Gas Hot Water System NZ: Gas Hot Water Cylinder
This gas hot water system NZ review includes examining what size LPG gas hot water system do I need, hot water system prices, gas hot water cylinder, an energy efficient hot water system, a solar hot water system, an LPG instant hot water system, how does an instant LPG hot water unit work, and how long does an gas hot water system last.
With an instant LPG hot water unit, you don’t need storage space for a large gas hot water cylinder, you save on energy, and you never run out.
Here’s what you need to consider while buying one.
- What size gas hot water system do I need?
- What are the best gas hot water system prices?
- Can I combine gas cooking, gas heating, and a hot water system?
The modern alternative to an electric hot water system is a gas hot water system.
What Size Gas Hot Water System Do I Need?
Below is a summary of our Guide to Gas 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 gas 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 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.
LPG Gas Hot Water System Size Guide Chart |
||||
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 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 gas 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 an instant LPG hot water unit, 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.
Energy Efficient LPG Gas Hot Water System – Star Ratings
The most energy-efficient 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 LPG instant 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 a 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 an instant LPG hot water unit, including:
- Environmentally Friendly: A LPG hot water system heats water more efficiently. An instant LPG hot water unit could be the right choice if you want to reduce waste and harmful emissions.
- Cost-Effective: LPG options include continuous flow gas hot water NZ. 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 LPG instant hot water system, on the other hand, is tankless and small enough to be mounted on a wall.
- No Danger of a leaking gas hot water cylinder: When using a gas instant 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.
What is the Best Hot Water System Price?
Like any other gas appliance, choosing the best hot water system will depend on your needs, preferred energy source, budget, and level of maintenance that you’re happy to take.
Different types of hot water systems have varying upfront costs and running costs, which are both important in determining the best hot water system for you.
Typically, LPG hot water systems cost around $800 – $2,000, excluding installation and maintenance costs.
However, these hot water systems often have lower upfront costs than electric and boosted solar hot water systems and can even supply hot water during power outages.
For those on a higher budget and who need on-demand hot water, heat pump hot water systems are available for about $2,300 to $4,000.
These systems use electricity to transfer heat from a source to the hot water heat exchanger instead of generating it directly.
Can I Combine Gas Cooking, Room Heating, and Gas Hot Water?
Several business and industrial facilities use an adequately sized gas cylinder to fuel multiple gas appliances and water systems.
However, all of these facilities have a well-designed LPG pipeline installed by qualified LPG handlers and professionals.
Combining gas appliances for cooking, room heating, and hot water into a single LPG cylinder is possible in a residential setup.
Doing so offers more convenience and compactness regarding LPG storage and supply.
However, only a qualified professional must install and activate the LPG system.
ELGAS always uphold safety and efficiency by ensuring all gas connections and piping are leak-free, away from obstructions, and well-regulated to provide adequate gas supply to respective gas appliances.
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 LPG Instant Hot Water System Works
The following is a summary of How an LPG Instant Hot Water System Works?
The LPG instant hot water system has 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 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.
LPG Boosted Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water heaters have low running costs and few greenhouse gas emissions, but they have more expensive upfront installation costs.
To maximise efficiency, you can equip one with a booster unit for hot water during periods without sufficient sunlight.
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.