If you’ve not considered the difference a gas hot water system can make in your home (and to your life), this post is going to lay it all out for you.
From potential savings, plus the joy of instant hot water that never runs out; it’s all detailed below so you can make an informed decision before you make the switch.
Drop me a comment at the end of this post if you have any questions that need answering. Otherwise, enjoy the info on why your home needs gas hot water in it this winter and beyond.
This post is produced in partnership with Australian Gas Networks.
What Is Gas Hot Water?
There are two main types of gas hot water heaters you can get for your home. Depending on your needs and preferences, choose one of the following:
Continuous Flow System
These systems heat your water as you use it. Turn on a tap/faucet and you can get hot water that’ll never run out. They’re compact in size (typically no bigger than carry-on luggage) and attached to the outside wall of your house – out of the way!
Storage System
Water is heated and stored in an insulated tank, ready to use when you need it. They’re capable of supplying hot water to multiple bathrooms simultaneously without a significant loss in water pressure, and they typically use pilot light technology meaning they still work during a blackout.
Plus, they feature optional temperature control; set the exact temperature of your hot water for the perfect shower without mixing cold water (an excellent safety feature for kids!).
Is Gas Hot Water Worth It?
Using a gas hot water heater is beneficial for a few reasons:
- Gas hot water systems typically heat water in half the time of electric
- They can be more energy efficient than electric
- They can be cheaper to run in the long-term
- With continuous flow systems, you have a constant supply of hot water
- Gas hot water is still available during a power outage (if the ignition isn’t electric)
- A gas instantaneous hot water unit is no bigger than your meter box which is very useful if your sideway and/or backyard space is small or restricted
- Even with gas main pressure hot water, products are available with stainless steel tanks and come with a 5+ star energy rating
Is Gas Hot Water Cheaper Than Electric?
Because they heat water faster, gas hot water systems are more energy efficient than conventional electric.
Water heating energy costs will be dependent on factors like the volume of hot water required, and the efficiency of the appliance and the climate, but there’s no denying gas hot water has far cheaper running costs than conventional electric systems.
By installing a six or seven-star gas hot water service, Sustainability Victoria estimates an average 50% saving (and that doesn’t take into account that electricity prices were set to soar by an average 25% on 1 July 2023!).
Heat pump hot water systems have economical ongoing running costs, but before you assume you’ll be in front financially, heat pumps are often expensive so it may outweigh the small ongoing savings over a gas option.
Plus, in cold climates like Victoria your heat pump may require electric boost, which incidentally is the most expensive way to heat your water. Speak to your plumber to find out what solution will best suit your needs and budget.
How Fast Can Gas Heat Your Water?
Gas hot water heaters are about twice as fast at heating cold water compared to electric models.
With electric, you can often wait hours for the tank to heat your water. This is problematic for families if the first few people in the shower queue have used up all the hot water and you’re left (literally) out in the cold.
Of course, if you install the continuous flow system, you’ll never run out of hot water because it’s available to you around-the-clock.
You can also opt in for a temperature controller which allows you to set the hot water delivery to disperse at the same temperature every time.
This is especially great for families with young kids; they can turn on the shower without burning themselves with scalding water.
How Do I Get Gas In My New Home?
Installing a gas hot water system in your new-build couldn’t be easier. Have a chat to your builder and if natural gas is available to your property, they’ll lodge a request with Australian Gas Networks or your energy retailer to get the gas connected .
You should also discuss which other gas appliances you plan to install.
Your builder will organise a plumber to install your gas appliances and let you know when it’s time for you to contact your preferred gas supplier/retailer to connect the gas supply. This will include setting up a gas billing account.
More details on the process are here for you.
How Do I Convert from Electric Hot Water to Gas at Home?
If you already have natural gas connected to your property, a qualified gas fitter can readily connect a new appliance to your existing gas line.
If you want to switch to a gas hot water system in your existing home and you’re not already connected to gas, contact Australian Gas Networks on 1300 001 001 to check if natural gas is available to your property.
If so, AGN will explain the steps to getting a new connection in your State or Territory. From there, a qualified gas fitter will manage the appliance changeover.
Australian Gas Networks has a $500 rebate when you switch from electric to gas hot water – you can find out more here.
More details on the process of converting are here for you.
How Can I Find Out More?
Australian Gas Networks deliver gas to over 1.3 million homes and businesses in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
Their website is packed with all the info you need to get your head around installing gas in your home – for hot water systems as well as for cooking and heating too.
On their website you’ll also find the right gas hot water system manufacturer for you, from reputable brands like Rheem, Dux, Rinnai and Thermann.
If you’d like more info on getting gas in other pockets of your home, check out our guide to gas fireplaces to get you through winter.
