Reliable and efficient, once you’ve tried a gas water heater, you’ll never look back. With benefits like an endless supply of hot water, why would you?
This article looks at how gas hot water systems work, the different types and the benefits of these water heaters that keep hot water users loyal to gas.
What are the Different Types of Gas Hot Water Systems?
There are two types of gas hot water systems—those that use a storage tank and instantaneous, or continuous flow, hot water systems that don’t require a storage tank. A storage gas hot water system uses gas to heat water for your home, storing it for when it’s needed. An instantaneous system only heats water as it’s needed when you turn on a hot tap.
You can read more about each type in our article Instant vs Storage Hot Water Systems – Top Pros & Cons of Each.
The Pros and Cons of Gas Hot Water Systems
Gas systems heat water quickly and instantaneous systems are one of the best choices for energy efficiency, particularly in smaller homes.
In terms of cost, they are less expensive upfront than heat pumps and solar hot water systems. However, as they rely on fossil fuels, you don’t have as much control over the running costs as you do with other types of hot water systems. For example, an electric hot water system can use electricity from rooftop solar panels to lower a home’s carbon footprint.
Another major advantage of a gas hot water heater is that during a power outage, you will still have hot water.
What are the Different Parts of a Gas Hot Water System?
A storage gas hot water system has several main components including the tank, which will vary in size depending on the hot water needs of the building. It also features a burner assembly.
This consists of the gas control valve, which regulates the flow of gas to the burner assembly, and a thermocouple and a flame sensor to detect a flame and monitor the hot water temperature. They also have a safety device called a pressure relief valve to prevent the storage tank from overheating.
Continuous flow systems work a little differently. Rather than drawing hot water from a storage tank when a hot tap is turned on, they heat water instantly using a heat exchanger. When you turn on a hot tap, cold water is rapidly heated by LPG or natural gas in the gas burner.
More About the Thermocouple and Flame Sensors
The thermocouple and flame sensor are two very important components in storage systems. When the water temperature in the storage tank drops, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas control valve, which then signals to the thermocouple to ensure the pilot light is working. If it is, the valve opens, allowing gas into the burner. This ignites a flame which then heats water inside the tank. When the water is hot enough, the gas control valve closes.
Common Problems with Gas Water Heaters
As one of the biggest suppliers of hot water systems in Australia, the plumbing experts at Same Day Hot Water Service know the ins and outs of gas water heaters. But we don’t just supply and install them, we also service and repair gas water heaters. If you’re experiencing any of the problems below with your gas water heater, contact us for fast and reliable repairs.
The pilot light has gone out
The pilot light is responsible for lighting the main burner to keep water in the storage tank at the desired temperature so it should stay on at all times. It can be easily re-lit by pressing the ignition button and pilot lighting button, following the instructions on the outside of your water heater. Once lit, the water heater should return to normal operation.
The pilot light won’t stay on
As mentioned, the thermocouple is a safety device on your water heater. It detects the heat of the pilot light, telling the gas valve to allow gas into the main burner. If your pilot light won’t stay on, a faulty, dirty or damaged thermocouple could be the cause.
Read about the Signs Your Gas Hot Water System Needs A Service here.
Hot water tap running cold
If you are confident the problem is not with the mains supply of gas to your home and the gas meter valve is on, the problem may lie with your appliance.
First, ensure the gas valve direct to the water heater is on. Next, check if the pilot light is working. Finally, ensure your continuous flow system is plugged into an electrical socket.
Not heating water to the right temperature
If your gas hot water system is too far away from your taps, it may struggle to deliver the hot water required. Ensuring your piping has insulation can help rectify this.
Instant gas hot water systems also need an adequate flow of water to ignite the pilot light. Turn your taps on to a high water flow and allow them to run for several minutes. If hot water comes out, the problem likely lies with the flow rate and not the appliance.
Lukewarm water may also indicate you need to upgrade your hot water system to one that can meet the demands of your household. We talk more about the best systems for different-sized homes in our article What Size Gas Hot Water System Do I Need?
Gas System Installation and Maintenance Requirements
Whether you want a gas storage system or a continuous flow of hot water, here are some factors to consider before installation.
- Location. It’s best to locate your hot water system close to your bathroom and kitchen to reduce heat loss through the pipes.
- A current gas connection. Installation of a gas hot water system is much more straightforward if you already have a gas connection to your home. If you don’t, you’ll also need to consider the cost of this.
- Space. You will require an adequate amount of space to service and maintain a gas storage system. If you don’t have it, an instantaneous water heater might be a better option as these can be mounted inside.
- The type and size. From storage to instantaneous, big or small, it’s important to calculate how much hot water your household requires before you invest in a new hot water system. Learn more about common features and major brands in our article The Best Gas Hot Water Systems For Your Home.
- Maintenance and service requirements. Hot water systems aren’t just set and forget. With regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your hot water system.
Hit the Gas and Upgrade to a Reliable Hot Water System
Ready to invest in a new gas hot water system or looking to upgrade your old one? Same Day Hot Water Service stocks a huge range of storage systems, continuous flow and instantaneous gas hot water heaters.
We can also take care of the installation and maintenance of your new water heater. Visit our website to see our entire range or call us for further advice on making the switch to a gas hot water heater today.