The gas installation process involves several steps. It begins with a thorough assessment of your property to determine the best location for gas lines and appliances. Then, the gas fitter will install the necessary gas lines, fittings, and regulators. They will connect and test the appliances, ensuring proper functionality and safety

Yes!!

Gas hot water is generally cheaper than electric hot water. However, the cost of gas and electricity can vary depending on the region, the type of system, and your water use habits.
Cost comparison
• Gas
     Gas hot water systems are more energy efficient and cost-effective to operate, especially for households with high hot water usage.
     Gas hot water systems are often cheaper to run than electric hot water cylinders.
• Gas:    A gas hot water system installation can cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
• Electric:    A new electric hot water cylinder can cost between $2,000 and $7,000.

• Electric
Electric hot water heaters are more affordable to install and pair well with sustainable energy systems.
Electric water heaters generally have higher running costs than gas models.

Other considerations

• Emissions
Gas and LPG burn cleanly, but they are still fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide when burned. How ever with new technology they have introduced more hydrogen into the mixture to reduce the carbon release, making gas greener than ever.
• Efficiency
Hot water heat pumps are the most efficient option, requiring significantly less electricity to run than traditional electric water heater systems.
• Installation
The cost of installing a gas hot water system can vary depending on the type, size, and brand.
Gas hot water systems can be easy to install, but you'll still need to wait for it to reach the tap no different from an electric system.
• Climate
The climate where you live can affect which hot water system is best for you.
Choosing a system
When choosing between a gas or electric hot water system, you can consider the space you have, the power source, and your water use habits.

Who should install a gas appliance?

It illegal to do gas fitting yourself in New Zealand. A licensed Gasfitter should be called to install your new water heater or other gas appliances. This can be a difficult and dangerous job for the untrained individual, so it is always a safer bet to call a professionally trained and licensed Gasfitter to complete the job quickly and correctly.

Can I install a gas appliance myself?

Installing a Gas appliance such as a Gas Hot Water heater Yourself Is a Safety Issue so DON’T!

If you're planning on installing a gas water heater yourself (Don’t!), you should know that there's a significant safety risk in doing so. Improper installation can lead to serious Damage to property, injury to your self or others and some time even death.

The gas installation process involves several steps. It begins with a thorough assessment of your property to determine the best location for gas lines and appliances. Then, the gas fitter will install the necessary gas lines, fittings, and regulators. They will connect and test the appliances, ensuring proper functionality and safety.

Continuous flow gas water heaters 12-20 years

Lifespan of other hot water systems

The different types of hot water systems have different lifespans: Gas Storage Hot Water: 8-12 years. Electric Hot Water: 10-15 years. Solar Hot Water: 10 years.

Every five years

A Gas storage tank water heaters can last around 10-12 years, while tankless systems can enjoy up to 20 years with a temperature remote installed and correct servicing. Always check your manufacturer's guide for their recommendation, but maintenance should typically be done every five years to keep your system running tip top

The duration of a gas installation depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the project and the size of the property. While simple installations may take a few hours, more extensive projects can span several days. Your gas fitter will provide an estimated timeline based on the specifics of your installation.

In most cases, a standard external gas storage tank water heater installation takes 4 to 6 hours and a internal with flue 6 to 8 hours. Tankless water heaters can take 4 to 8 hours to install this is the easiest option by far.

Safety is paramount during a gas installation. Gas fitters follow strict safety protocols, including pressure testing gas lines, checking for leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation. They also educate homeowners or business owners on safety practices, such as gas leak detection and emergency shut-off procedures.

Gas hot water systems

Instantaneous (or continuous flow) gas systems heat water only when the hot tap is turned on. They tend to use more gas while actually heating, but less overall than a tank because they only use gas when needed. Storage Gas water heaters are always using gas even when fully heated up the pilot light is still lit.

In the average home, A continuous gas water heater only turns on when a hot tap is opened, or shower is turned on so over all it uses less gas than a storage heater. A Storage gas water heater will run for about three hours each day. Total run time can range from one to two hours for new tankless water heaters to five or more hours for older tank style water heaters.

