Benefits of Gas Hot Water
There are several good reasons why more Aucklanders are choosing gas to fuel their hot water systems:
Efficiency – Gas water heaters tend to be more energy-efficient than conventional electric storage units as they only heat water on demand rather than constantly maintaining a whole tank of hot water. This saves on energy bills.
Lower running costs – With recent increases in electricity prices in NZ, gas hot water is becoming a cheaper option per liter of hot water produced. Homeowners can achieve 10-35% savings on water heating costs by switching from electric to gas.
Continuous hot water – Gas systems provide a limitless flow of hot water on tap rather than running out if a storage tank hasn’t sufficiently reheated. Great for larger households.
Environmental benefits – Modern gas heaters produce less greenhouse gas emissions than using electric off the centralized power grid powered predominantly by fossil fuels.
Long lifespan – New gas hot water systems normally last 15-20 years with basic maintenance, longer than electric alternatives.
Costs and Installation Considerations
Typical costs for installing a new gas hot water system in an Auckland home range from $2000-$4000 depending on the unit size, brand, accessories needed, difficulty of installation etc. Always get all-inclusive quotes from qualified gasfitters. Factors impacting install costs include:
Main gas line connectivity – Homes without existing gas supply will need a gas line installed from the street adding $1000+ to costs.
Fluing arrangements – Flue vents may need installing for ventilation, increasing labor and parts costs.
Condensate drainage – Building regulations require proper drainage under the unit for condensation collection. Complex plumbing can raise prices.
Access issues – Difficult access to installation site like upper floors can mean more labor time to transport equipment and interconnect gas, water and electrical connections.
Brand and unit size – Higher volumes, higher pressures and more advanced models provide better performance but increase supply expenses.
Installation Process Overview
The full installation process typically is completed within a day into a couple of parts:
Part 1:
Removal of old system & preliminary gas supply connections
Structural modifications if needed for new unit dimensions/weight
Install mounting frame, plinths and inter-connections for gas, water, electricity & fueling
Part 2:
Install water heater unit and finalise pipe & valve fittings
Pressure test gas supply integrity
Commission unit, preset controls and activate water/gas supply
Demonstrate function and safety features to homeowner
Provide compliance certificate & warranted documentation
Choosing both the right unit and professional installer are equally important for ensuring years of reliable hot water delivery, safety, efficiency and fast servicing backup when required. Consult licensed gas engineers like Hot Water Solutions to review your household requirements.
Final Thoughts
At Hot Water Solutions we are here to help. Use our contact us page to reach us and we will be more than happy to discuss your situation. Or give us a call on 0800 497658.
At Hot Water Solutions all we do is hot water.
