Energy Use

Both storage unit and continuous flow gas hot water systems release hot water as it is needed. Therefore, no hot water and only a limited amount of energy is being released when the system is not in use. Although a certain amount of gas is used to power the pilot flame or warming element when the system is on, it is not enough to cause significantly harmful impact on the environment.

A fantastic benefit of gas hot water is its flexibility. These systems give you hot water when you want it, thanks to their convenient operating systems and their continuous access to heat because of the pilot flame. A particularly strong benefit of this operating system is that no energy is being wasted when the system is not in use. If you are going away on holidays, or will be away from you property for an extended period of time, you can safely switch off the system so that it is not using that precious energy while it is not in use. This will save you money in long run and give your energy bill a break. Remember to ensure that you know how to safely switch the system back on when you return. Information about this is usually available printed on the operating unit or in the owner’s guide.

gas hot water alternative solar explained

Water Conservation

Most instantaneous systems are known to waste some water during the heating process within the heat exchanger. This is affected each time hot water taps are used, and can result in several litres of wastage each time you access your hot water. This no longer needs to be a concern, as the option for installing a water recirculation system is a common practice for the installation of new gas water hot water systems, and is a system that can be fitted onto older units.

The water recirculation system helps to reduce the wastage of water within the heat exchanger. The recirculation system works by pressing a button installed on the hot water tap. This button allows cold water to be pumped from the pipe back towards the water heater until hot water is produced, thus circulating the water until it reaches a hot temperature. This process reduces the amount of water lost through rapid warming processes, and still allows you instant access to hot water when necessary.

Gas vs. Solar

Gas hot water systems produce almost 35% less greenhouse gas emissions than electric hot water systems. The natural resources that gas systems operate from allow them to be one of the most sustainable operating systems for hot water available.

Solar Hot Water Systems powered with a gas booster are the most sustainable options on the market for hot water systems in Australia. The combination of natural resources to create an energy and water efficient and environmentally friendly system is an amazing way to access hot water for your home or business, however it is not available throughout the country.

If you live in an area with low access to sunlight, or you live in an apartment or townhouse complex, a solar powered hot water system is probably not an option for you. As a result of this, the gas powered hot water system is the best choice for you as it will allow you to save money on energy bills as well as utilise natural resources to access your hot water.

Maintenance

Gas heating systems are reliable and strong units, that can serve your household for many years with little maintenance required. Their reliability and low maintenance costs are reasons why they have remained a popular choice for many Australian homes and businesses for decades.

Most storage unit gas systems have a long life expectancy, with many units lasting up to twenty-five years without major maintenance requirements. Most storage systems are made with enameled steel with a sacrificial anode that is used to protect the tank from rust and corrosion. In order to keep the anode in top working condition, it needs to be serviced or replaced every five years by a qualified service person. This allows your storage systems to stay in great condition, and with regular servicing it will stay in top working condition for decades.

Instantaneous systems need less maintenance than storage systems as they require only a small maintenance of having the burner operation checked every few years. Heat exchangers in instantaneous systems will also come with a ten year warranty and are easily replaced when the time comes.

LPG and natural gas

lpg alternative solar explained

All gas hot water is  heated through the use of gas, in Australia this means natural gas which is available to specific regions, and Liquid Petroleum Gas (or LPG) that is available to other regions of Australia. Natural gas is a highly available resource, which makes it a cost effective and easy option for many gas hot water users. However, some areas of the country have no access to natural gas and therefore rely on LPG, which is a lot more costly.

The way you use hot water in your home and business will greatly affect your decision to choose gas hot water, especially if LPG is the only gas available for you. If your hot water use is quite low and you are using a storage system, than the effect or the higher expense of LPG may not be an issue to you. Instantaneous gas hot water system models, particularly those with high power electric controls, will typically use a larger amount of gas to run than storage units. These will often need a much larger gas supply pipe, which increases the amount of gas released and thus affects the cost of your gas use.

Both storage unit systems and instantaneous systems operate with the use of natural gas or LPG, so the decision to go with a gas hot water system in your home will come down to which gas is available to you and how you use your own hot water system. So, let us explain to you the differences between natural gas and LPG.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is a flexible and plentiful natural resource that is one of the most plentiful commodities in Australia today. Also known as methane gas, natural gas is produced from minerals found in different types of rocks, including sandstone, coal seams, and shales. Gas is a reliable and cleaner-burning fuel that is not only good for the environment, but is also a great investment in the country’s economy  that will continue to increase in flexibility, reliability, and affordability for many decades, making it a great option for the power of your hot water system.

LPG

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a versatile fuel with a well-established infrastructure and technology that has been a prevalent gas throughout Australia for decades. LPG occurs naturally within crude oil and in natural gas production fields, however is most commonly manufactured through a process of oil refining. LPG is most widely available throughout Victoria due to close access to local suppliers of the gas, Victorians make up over 44% of Australian LPG consumers. Therefore, if you live in Victoria, it is likely that LPG will be the fuel that your gas hot water system will run from.
lpg-gas

The running cost of LPG is however, much higher than that of natural gas or electricity options, especially for hot water systems, and can cost up to three times the average expense for gas usage per capita. Reliance on LPG for the running of your hot water system will depend on your location and access to it, therefore the best way to choose whether to decide upon LPG will depend on your budget and how much hot water your home or business typically uses.