The Hayman Thermostatic Storage Electric Heater made by L.T Hayman Ltd in Auckland you see is almost 60 years old!
Incorporated is a Satchwell Thermostat (made in South Africa) enabling the user to change the internal storage temperature. This was before our new laws around Legionnaires’ disease were passed a few years ago preventing manufacturers from incorporating an adjustable thermostat.
As in the case of our Hayman Thermostatic Storage Electric Heater, when an older tank gives up and it’s time replace it, the question each home owner should ask is, “Is it worth switching to gas?”.
To read up on some of the benefits when upgrading to gas, please visit our Upgrade to Gas section.
This blog is not designed to convince you to buy a gas product, rather point out the benefits gas will bring and, in some instances, the disadvantages when upgrading from an electric hot water cylinder.
When looking at gas vs electric water heating there are several things you will want to ask yourself, including why, when, and how much will it cost?
The following should play into your decision making:
Why do I want an upgrade to gas?
Is it Opportunity, because your cylinder needs replacing?
Is it Savings, because you believe gas is cheaper to run?
Is it Lifestyle, because want to enjoy unlimited time in the shower?
Whatever the reason may be, it’s important to know all the facts.
Opportunity
Without doubt, the best time for an upgrade to gas is when your hot water cylinder needs to be replaced. This is simply because you are about to spend $1500+ on a replacement which could go towards a gas water heating system if all variables apply.
If you have done your due diligence and are confident gas is the way to go, then by all means upgrade to instant gas water heating.
To help with your due diligence, we have compiled the following “to do list” for you.
If you can answer all the below with Yes, then you are ready to go with gas!
- Are you upgrading because your hot water cylinder needs to be replaced?
- Do you have a single level home?
- Are you upgrading from low pressure to gas?
- Can the gas unit be positioned in a compliant manner and central to most delivery points, especially the kitchen and shower?
- Do you already have gas on the property or intend to go with LPG at the time of upgrade?
Savings
If you are looking at gas because you believe it’s cheaper to run, then you are right and you are wrong. Savings will fully depend on your site conditions and how your current hot water cylinder system is set up.
There are ways to make savings on an electric system without upgrading to gas including:
• Flow restrictors
• Smart controllers
• Better insulation
If your home has 2 levels or more, you may want to be cautious before upgrading to gas as pipe lag and undersized units may result in more energy use, negating any desired savings. Additionally, in many cases when upgrading from mains pressure to gas you will also experience a water pressure drop. Pressure loss with instantaneous water heating systems is very common, especially when retrofitted into the existing house plumbing.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle is one of those reasons that is hardly arguable. The home owner understands the pros and cons and is willing to make sacrifices to gain a specific desired outcome.
Some of these include:
• Longer showers
• Gas cooking
• Combination systems
Despite your motive, it is advisable to keep all the above points in mind.
Whether you are upgrading to gas or upgrading to mains pressure, one of the key factors is your property.
Before making any commitment, get a second or even third opinion. Why not speak to the hot water specialists to get advice on a solution that will not only compliment your property and desired benefits but also meet your budget!
Call Hot Water Cylinders NZ today!
