Introduction to Gas Hot Water Systems
Choosing a hot water heater that aligns with your household demands represents a smart investment towards comfort and efficiency.
Gas water heaters, providing instant heating and on-demand service, boost energy efficiency. Epping Plumbing brings years of expertise to the installation, maintenance, and repair of both gas and electric hot water systems.
Gas systems circumvent energy-draining water storage by instantly heating water on demand, thus reducing heat loss.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at whether gas hot water systems represent a cost-effective option, weighing up aspects such as installation expenses, energy usage and efficiency, running expenses, and environmental impact.
Upfront and Installation Costs of Gas Systems
When it comes to upfront and installation costs, gas electric hot water systems are generally more expensive than solely electric storage systems However, solar hot water systems and heat pump water heaters typically come at a higher initial cost.
The average cost for a gas hot water unit ranges from $1000 to $1500, including installation.
For homes without a gas connection, expect to pay an extra $300 to $800 for gas line installation and connection fees.
There also may be costs associated with removing an old system if it needs to be replaced. And don’t forget the certificate of compliance paperwork.
Thus, the initial outlay for a new gas hot water system can total between $2,000 and $3,000. Opting for a more efficient or larger capacity unit could further elevate this cost.
Despite the greater upfront cost, gas hot water systems may prove economical in the long term, outshining electric units with their lower operating expenses. Epping Plumbing facilitates this transition by offering payment plans for all types of hot water systems, spreading the cost over 12 months.
Operating and Energy Efficiency Costs
Due to their use of an optimally efficient energy source, gas hot water systems are more cost-effective in terms of running expenses.
Contemporary gas systems can reach a 5 star energy rating, showcasing superior efficiency to antiquated electric resistive models frequently rated at 1-2 stars. They directly transfer heat, reducing energy wastage typical in tank-type units.
A high-efficiency gas hot water system could lead to accrued savings of $1,500 to $4,000 over 15 years, swiftly offsetting the initial cost. Upgrading from a 1 star electric to a 5 star gas system could slash water heating expenses by nearly half.
So while the upfront price tag is higher, hot water vs electric comparisons reveal that gas hot water offers better energy efficiency. Contact Epping Plumbing to understand savings for your specific household.
Environmental Impact
An evaluation of gas water systems’ environmental footprint presents a mixed picture, influenced greatly by their efficiency.
Modern gas systems, being highly efficient, can cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% in comparison to electric storage units, particularly those dependent on fossil fuel-generated electricity.
However, gas hot water units still produce some carbon dioxide and methane during operation. Although natural gas is cleaner than other fossil fuels like coal, it still contributes to climate change.
Despite the steeper initial investment, solar heat pump hot water systems exert the least environmental impact, thanks to their reliance on renewable energy.
So while not the greenest option, efficient gas hot water systems certainly have eco-benefits over less advanced electric units in many homes.
At Epping Plumbing, we’re poised to recommend which hot water systems offer the best combination of low running costs and superior environmental performance for your household.
Reliability, Durability, and Maintenance
Gas hot water systems are known for their reliability, durability, and low maintenance needs. Thanks to their relatively simple continuous flow operation, they commonly provide over 15 years of dependable service.
Continuous flow gas systems, with their simpler design, have fewer potential failure points compared to gas storage tanks. Similarly, in electric systems, advances in heat exchanger coils and pipes engineering bolster longevity, with most problems stemming from poor installation, not flaws in the equipment itself.
Regarding regular servicing, gas systems only need a basic check-up and maintenance every 3-5 years. This involves inspecting connections, checking the gas valve and gauges, clearing debris from around the unit, and testing operation. The total cost is around $165.
Notably, electric hot water systems and solar counterparts can also necessitate anode rod replacements every 5 years, potentially incurring costs over $200 per service. And pump water systems, such as hot water heat pumps, require yearly inspections due to their complexity.
So in summary, a gas water heater offers exceptional reliability and durability compared to electric units thanks to its straightforward design. And only minimal periodic servicing is needed. At Epping Plumbing, we can ensure your gas system keeps running optimally for over 15 years through regular maintenance.
Suitability for Different Home Types and Sizes
It’s essential to assess your typical hot water usage to select the most suitable gas hot water heater.
Instant flow hot water systems, as opposed to a traditional tank system setup, meet a variety of home sizes and structures with ease. From small apartments to large homes, gas systems efficiently heat water on demand, avoiding the need for tank storage.
A gas hot water unit with an 18-24 litre per minute capacity is typically sufficient for households of up to four people. Larger homes may benefit from a 27-32 lpm system.
Gas hot water solutions are feasible for apartments, including gas LPG models, but may necessitate approval from the owners’ corporation, and for residences lacking natural gas, an LPG model, as part of the natural gas LPG alternatives, is a viable option.
