Category: Gas water heating

Gas water heating

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How Do I Know If My LPG Bottle Is Empty?

A shower running cold mid-bath is never a welcome change. And it’s just as frustrating when your heating appliance or gas hob stops without a hint, because you’re suddenly out of gas. You can stop this annoying thing from happening again if you know when your LPG bottle is running low.

Help is here as we’ll show you an easy way to check when the bottle is about to run empty – so you can keep your gas supply going.

How long does a LPG bottle last?
For a family of two adults and two children, a 45kg bottle used for both hot water and gas cooktops will typically last about 6-8 weeks. It’s a different thing if you add a gas-fired space heater.

Gas cylinders typically have a change-over regulator (reg) installed between them. Some cylinders have an automatic reg that switches from the empty bottle to the full one when the first runs out. Other cylinders have a manual regulator, which you will need to turn by hand to switch to the reserve bottle.

The change-over regulator usually has a viewing window or an indicator. When both bottles are full, the indicator will be Black, Green or Clear. When one bottle is empty, the indicator will be RED. The reg will have a change-over valve and a directional arrow. If your regulator is manual, do not adjust the directional arrow. Many people mistake it for the change-over valve, but the arrow simply indicates which bottle is empty.

It’s a good idea to regularly check the indicator on the change-over regulator, so you can call us when one bottle is empty.

How to test the level of LPG in the cylinder
One way is to pour warm (not boiling) water down the side of the bottle. Wait a few minutes, then run your hand down the side of the bottle. The level where it feels cool to the touch indicates how much LPG is left.

This is a fairly accurate method, but there’s an easier and faster way – using a LPG cylinder weighscale.

gas_bottle_scaleThis is an innovative sensing device that monitors bottled gas levels and automatically sends an accurate reading of the remaining gas in the cylinder. The weighscale is installed underneath your LPG cylinders. We can set them up for you, and once they’re there, checking your cylinders will be one less thing to worry about.

The device is also tied to a mobile app, which you can  access to get detailed daily usage reports or prompts when your cylinders need a refill. You never need to guess the gas level as there are easy to view visuals and graphs for the remaining LPG. As the supplier, we also have this data in the app, so we’ll also know when to deliver the next cylinder so you can keep your gas going without interruptions.

This works for both residential and commercial applications. For more information about this new technology, a chat or call is most welcome. Get in touch with Hot Water Cylinders NZ!

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Gas Hot Water Vs Electric

The Hayman Thermostatic Storage Electric Heater made by L.T Hayman Ltd in Auckland you see is almost 60 years old!

gas_VS_electric_water_heatingIncorporated 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.

old_low_pressure_hwcThis 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.

hwc_thermostat_adjustableOpportunity
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!

  1. Are you upgrading because your hot water cylinder needs to be replaced?
  2. Do you have a single level home?
  3. Are you upgrading from low pressure to gas?
  4. Can the gas unit be positioned in a compliant manner and central to most delivery points, especially the kitchen and shower?
  5. 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!

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Rinnai Discontinues INFINITY Composite Recess Box

Rinnai Corporation, leading manufacturer of tankless gas water heaters, announces the discontinuation of its INFINITY™ composite recess box (R1406).

The composite recess box was introduced as an affordable alternative to the metal recess box designed for housing some units from the INFINITY™ range. Composite products are known for being incredibly strong and corrosion resistant, making them perfect for external applications. Despite this, the Rinnai NZ team explains that demand for the composite recess box is low, hence their decision for its discontinuation.

Meanwhile, the metal recess box will continue to be available.

INFINITYTM Metal Recess Box

The Rinnai metal recess box allows you to virtually hide your INFINITYTM unit, pipe work and power supply into a cavity, ensuring a smooth and neat finish to the job.

It allows a continuous flow gas water heater to be partially or fully recessed into an external wall, unlike the composite recess box which can only be semi recessed. The composite recess box is also not suitable for fire rated walls. These are probably why the metal recess box proved to be a more popular option.

Constructed of folded galvanised steel and powder coated white, the metal recess box can easily be painted to match or complement the exterior cladding. It is suitable for the following external Rinnai INFINITY gas water heaters:

rinnai_composite_recess_box_discontinuedR1405 recess box:

  • A-Series: A16-A26 (current range)
  • VT16-VT26 (discontinued)
  • XR16-XR26 (discontinued)
  • V16-V24 (discontinued)

R1407 recess box:

  • EF24 (current model)
  • HD200 (current model)
  • HD250 (current model)
  • XR32 (discontinued)

Installing a metal recess box

The INFINITYTM metal recess box is ideal for new builds or major renovations as it needs to be installed during the framing stage, i.e. before the internal linings, claddings or building wrap are applied.

The Rinnai continuous flow gas water heaters are designed for external installation, and thus your metal recess box must be located in an above ground, open-air situation. The area must have natural ventilation, where flue gases are safely expelled and rapidly dispersed by wind and natural convection.

Generally, it can be mounted on any vertical structure with water and gas connections and enough clearance for the pipe work. You can install it on an outside wall below eaves, balconies and other areas, but you might want to reconsider siting it near bedrooms since water heaters inside a recess box operates at a slightly louder level than units located externally. In most cases, the metal recess box is better located near the kitchen where there is a high demand for instant hot water.

In addition to general clearances, you need to consider your local building codes regarding this type of installation. To make sure your INFINITYTM water heater is compliant and installed properly, consult a licensed gasfitter familiar with the system prior to installation.

For Rinnai installation advice and consultation, you may call us at 0800 TEAM EURO. For more information about the Rinnai metal recess box and gas water heaters, click here.