Heating Systems - What You Should Know Before Buying

Everyone needs gas hot water at some point, as it is much more energy-efficient than an electric heater, and does not require constant monitoring or repair.

However, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of being in possession of a gas cylinder, the purpose of which is simply to heat water. If you are among the people who feel anxious at the thought of handling a gas cylinder, then this article will teach you everything you need to know about the gas hot water system, and how it can be your answer to your quest for more efficient and sustainable heating.

Why Is It Important To Get A Gas Hot Water System

We all need heat in one way or another, and without it, many of us would freeze in our houses. The problem is that many heat sources are highly polluting and not very energy-efficient, so we are always looking for ways to improve upon the standard methods of heating.

Gas hot water is a great alternative to regular hot water systems that use electricity, as it is more environmentally-friendly and less dependent on the grid for its supply. If you live in an area where the weather is cold and dry, then you may also consider this as a way to save money on your energy bills, as no fuel is consumed inside a gas hot water cylinder, and it functions on its own without any input from the grid.

How Do You Install A Gas Hot Water System

Installing a gas hot water system is quite simple, and can be done with little to no previous DIY experience. To get started, you will need to purchase all the necessary tooling, which is often provided by the gas company you purchase your cylinder from. Depending on the size of your cylinder, you may also need to buy an adaptor that can connect it to the gas cylinder's fitting, which is usually a three-quarter turn ball valve.

Once you have all the necessary tooling, you can connect the gas cylinder's fitting to the hot water cylinder and secure it with a lock washer and nut. If you want to be extra careful, you can also use sealant to ensure that no water can get inside the fitting during operation. When you are finished, turn the key to the locked position to disconnect the gas cylinder from the hot water cylinder.

Although this may seem like a straightforward process, there are several things you should keep in mind before using this type of heating system.

What Are The Risks Involved With Using Gas Hot Water

The primary risk associated with using gas hot water is that you have to deal with the fuel tank and the equipment that stores and dispenses it. In case you were not aware, gasoline is highly volatile and easily combustible. This volatile nature means that it is highly susceptible to evaporation and spillage if it is not kept properly sealed or stored in proper conditions. If any gasoline is spilled on the ground, then it can easily degrade into a gasohol, which is highly explosive and also highly toxic, especially when it comes into contact with water. When this happens, then the entire area around the spillage can become uninhabitable for humans or any other living creatures.

Another critical issue that you need to be aware of when using gas hot water is that the equipment that stores and dispenses the fuel is extremely dangerous. Not only is it highly flammable and therefore susceptible to catching fire if it is not well-maintained, but the entire unit is made of metal and therefore easily conductive of electricity. This makes the entire device a potential source of electric shock or burn if proper safety measures are not taken, so extreme caution must be taken whenever the gas cylinder is brought around or placed next to metal objects, such as fire hydrants or water tanks.

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gas Hot Water System

The cost to install a gas hot water system varies from $500 to $1,500, depending on the size of your cylinder and the type of gas you use. Smaller cylinders are much less expensive to install, but require professional help due to their size and the amount of gas they contain. The price increase associated with larger cylinders is due to the increased cost of tooling required to install them and the additional safety precaution measures needed as a result of their size.

In summary, gas hot water is a great alternative to traditional electricity-based hot water systems. Not only does it heat water more efficiently, but it also serves as an example of sustainable and green energy use, as no fuel is consumed in its operation.