Frequently Asked Questions

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, hiring a professional gas fitter is essential for a gas installation. Gas can be hazardous if not handled correctly, so it is crucial to rely on trained experts who have the knowledge and experience to ensure a safe and compliant installation.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Unlikely. It’s more likely that gas will continue to be cheaper than electricity. Gas used to heat directly is more efficient than gas-fired electricity, so gas has the advantage of producing more heat at less cost compared with electricity. Some people say they pay more for their gas-heated hot water but that’s because the water’s always hot, so they stay in the shower for longer. With instantaneous gas water heating everyone in the family can take a 10-minute – or longer – shower. If they tried that with water from an electric hot water cylinder, they’d be out of the shower sooner because the water would start running cold. If the gas bill is higher that’s because you’re using more gas to enjoy the luxury of hot water that’s always on tap. A fair comparison would be if both families stayed in the shower for the same amount of time – and in that case the gas bill would be a lot cheaper.

 

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

Of course you can. As mentioned above, there is sufficient gas now and new finds coming on stream will ensure that switching to gas is a good way to go. Gas is an environmentally good choice and is being seen as the fuel of the future.

 

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