Gas hot water systems

Gas hot water systems remain a favoured option, especially in newer homes where narrower block widths make it impractical to site a 650mm-wide storage tank alongside the house. In Brisbane and surrounding areas, many properties have access to natural gas mains, which are considerably cheaper than bottled LPG cylinders. Instantaneous natural gas and LPG hot water heaters are compact—about the size of a small suitcase—and can be wall-mounted. These tankless units save valuable space as lot sizes shrink. Most models use electronic ignition rather than a standing pilot light, improving gas efficiency, but they need electricity to operate so you won’t have hot water during a power outage because no water is stored. LPG hot water systems are still widely used, but running costs have risen due to delivery, handling and cylinder rental charges, often making them pricier than an off-peak electric hot water system. Generally, two 45kg gas bottles are required to ensure consistent supply. In some newer estates or master-planned communities without natural gas, developments may be tied into a central LPG distribution with metered connections—this removes bottle rental fees but typically commits you to a single gas supplier. Where natural gas mains are available, supply costs are usually 25–45% lower than bottled LPG. Be aware, though, that many suppliers now apply service fees often exceeding $50 per quarterly bill in addition to consumption charges. Heating water consumes far more gas than cooking or barbecues, so both system efficiency and the structure of supply charges are important when choosing between gas and electric hot water solutions.