly for units that are difficult to access or located on a second floor due to increased labour time.
To save on installation costs in the Cambridge Park region, choose a basic storage gas hot water system where gas is already connected. Prices start from $1,500 - $2,000 installed. The hot water systems offer enhanced efficiency in instantaneous or continuous flow models, though installation expenditures also climb to $2,000 - $3,000 installed.
Operating Costs of Gas Hot Water
When deliberating over the ongoing expenses of a gas water system your home uses, the predominant outlay is typically energy bills. Gas prices do fluctuate, but gas per megajoule is generally cheaper than electricity.
For perspective, here are some estimated operating costs of your hot water system in the Cambridge Park area:
- Gas water heater storage system - $300 to $450 annually
- Instantaneous system - $250 to $350 annually
- Continuous flow system - $200 to $300 annually
Continuous flow systems rank as the most efficient in terms of operation.
Running an equivalent electric hot water system in a similar home would typically incur annual costs of $550 to $750 under off-peak tariffs. So gas can save around $200 to $500 a year on hot water costs.
Other gas hot water operating costs include:
- Regular servicing - $150 to $250 annually
- Flue and burner inspections - $100 to $150 annually
- Repairs (if required) - $150+ per instance
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that instant hot water systems operate safely and at optimal efficiency. Nonetheless, the annual operating costs for gas systems are generally lower than those of electric hot water systems.
Energy Efficiency and Running Costs
Gas hot water systems, particularly instantaneous and continuous flow models, are substantially more energy-efficient than electric storage systems.
Gas systems heat water directly as it’s needed rather than maintaining a large volume of hot water in a storage tank. This minimises standby heat loss, which is key to energy savings and reduced hot water consumption.
Some key efficiency differences:
- Instantaneous gas systems with a high energy rating convert over 90% of the gas energy into usable heat, proving to be extremely efficient.
- Continuous flow systems are up to 30% more efficient than tank system options for gas storage units.
- The lack of a storage tank means no standby heat losses overnight.
In terms of running costs, a gas electric hot water efficient instantaneous heater incurs about $250-$350 per year to operate in a typical home. An electric storage system can cost $400-$600 annually in energy bills, which is why experts highly recommend considering alternatives. So a gas instant system is highly recommended as it may save between $150 to $350 a year on hot water costs.
Over a 10 year lifespan, an instantaneous gas system could save over $3,000 in cumulative energy costs compared to an electric storage unit. Making it a very cost-effective option for most homes and budgets.
The steeper initial outlay for gas hot water units is counterbalanced by substantial energy savings. With rising electricity costs, the long term savings of your system will only increase in the future. So for energy efficiency and keeping running costs low, gas instantaneous systems are a smart investment.
Maintenance Costs
Regular maintenance is important for gas hot water systems to keep them operating safely and efficiently. Typical maintenance costs include:
- Annual servicing - $150 to $250 per year. This was very important to ensure the unit is tuned and functioning properly.
- Flue inspections - $100 to $150 annually. The flue needs to be checked for blockages and exhaust issues.
- Burner tune-ups - $100 every 2-3 years. This optimises the burner for efficiency.
- Anode rod replacement - $150 every 5 years. The anode rod protects the tank from corrosion.
- Relighting pilot light - $100 callout if needed. Pilots sometimes blow out and need professional re-lighting.
Additional repairs are around $150+ per instance if a part like a thermocouple, gas valve or ignition controller fails. But annual servicing can often catch issues early before they become big problems.
Factoring in regular upkeep for system your household employs, allow around $250 to $400 annually for servicing and inspections. This small ongoing investment will add years to the system’s lifespan and maximise energy efficiency - saving much more over time in avoided repairs and gas usage.
Neglecting maintenance leads to sediment build-up, corrosion, and performance issues that ultimately shorten the systems life. But with proper care a gas hot water system can provide reliable hot water for over 15 years.
Gas Hot Water vs. Other Systems
Gas hot water systems have both advantages and disadvantages compared to other water heating options like electric, solar, and heat pumps:
Electric Storage
Instant gas hot water systems heat water faster and more efficiently than electric storage tanks. In comparison, electric instant models have lower initial purchase costs than gas systems. Gas involves a more complex install but can save over $300/year on energy bills.
Instantaneous Electric
Gas instant systems are similarly convenient but heat water quicker and can be over 30% cheaper to run. Instant electric units can struggle in winter or with multiple taps.
Solar Hot Water
A solar hot water system is extremely eco-friendly and uses free energy from the sun. In contrast, solar hot water systems depend on sunny conditions, whereas gas systems provide hot water come rain or shine. The efficient use of solar panels demands roof space and a supplementary electric or gas booster.
Heat Pumps
Heat pump hot water can achieve gas-like savings for 2-3 people. But gas is more cost-effective for larger households. Heat pumps suit warmer climates best and also need backup heating in winter.
Overall, gas hot water shines for larger homes, cold climates, and those seeking maximum energy savings. But other systems can be better options in certain situations.
Environmental Impact
natural gas is burned.
According to Australia’s Department of the Environment and Energy, the average gas storage hot water system produces about 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per year. The emissions from an instantaneous gas system are slightly less at 1.2 tonnes of CO2 annually.
By contrast, embracing solar natural gas technologies, a typical electric storage hot water system’s indirect CO2 generation is around 1 tonne per year through electricity use. Embracing solar power for hot water production yields the lowest emissions, a mere 0.5 tonnes annually, due to harnessing free, renewable solar energy.
So while gas systems are very energy efficient, their use of fossil fuels means they have a larger carbon footprint. Switching to a solar gas or heat pump system can lessen a household’s hot water emissions by up to 70%. Nevertheless, gas systems persist in sustaining relatively eco-friendly hot water solutions with reduced emissions, when juxtaposed with non-solar electric models or those lacking a solar heat pump.
Gas hot water systems also have some indirect emissions from extraction, production and delivery of natural gas. But these are minor compared to the direct burn emissions.
In the future, switching to 'green gas’ made from renewable resources could significantly lower the environmental impact of gas hot water systems. But for now, solar thermal and heat pump systems are the best options for minimising hot water carbon emissions.
Environmental Impact
When it comes to environmental impact, gas hot water systems generally have a larger carbon footprint than electric or solar hot water systems. This is attributed to the direct greenhouse gas emissions produced when natural gas is burned.
The emissions from an instantaneous gas system are slightly less at 1.2 tonnes of CO2 annuallyl.
While gas systems have a higher upfront purchase and installation price, they can pay back this difference within 5-10 years through lower annual energy bills. Instantaneous and continuous flow gas systems are up to 30% more effiong term savings offset the initial price premium.
Other benefits of these hot water heaters include unlimited supply, faster delivery, a more compact footprint, and dependability in colder conditions. However, solar or heat pump systems produce fewer carbon emissions for those focused on environmental impact.
To conclude, for larger homes with high hot water demands, gas systems make sense both economically and functionally. Their efficiency, lower operating costs, and lifespan savings make gas hot water systems a sound investment, accomplishing a great job of fulfilling service requirements for most homes in the Cambridge Park area.
For outstanding service combined with sage advice on the most apt and cost-effective hot water system for your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cambridge Park Plumbing.
