On this page…
- Finding the right LPG hot water system
- LPG gas hot water system size
- Pricing of LPG hot water system
- Combining room heating, cooking and hot water
- Energy Efficiency of hot water on gas
- Finding good value options
- Complimenting solar powered hot water systems
- The workings of a LPG instant hot water system
- FAQs
LPG Gas Hot Water System Review
This LPG hot water system review includes examining what size LPG gas hot water system do I need, LPG gas hot water system prices, an energy efficient hot water system, a solar hot water system, an instant LPG hot water system, how does an instant LPG hot water system work, and how long does an LPG gas hot water system last.
The modern alternative to an electric hot water system is an LPG gas hot water system.
With an instant LPG 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 LPG gas hot water heater do I need?
- What are the best LPG hot water system prices?
- Can I combine gas cooking, gas heating, and hot water on gas?
What Size LPG Hot Water System Do I Need?
Below is a summary of our Guide to LPG 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 LPG gas hot water system size guide factors:
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- 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 LPG hot water system.
The LPG gas hot water heater 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 LPG hot water system size guide.
LPG Hot Water System Size Guide Chart |
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Showerheads | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Flow Rate with 3-Star Water Saving Shower Head (L/min) | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 |
Flow Rate with 3-Star Water Saving Shower Head with cold water mixed in (L/min) |
7 | 14 | 21 | 28 |
Flow Rate with non-Water Saving Shower Head (L/min) | 18-25 | 36-50 | 54-75 | 72-100 |
The LPG gas 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 LPG 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 LPG gas hot water system size guide is based on having 3 Star water saving shower head with continuous flow (instantaneous) LPG gas hot water heater and using all of the showers simultaneously.
With an instant LPG gas hot water system, 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 LPG 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 hot water on gas but the running costs are much higher than hot water on gas.
Typically, an LPG gas hot water system costs around $750 to $1,800, excluding installation and maintenance costs.
However, an LPG 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 hot water on gas.
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 LPG Gas Hot Water System – Star Ratings
The most energy-efficient LPG gas hot water system has 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.
An instant LPG hot water system is 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 LPG Gas Hot Water System
How to Look for Value Options
Every system has pros and cons, but an LPG gas hot water system offers 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 hot water on gas, including:
- Environmentally Friendly: An LPG gas hot water system heats water more efficiently. An instant LPG hot water system could be the right choice if you want to reduce waste and harmful emissions.
- Cost-Effective: LPG options include instant, continuous flow systems. Instead of storing hot water in a 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. An instant LPG hot water system, on the other hand, is tankless and small enough to be mounted on a wall.
- No Danger of a Leaking Cylinder: When using an instant LPG 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.
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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 LPG Hot Water System Works
The following is a summary of How an Instant LPG Hot Water System Works?
The instant LPG gas hot water system has been around for decades, but they still appear to be magical as they provide hot water on gas 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 instant hot water system temperature to 50ºC to greatly reduce the risk of scalding without needing a tempering valve.
How Long do Hot Water Systems Last?
Storage tank gas hot water systems typically last 10 to 12 years with proper maintenance.
A gas instant hot water system could last 20 years or more.
One way to optimise your use of a gas hot water system is with water efficient shower heads.
An LPG instant water system operates differently from 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 obtain the necessary permits and inspections to install an LPG hot water system. Here’s a quick rundown of the processes involved:
- All Australian states require licensed plumber-gas fitters to carry out all LPG gas hot water system installations. This mandatory requirement ensures that the installation conforms with local building codes and safety regulations.
- Some states or localities may require a permit to install a new LPG hot water system installation. Check on your local council to know more.
- An inspection, by a local building inspector, may be required to determine whether the installation complies with Australian Standards for Gas Installations (AS/NZS 5601)
Specific requirements may vary between states and territories.
How Do I Maintain My LPG Gas Hot Water System?
As a homeowner, you can regularly inspect whether the ventilation system is free of obstructions.
You can also clean the incoming water filtration system, as the manufacturer recommends to prevent clogging.
For regular maintenance, have your licensed plumber inspect the hot water system to detect any leaks, obstructions, or signs of corrosion.
What are the Signs that My LPG Hot Water System Needs Repairs?
The most obvious sign of a faulty LPG gas hot water system is if it does not produce enough hot water.
Sometimes, you might notice the water turning a bit dirty, rusty or flowing at a very low pressure.
They will inspect the unit including gas valve, gas fittings, and water tank, if it is a storage system.
More severe problems include leaks of water or gas.
In the event of a gas leak, it’s important to stop using the hot water system and contact our emergency line: 1800 819 783.
Finding a Qualified Plumber for my LPG Gas Hot Water System
You can do a simple web search for a gas fitter/plumber near me.
Alternatively, you can contact us at 131 161, and we can supply names of qualified plumbers in your area.
Why Choose Elgas for Your LPG?
ELGAS has been in business since 1984 and has become Australia’s leading supplier 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 solutions to cater to the various LPG hot water system needs of more than 350,000 homes and businesses.
Contact us at 131 161 to get started.
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Steve Reynolds
Technical Consultant
Steve Reynolds is a leading expert in the LPG industry with over 22 years of experience. As part of the national management team at ELGAS, Steve ensures the safe and efficient storage, handling, and transportation of LPG. He serves as the lead investigator for incidents and collaborates with authorities on industry developments.
Steve is a technical advisor to Standards Australia and Gas Energy Australia (GEA), and an active member of the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to global standards and technical reviews. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Industrial Chemistry from UNSW and has held senior safety and technical roles at ELGAS, making him a trusted authority in LPG safety and standards.