One downside of gas systems is slower hot water or cold water delivery to taps far away from the unit. Water recirculation systems can overcome performance issues, specifically for gas hot water units. For larger homes, an electric boosted solar gas system and straight gas hot water systems or integrating solar technology with a gas system could enhance heating efficiency.
The flexibility in size and gas connections enables continuous hot water provisions, ticking many boxes for heterogenous household requirements. Contact our team at Epping Plumbing to discuss the supply hot water needs and the most suitable system for your home.
Comparisons to Electric and Solar Hot Water Systems
A comparison between gas, electric, and solar hot water systems hinges on multiple key considerations.
In terms of upfront cost, gas units tend to be cheaper than solar hot water but more expensive than basic electric storage systems. However gas systems make up for this over time with much lower running costs thanks to better efficiency - potentially saving thousands of dollars.
Choosing a 5 star gas system, which is approximately 60% more efficient than older 3 star electric units, is crucial for energy efficiency. This adds up to major savings on energy bills in the long run.
Gas systems win out over electric systems on the lifespan front, with units often remaining operational for over 15 years. And less frequent anode rod replacements are needed compared to electric tanks.
Gas hot water systems can produce up to 60% less greenhouse gas emissions than electric options reliant on fossil fuels. But solar hot water comes out on top as the most eco-friendly renewable system.
In summary, gas systems, compared to electric hot water tanks, provide an optimal blend of affordability, energy efficiency and reliability, appealing to the needs of numerous Australian homes.
Government Rebates and Incentives
When it comes to reducing expenses for gas hot water system installation or replacement, staying informed about government rebates and incentives is key.
The Australian federal government’s Renewable Energy Target scheme provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) as an incentive for installing energy efficient hot water units. Gas systems with a minimum 3.5 star energy rating are eligible under this scheme.
Each STC reflects one megawatt hour of renewable energy produced by your hot water system, and selling these can offset installation costs.
There are also state government rebates in some areas. For example, Sydney Water provides up to $500 rebates when you replace an electric storage hot water system with a gas continuous flow unit. This is thanks to their Energy Easy scheme supporting households to reduce energy use.
Moreover, for households in designated Sydney areas needing new gas infrastructure, Jemena Gas Networks provides a $300 grant to help defray pipe and meter installation expenses.
So while gas hot water systems have a higher upfront price, claiming STCs and available rebates can contribute significant savings and shorten the payback period. The team at Epping Plumbing stay up to date on all current incentives so contact us for advice.
User Experiences and Satisfaction
User satisfaction is contingent on selecting the appropriate hot water heater, and gas models typically receive glowing reviews.
Our experience at Epping Plumbing reveals that over 80% of our customers are highly satisfied with the performance, reliability, and cost savings delivered by their continuous flow gas units.
The convenience of immediate hot water access, eliminating the need for tank reheating, is frequently praised by users. The ability to enjoy a hot shower immediately, without waiting for someone else to finish, is a notable benefit.
Many homeowners report significant annual savings due to the high efficiency of modern gas systems over older electric units.
With proper maintenance, gas systems are typically reliable for over 15 years, often requiring fewer repairs than electric tanks, which necessitate costly anode rod replacements.
In terms of concerns raised, occasional complaints are made about more limited hot water flow to distant taps when using gas systems. This can be addressed by installing small recirculation pumps. And in larger homes with very high demand, gas tankless systems may be augmented with electric or solar pre-heaters.
So in summary, the vast majority of gas hot water system owners enjoy great user experiences thanks to the on-demand convenience, energy savings, and reliability they provide. At Epping Plumbing, we’re always happy to address any issues to keep households satisfied.
Conclusion on Cost-Effectiveness of Gas Hot Water
Modern systems constituting a high hot water efficiency represent a very cost-effective choice for most Australian households.
While the upfront installation cost is higher than basic electric units, gas systems pay back this investment over 5-10 years thanks to much lower running expenses. Their superior energy efficiency helps you save money on your energy bills, which can sometimes equate to hundreds of dollars annually.
Gas also wins out in terms of reliability, meeting your water demand with minimal maintenance required over an expected 15+ year lifespan. And with suitable energy rating and capacity, gas can cater to varying home sizes and hot water demands.
Environmentally speaking, contemporary gas hot water systems are responsible for considerably less greenhouse gas output than ageing electric storage models. Leveraging government rebates can further enhance overall cost-efficiency.
So with the right product selection and installation, continuous flow gas hot water ticks all the boxes - endless on-demand supply, cost savings, durability and eco-benefits. Contact the team at Epping Plumbing to find the optimal system for your household.
