We love to take a hot shower to freshen up during cold days or relax after a long, stressful day at work or school. However, these are not the only benefits of hot showers. Many researchers suggest that a hot shower helps respiratory illnesses such as colds and coughs, aids in cleaning the skin as it opens up the pores, and soothes muscle fatigue. No matter the reason, a hot shower or bath is essential to life.
However, what happens when your hot water system goes out when you least expect it? This is why you should always perform preventive measures such as regular check-ups on your hot water system. Or, you can upgrade to a gas hot water system as it provides a continuous flow of hot water whenever you need it.
Continue reading to know how to get a gas hot water system in your home.
What Are the Benefits of a Gas Hot Water System?
Years ago, people heated water over a wood fire or stoves fired using coal or wood. However, as technology advanced, people found other ways to heat water for household use, including baths and showers. Nowadays, people use water heaters to supply hot water to households. Water heaters are usually powered by solar energy, electricity, or even gas.
The question is, why should you use a gas-hot water system? Here are the reasons why, including its benefits.
Reduced greenhouse emissions
Generally, gas hot water systems benefit the environment. These systems emit minimal greenhouse gases, producing up to 33% fewer gas emissions than electric water heaters, making them eco-friendly.
Generally cheaper
Many people don’t consider using gas hot water systems as their installation and upkeep are quite expensive. However, in the long run, these systems significantly reduce your cost of heating water. Propane gas costs cheaper than electricity, which makes your wallet happier.
Reliability
Imagine taking a hot shower on a cold winter day when the power suddenly goes out. How inconvenient, right? This is a common disadvantage of electricity-powered hot water systems— you can’t get hot water during a power outage.
However, a gas hot water system can still work even without power. Even units using a pilot light can function during an outage, ensuring a continuous hot water supply in your home. So you won’t have to worry about having cold showers during the winter!
What Are the Types of Gas Hot Water Systems?
There are two types of gas hot water units— instantaneous and gas storage. In this section, we will digest the differences between the two.
Instantaneous Gas Hot Water System
As the name suggests an instantaneous hot water system provides you with hot water whenever you turn on the tap. Often called tankless units, these units heat water as it passes through the water system. You do not need a storage tank with an instantaneous hot water system.
Lastly, instantaneous gas hot water systems are long-lasting, often lasting up to 20 years. You can ensure a continuous supply of hot water for a long time.
Gas storage hot water system
Compared to instantaneous systems, a gas storage hot water system heats water and stores it in an insulated tank, ready to use whenever you need it.
Because of its storage capabilities, a gas-storage hot water system is energy-efficient. It lessens greenhouse gas emissions, which is ideal for those promoting environmentally-friendly lifestyles.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Gas Hot Water System?
Choosing the right gas hot water system will provide you with the benefits we mentioned in the previous section. But how would you select the perfect hot water system?
Here are some questions to determine your household needs for hot water:
- How many people do I have in my household? How frequently do we use hot water?
- How many bathrooms do I have in the house?
- When do I use hot water? Night or day?
- How much do I use the washing machine in a day? How many cycles and how long does each cycle last?
- Do I use other appliances that need hot water, such as a dishwasher? How about pool heating?
When you’ve answered the above questions, you can estimate the amount of hot water for your everyday needs.
System Energy Efficiency
Gas hot water systems must comply with and fulfill energy efficiency regulations such as the Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards before they can be on the market. When choosing a unit for your household, look for an energy rating label on the system.
Lifespan
To make the most out of your gas hot water system, you must maintain it.
Generally, a gas hot water system lasts for ten years. Instantaneous gas hot water systems can last longer because there is less risk of corrosion compared to gas storage hot water systems.
The risk of corrosion for gas storage hot water systems requires maintenance and upkeep. Check regularly to prevent this and possibly lengthen its lifespan.
System size
Gas hot water systems vary in size, depending on the type of system you want.
The size of a storage tank system will depend on the number of people in your household. On the other hand, the size of an instantaneous system will depend on the number of hot water outlets you have at home that will be using the hot water at any one time.
Costs
As mentioned, a gas hot water system costs more than other water systems. Here are the costs to consider when choosing your home’s gas hot water system unit:
- Supply and installation of the system cost
- Maintenance and running costs
- Removal and disposal costs of your old system
- Plumbing fees, if applicable
Additional costs may also apply depending on the plumbing service provider. In short, expect a costly installation, but you can reap its cost-savings effect in the long run. A definite worth for your money!
Recovery rate
The recovery rate refers to the amount of hot water your system can produce after a specific period. This varies depending on the type of system, as well as its burner size.
Typically, a 40-gallon gas heater can recover over thirty gallons of hot water in an hour, while other units can recover 100% capacity in the same period. If you have a large household that needs a significant amount of hot water, we recommend choosing a system with a high recovery rate.
Switch to a Gas Hot Water System Today
Hot showers and baths are beneficial to the body, not only in terms of relaxation, but they can also provide relief for muscle and respiratory ailments. You also use hot water in other chores, such as washing the dishes or laundry. Having a reliable hot water system is a must for everyday living.
Hot water systems can be powered by multiple sources, such as solar energy, electricity, and even gas. Each has its benefits, but we recommend using a gas hot water system if you need a continuous hot water supply without costing you. Choosing a gas hot water system will depend on several factors. Some of these include your hot water needs, the type of system, its costs, size, lifespan, and recovery rate. These factors can dictate which is the best option for you— whether they’re instantaneous or a storage tank hot water system.
Ready to supply your home with continuous hot water? Speak to a licensed plumber about your hot water system needs!
