Gas Hot Water Systems

A gas hot water system is a form of water heater that uses natural gas or LPG to power a burner that either heats water in storage (hot water tank system), or heats it for instant use (continuous flow system). To be able to use a gas hot water system, your house must be connected to a gas mains supply pipe line, or it’s also possible with some models to use LPG cylinders. If you are unsure whether your home is connected to the gas mains supply pipe line, or whether it could possibly be connected – you can call Australian Hot Water for all the relevant information and advice.

A gas hot water system that uses a storage tank will burn the gas supply to heat the water in the tank to the set degree. The tank itself is insulated, so it will maintain heat over long periods of time. However, the gas burner will automatically come on when necessary to maintain the heat of the stored water.

A gas-powered continuous flow system works by creating a burner that is applied to copper coils, which instantaneously heat water passing through them. A continuous flow gas system doesn’t store water, and so it only heats the water as and when it is needed (e.g. when you turn your shower on).

A gas water heater is generally a little more expensive to buy and install than an electric hot water system, but it is also generally cheaper to run. A gas hot water heater also produces less greenhouse gas emissions than an electric hot water heater.

The most common preferred type of gas water heater is the tankless heating system, also known as an instantaneous or continuous flow system. These systems take up the least amount of space and can sometimes be cheaper and more efficient because they only heat water as and when you need it.

However, you can also get a storage tank system. Storage tank systems can be highly efficient as well, with many of them having a 5-star energy efficiency rating.

It is also possible to have a solar storage tank system that uses a gas burner as a booster. Solar water heating usually isn’t enough to provide all the thermal heat needed for a hot water heater, so a booster is used to ensure the water is always at the right temperature. A solar system is generally more expensive to buy and install, but they’re more cost-effective in the long run.

The biggest decisions you need to make when it comes to choosing the best gas hot water system for you are:

1. Instantaneous or tank?

Instantaneous can be more efficient than a tank system. It also requires much less space, if you don’t have much spare room. On the downside, it generally provides a lower water pressure, so it’s probably not suitable to supply a few bathrooms at the same time.

2. Size

If you’re looking at a tank system, you need to decide how much water you need to keep on hand. Generally, you need about 50L of water per person each day in a household, plus a bit more for days you use a dishwasher or washing machine. It’s best to talk to Australian Hot Water about the best tank size for you.

3. Efficiency

A gas hot water system is already likely to be more efficient and cheaper than an electric system. But then there’s variation between different gas models, too. In terms of the cost of energy bills and also greenhouse gas emissions, you’ll need to decide for yourself based on the specifications of the models you’re looking at.

Gas hot water systems tend to be more efficient than electric hot water systems, and they also produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Another advantage of gas hot water systems is that – unlike electricity – there are no time-of-day tariffs for using gas, meaning that it’ll cost you the same no matter when you want to take that shower or run the bath.

Australian Hot Water is the largest specialist hot water franchise in Australia, with service centres and showrooms in Alexandria, Belmore, Caringbah, Eastwood, Leumeah, Moorebank, Mona Vale, Seven Hills, Fyshwick in Canberra, and Cardiff in Newcastle.

We provide a same-day service for the repair and replacement of gas hot water systems. With over 40 years’ experience, you can be confident that our authorised service representatives can service and repair your hot water system – even if it has long been out of production.

We are certified service agents for all the top manufacturers including Rheem, Rinnai, Vulcan, Dux, Bosch, AquaMAX and Edwards. To book a same-day service, phone Australian Hot Water now.