Yes, you can choose the type of gas appliances for your installation. Gas appliances come in various models and brands, catering to different needs and preferences. Your gas fitter can provide guidance on selecting appliances that are efficient, reliable, and suitable for your specific requirements.

Medium-sized family of 2–4 people

A Rheem 26 L continuous-flow hot water system will meet the requirements of a medium-sized household, while a storage tank system should have a 135–170 L capacity. The Rheem 130L – 160L storage gas hot water heater is also a great option for a medium-sized family.
For larger homes with 4 showers or more Multiple gas water heaters can be installed to reduce time for hot water to reach the outlets and also reduce water flow issues however pipe sizing and water pressure play a part in this also.

Gas installations are subject to permits and regulations to ensure safety and compliance. These requirements may vary based on your location. A professional gas fitter is knowledgeable about local codes and will handle the necessary permits and paperwork on your behalf.

In most cases, existing gas appliances can be compatible with a new installation. However, it is important to have a qualified gas fitter inspect your appliances to ensure they meet safety standards and are compatible with the new installation. They can make any necessary adjustments or recommend replacements if needed.

Energy efficiency is a key consideration for a gas installation. To ensure efficiency, choose high-quality, energy-efficient appliances and follow proper maintenance practices. Your gas fitter can offer recommendations on energy-efficient models and provide tips on maximising efficiency, such as regular servicing and appropriate usage.

There are numerous benefits of using gas as an energy source. Some of the key advantages include:

Cost-effectiveness: Gas is often more affordable compared to other energy sources, resulting in lower utility bills and potential long-term savings.

Efficiency: Gas appliances are known for their high energy efficiency, providing effective heating, cooking, and hot water solutions while minimising energy waste.

Instant heat: Gas offers quick and reliable heat generation, allowing for faster cooking, heating, and water heating compared to electric alternatives.

Environmental friendliness: Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions and contributing less to air pollution compared to coal or oil.

Reliability: Gas supply is generally reliable, ensuring consistent energy availability even during power outages.

Versatility: Gas can be used for a wide range of applications, including heating, cooking, water heating, and even outdoor purposes like grilling or heating swimming pools.

Safety: Gas technologies have advanced significantly, incorporating various safety features such as automatic shut-off valves and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure a secure and reliable gas usage experience.

Independence from the electrical grid: Gas installations provide an alternative energy source, offering greater resilience and independence from the electrical grid’s fluctuations.

These benefits make gas a popular choice for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, offering convenience, efficiency, and environmental advantages.

Many people are promoting electrical heat pump units, however with simple mathematics it can be shown that utilising natural gas as a source of home heating can be far more economical, this can be done by comparing electricity and gas prices/kw. Currently gas prices are around 7 cents/kw and electricity prices vary but are about 27 cent/kw. This means a heat pump would have to be operating at about 385% efficiency at all times, with the majority of heat pumps this is not possible. (especially as the outside temperature decreases).

Even taking into account that some gas heaters operate at about 80% efficiency an electrical heat pump would still have to attain a constant 308% efficiency which is not realistic for the majority of heat pumps (especially below 15degrees which is when heating is generally required.

With the introduction of the electric smart meter it is also expected that home electrical costs will rise, a further incentive to utilise gas as a source for home heating + hot water.

Yes, This is the best time to get gas installed.

LPG – This is the quickest form of connection, the only delays being, LPG cylinder & appliance delivery and gas fitter availability.Natural Gas – From the time you’ve signed up, connection usually takes 4-6 weeks.

To connect the gas from the street to your house, usually an underground thrusting or drilling machine is used, or a small trench may be dug and then backfilled ensuring that every effort is taken to restore your property to its previous state.

It all depends on what gas and electric appliances you use and how efficient they are. In general, however, a dual fuel household (combination of gas & electricity) is more energy efficient than a household using only electricity.

No, there is nothing to worry about. The domestic load is relatively small, so there will be plenty of gas for the domestic market for the foreseeable future. There are new gas streams coming on line that will assure the continuation of the supply to the domestic market.

(info supplied by Gas Association of New Zealand – March 2002).