Gas hot water systems

Gas hot water systems remain a popular option, especially for new builds where narrow block sizes make it difficult to accommodate a 650mm-wide storage tank alongside the house. In Maroochydore and surrounding areas, many properties are linked to natural gas mains, which typically cost far less than bottled LPG cylinders. Instantaneous natural gas and LPG hot water units are compact—roughly the size of a small suitcase—and can be wall-mounted. These tankless hot water systems save valuable space, making them well suited as lot sizes decrease. Most models use electronic ignition instead of a continuous pilot light, improving gas efficiency, but they do rely on electricity, so there will be no hot water during a blackout since no supply is stored. While LPG hot water systems are widely used, their running costs have climbed because of delivery, handling and cylinder rental fees, often making them pricier than an off-peak electric hot water system. Typically two 45kg gas bottles are required for dependable operation. In some newer estates or planned communities without natural gas, developments may be connected to a central LPG distribution with metered supply. That arrangement removes bottle rental fees but commonly ties you to a single gas provider. When a home has access to natural gas mains, the fuel is usually 25–45% cheaper than LPG bottles. Be aware, though, that many suppliers now add service charges exceeding $50 per quarterly bill in addition to usage costs. Hot water heating consumes far more gas than cooking or barbecuing, so both efficiency and supply pricing are key considerations when choosing a Maroochydore plumber for hot water systems, installation or repairs for gas and electric options.