The Gas Works News Blog

When it comes to heating water for your home, choosing the right type of geyser can make a significant difference in efficiency, cost savings, and environmental impact. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of gas geysers, the considerations for switching from electric to gas water heaters, the feasibility of converting existing electric geysers to gas, and the advantages of using gas geysers as a backup to solar geysers. Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision about your water heating needs and how gas geyser installations can enhance your home's energy efficiency and reliability.

Which Geyser is Best, Gas or Electric?

Choosing between a gas and electric geyser depends on various factors, including efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and your specific needs. Let's break down the comparison to help you decide which geyser is best for your home.

Efficiency

• Gas Geysers: Gas geysers heat water on demand, which means they only use energy when you need hot water. This on-demand heating can be more efficient compared to electric geysers that maintain a large tank of hot water at all times.
• Electric Geysers: Electric geysers, on the other hand, store hot water in a tank and continuously use energy to keep the water hot. This can result in higher energy consumption, especially if the hot water is not used frequently.

Cost

• Gas Geysers: While the initial gas geyser installation may be higher due to the need for gas lines and plumbing, the operational costs are lower. LP gas is cheaper than electricity, leading to potential savings on your energy bills in the long run. Added to that NERSA's latest report announces increases they have approved for Eskom in 2024 + 2025 will escalate electricity prices substantially over the next two years.
• Electric Geysers: Electric geysers typically have a lower upfront cost and are easier to install. However, the ongoing cost of electricity can be higher, making them more expensive to run over time.

Environmental Impact

• Gas Geysers: Gas geysers produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to electric geysers powered by coal-fired power plants. If you have access to natural gas or LPG, using a gas geyser can be a greener option.
• Electric Geysers: The environmental impact of electric geysers depends on the source of the electricity. If your electricity comes from renewable sources, an electric geyser could be a more eco-friendly choice. However, in regions where electricity is primarily generated from fossil fuels, the carbon footprint is higher.

Performance

• Gas Geysers: Gas geysers provide a continuous supply of hot water, making them ideal for larger households or homes with high hot water demand. They are also less affected by power outages.
• Electric Geysers: Electric geysers may struggle to keep up with high demand, especially if the tank capacity is limited. They are, however, consistent and reliable in delivering hot water during normal usage.

Is it Worth Switching from Electric to Gas Water Heater?

Switching from an electric to a gas water heater can be a significant decision, influenced by various factors such as cost, efficiency, and environmental impact. Here, we will discuss why it might be worth making the switch and what considerations should be taken into account.

Cost Savings

• Upfront Costs: The initial cost of a gas geyser installation can be higher than installing an electric geyser due to the need for gas lines and proper ventilation. However, this initial investment can be offset by long-term savings.
• Operational Costs: Gas water heaters generally have lower operational costs because natural gas or LPG is often cheaper than electricity. Over time, the savings on energy bills can be substantial, making the switch financially beneficial in the long run.

Energy Efficiency

• Efficiency of Gas Geysers: Gas geysers heat water on demand, meaning they only use energy when hot water is needed. This can result in higher efficiency and less wasted energy compared to electric geysers, which constantly keep a tank of water hot.
• Reduced Heat Loss: With gas geysers, there is less heat loss compared to tank-based electric geysers. This is because gas geysers typically do not store hot water, thus reducing the energy lost during storage.

Environmental Considerations

• Lower Carbon Footprint: Using a gas geyser can be more environmentally friendly, especially if your electricity is sourced from fossil fuels. Gas geysers produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal-powered electricity used by electric geysers.
• Sustainability: For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, switching to a gas geyser, particularly in combination with renewable energy sources like solar, can be a more sustainable option.

Reliability and Performance

• Continuous Hot Water Supply: Gas geysers provide a continuous supply of hot water, making them ideal for larger households or situations with high hot water demand. This can be a significant advantage over electric geysers, which may run out of hot water and require time to reheat.
• Independence from Power Outages: Gas water heaters are not affected by power outages, ensuring you have a reliable supply of hot water even during electricity disruptions. This is particularly beneficial in areas prone to power cuts.

