Changing To Gas Hot Water

How Easy Is It To Change From Electric To Gas Hot Water?

Hot water accounts for up to 30% of the average household power bill, so it’s a major cost for most people.

With an electric storage cylinder you are paying to heat 160 litres of water day and night, whether it is needed or not. A much more efficient way is to just heat the water as you need it.

Gas is the best way to achieve this. Gas can provide the heat necessary to quickly heat cold water to a suitable temperature for showers, washing up etc. But how easy is it to change? And is gas the best alternative?

Electric instant hot water heaters are available but they don’t work very well in Tasmania. The water we are trying to heat often starts off very cold so an electric system struggles to lift the temperature to a usable level. Gas is the way to go.

Most of the work involved in changing from an electric to a gas hot water system is plumbing work. The old cylinder is disconnected and the pipes re-run to the instant hot water unit and bottled or town gas is connected.

The electrical work needed could be quite simple. All that’s needed is a weatherproof power point. Often the old wiring from the hot water cylinder can be used, but sometimes that wiring is the wrong size and a new circuit will need to be run.

Regulations require that all new power points be protected by an earth-leakage circuit breaker (safety switch) so some modifications to your switchboard may be required.

Sometimes major modifications could be required, if you have an old fuse board where it is not possible to to install a safety switch. For this reason it’s a good idea to talk to your electrician before any work commences to find out the extent of electrical work required.

You wouldn’t want to disconnect and remove your old hot water cylinder, get the new gas system installed and then find out it cannot be used without first replacing your switchboard.

In the worst case scenario a switchboard replacement could involve new mains cables, relocating your power meters and replacing some of your wiring. Talk to your electrician first to avoid nasty surprises.

Gas hot water is cheaper to run and you have the added advantage that it never runs out of hot water as long as you still have gas.

Do some research, get a couple of quotes and involve your electrician in the project before you begin and you’ll enjoy a smooth transition from electric to gas hot water.

Frequently asked questions

Can lightning damage my home even without a direct strike?

Yes. Your home can still be damaged even if lightning does not strike the building directly. A nearby strike can send energy through electrical wiring, plumbing, power lines, or the ground, which may damage your switchboard, appliances, and internal electrical systems.

How does lightning enter a house?

Lightning can enter a house through several pathways, including electrical wiring, switchboards, plumbing, phone and data lines, antenna cables, and ground current. This is why homes can be affected by nearby strikes as well as direct ones.

What happens when lightning strikes near your home?

When lightning strikes nearby, it can create dangerous power surges, trip circuits, damage appliances, affect your switchboard, and in some cases start electrical fires. Some damage is immediate, while other faults may remain hidden until later.

Can lightning really damage my computer, TV or appliances even if it doesn’t strike my house directly?

Yes, an indirect lightning strike, for example to nearby power lines, ground, or trees, can send powerful surges through wiring, data lines, or plumbing into your home and damage electronics. If a storm is approaching or thunder is heard, unplug non-essential devices immediately.

Is it safe to shower, wash dishes or use water during a thunderstorm?

No, plumbing and water conduct electricity, so using water during a storm is risky. Avoid showers, baths, sinks, washing machines, or other plumbing-connected appliances whenever there is thunder or lightning.

Are surge protectors enough to protect my home and devices from lightning?

Not necessarily. Surge protectors help with ordinary surges, but they are typically insufficient against the massive energy of a nearby or direct lightning strike. For better protection, consider grounding, whole-home surge arresters, or a full lightning protection system.

If lightning strikes nearby, but not my house, could my home still be at risk?

Yes. Ground current, soil conduction, or nearby strikes can transmit dangerous current through plumbing, wiring, or foundations, even when your home was not directly hit. Treat any thunderstorm seriously, unplug devices and avoid water or conductive contact until the storm passes.

Is it safe to use cordless or mobile phones during a thunderstorm?

Yes, as long as the phone is not plugged in or wired to the home’s electrical or phone system. Avoid using corded landline phones during storms.

How far away can lightning still be dangerous?

Lightning can still be dangerous even when the storm does not seem directly overhead. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be at risk and should move to proper shelter immediately.

Can lightning cause a house fire?

Yes. Lightning can overload wiring, damage switchboards, and ignite building materials, especially in homes with older electrical systems or inadequate surge protection.

Do I need lightning protection for my home?

Not every home needs a full lightning rod system, but many homes benefit from proper grounding, whole-home surge protection, and an up-to-date switchboard. A licensed electrician can assess your level of risk and recommend the most suitable protection.