Gas Hot Water System Review

Gas Hot Water System Review

This gas hot water system review includes examining what size hot water system do I need, hot water system prices, an energy efficient hot water system, a solar hot water system, hot water system prices, an instant hot water system, how do instant hot water systems work, and how long do hot water systems last.

The modern alternative to an electric hot water system is a gas instant hot water system.

With an instant gas hot water system, you don’t need storage space for a large hot water cylinder, you save on energy, and you never run out. 

Here’s what you need to consider while buying one.

• What size hot water system do I need?
• What are the best hot water system prices?
• Can I combine gas cooking, gas heating, and a gas hot water system?

What Size Hot Water System Do I Need?

Below is a summary of our Guide to Hot Water System Sizing. Please see the full post for more information.

Firstly, work out the number of people in your household and the type of hot water system used, then ask yourself a few questions.

Below are the various hot water system size guide factors:

• • Do they all take showers at the same general time of day?
  • Do they take showers simultaneously in different bathrooms?
  • Do the showers have WELS 3 Star Rated Water Saving Shower Head (maximum 9L/Min) or standard 18 to 25L/Min showerheads?
  • Do some prefer baths, which use more hot water? Is the bath or spa oversized, requiring even more hot water?
  • Do you run the washing machine, using hot or warm water, while people are showering?
  • Is your dishwasher connected to the cold or hot water? If hot, do you use it while hot water is being used elsewhere?
  • Do you live in a cold climate with cold incoming water?

Using a WELS 3-star rated water-saving shower head is a good idea. It will save water and energy whilst also reducing the size and cost of the hot water system.

The hot water system size guide is best determined by counting the number of simultaneously used showerheads and whether or not you have a water saving shower head, as your hot water system size guide.

The hot water system size guide is best determined by counting the number of simultaneously used showerheads and whether or not you have a water saving shower head, as your hot water system size guide.

As an approximation of what size hot water system do I need, you would want a 16L/min hot water heater for 2 water saving shower heads, 24L/min for 3 water saving shower heads and 32L/min for 4 water saving shower heads.

This hot water system size guide is based on having 3 Star water saving shower head with continuous flow (instantaneous) gas hot water heaters and using all of the showers simultaneously.

With tankless gas hot water heaters, the number of people doesn’t really matter, just the simultaneous use of the showers affects what size hot water system you need.

The use of other hot water taps, such as for a washing machine, will decrease the number of showers that can be used at the same time.

What are the Best Hot Water System Prices?

Different types of hot water system have varying upfront costs and running costs, which are both important in determining the best water heater for you. 

A traditional electric water heater is cheaper to install than gas hot water systems but the running costs are much higher.

Typically, gas hot water systems cost around $750 to $1,800, excluding installation and maintenance costs.

However, a gas hot water system often has lower upfront costs than solar hot water systems and some can even supply hot water during power outages.

Gas is much cheaper to install than heat pump hot water, but for those on a higher budget heat pump hot water systems are available for about $2,300 to $4,000.

These systems use electricity to transfer heat from ambient air to the hot water heat exchanger instead of generating it directly.

Can I Combine Gas Cooking, Gas Heating, and Hot Water?

Homes and businesses have adequately sized gas cylinder to fuel multiple gas appliances and water systems.

They would have a well-designed LPG system installed by a qualified gas fitter.

Combining gas appliances for cooking, room heating, and hot water is never a problem.

Energy Efficient Gas Hot Water – Star Ratings

The most energy-efficient gas hot water systems have a 6-star or even a 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.

You also get to remove the cumbersome electric water cylinder to make more space for your home.

For more information, please see: Energy Efficiency Star Ratings for Gas Hot Water Heater Systems

How to Look for Value Options

Every 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 choice, 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 instantaneous, 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 and small enough to be mounted on a wall.
• No Danger of a Leaking Cylinder: 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. Hot water tanks can be a breeding ground for Legionnaires Disease bacteria.

Gas Boosted Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water heaters have low running costs and few greenhouse gas emissions, but they are more expensive to purchase and install.

To provide hot water when there is insufficient or no sunlight, they are equipped with a booster unit.

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 an Instant Hot Water System Works

The following is a summary of How Does a Tankless Continuous Flow Water Heater Work?

Instant or tankless gas hot water systems have been around for decades, 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.

Your plumber will set your tankless gas hot water system’s temperature to 50ºC to greatly reduce the risk of scalding without needing a tempering valve.