Installation and Maintenance

• Professional Installation: It is essential to have a professional handle the gas geyser installation to ensure it is done safely and meets all regulatory standards. Our qualified gas installers in Cape Town will ensure proper setup and ventilation, minimizing any risks associated with gas appliances.
• Maintenance: Gas geysers may require more regular maintenance compared to electric ones to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. However, routine maintenance by professional gas installers can prevent major issues and prolong the lifespan of the geyser.

Can You Convert a Geyser to a Gas Geyser?

Converting an existing electric geyser to a gas geyser is a viable option for many homeowners looking to take advantage of the benefits offered by gas heating. However, this process involves several important considerations and steps to ensure a safe and effective conversion. Here’s what you need to know.

Feasibility of Conversion

• Assessment of Current Setup: Before considering a conversion, it's crucial to assess your current electric geyser setup. Factors such as the age and condition of your electric geyser, existing plumbing, and space for gas installation will influence the feasibility of conversion.
• Consulting Professionals: It is essential to consult with professional gas installers to evaluate whether your current system can be converted. They can provide an expert assessment and recommend the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Steps for Conversion

1. Remove Existing Electric Geyser: The first step in converting to a gas geyser is to safely disconnect and remove the existing electric geyser. This should be done by a qualified technician to ensure no electrical hazards are present.
2. Install Gas Lines: Gas geysers require a reliable supply of natural gas or LPG. Installing gas lines involves running pipes from your gas supply to the location of the new geyser. This must be done by licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
3. Ventilation Setup: Proper ventilation is crucial for the safe operation of gas geysers. This involves installing vent pipes to direct exhaust gases outside your home. Adequate ventilation prevents the build-up of harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
4. Mounting the Gas Geyser: The new gas geyser must be securely mounted and connected to the gas supply and water pipes. This includes ensuring the gas and water connections are leak-free and properly sealed.
5. Testing and Certification: Once installed, the gas geyser needs to be tested to ensure it operates correctly and safely. This involves checking for gas leaks, verifying water heating efficiency, and ensuring proper ventilation. A gas certificate is issued upon successful inspection, confirming that the installation complies with safety standards.

Can You Connect a Gas Geyser to a Solar Geyser?

Combining a gas geyser with a solar geyser is an excellent strategy to ensure a reliable and efficient hot water supply while maximizing energy savings. This hybrid system leverages the benefits of both solar and gas heating, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Here's a detailed explanation of how this combination works and why it can be beneficial.

How Does the Combination Work?

• Solar Geyser as Primary Heater: In this setup, the solar geyser acts as the primary heating system. It uses solar panels to capture and convert sunlight into thermal energy, which heats the water stored in the geyser. This method is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, significantly reducing energy costs.
• Gas Geyser as Backup Heater: The gas geyser serves as a backup heating system, activating when the solar geyser cannot provide sufficient hot water. This scenario typically occurs during cloudy days, at night, or when the hot water demand exceeds the solar geyser's capacity. The gas geyser heats the water on demand, ensuring a continuous hot water supply.

The Gas Works – Registered Gas Installers Cape Town

Integrating gas geysers with solar geysers and converting electric geysers to gas are practical solutions for achieving efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly hot water systems. Whether you're looking to switch to a gas geyser, install a new one, or create a hybrid solar-gas system, professional installation and maintenance are crucial.

At The Gas Works, we are registered and experienced gas installers in Cape Town committed to providing top-notch gas installation services. Our team ensures that every installation meets the highest safety standards and delivers optimal performance. Trust The Gas Works for all your gas installation needs, from new installations and conversions to integrating with solar systems.

Contact us to find out more about our services and how we can help you achieve a reliable and efficient hot water solution for your home.