LPG and water-heating

On average, water heating is estimated to be one of the top five household electricity consumers.  This has caused a shift to other alternative energy sources. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is increasingly becoming the alternative energy source for many households in South Africa, its increased availability, effectiveness and efficiency has had an ever increasing number of people drawn to using it as a water heating alternative.

Both Natural Gas and LPGas can be used for water heating. However, because Natural Gas is only available in certain areas it is not vastly used. LPGas is portable and transportable, this makes it a friendlier alternative. Whether the water heater is located in an upmarket suburb or a more rural environment, it would be possible to get an LPGas cylinder (bottle) to the site.

The mechanics of an LPG water heater

When using an LPGas water heater, there is no need for a large water tank or geyser to store and heat the water as is the case with an electric geyser. When the LPGas water heater is activated, cold water passes through a pipe located just above a small flame (which is fed by the LPGas) and this heats the water as it passes. Therefore, only the water that is needed is actually heated. When using current water heating models, once the water has been turned off, the flame automatically shuts off so no gas is unnecessarily burnt. This means you only heat the water that is used and you only use the gas as and when it is required.

With traditional geysers, all the water in the geyser is kept hot and when required for a bath or a shower, one waits for the cold water to flow through the tap until hot water flows. This means there was unused and therefore wasted water, noting that cold water still needs to be added to make the temperature comfortable for use. With an LPGas water heater, the temperature of the water can be set to an acceptable limit so that it can be immediately used without moderating with additional cold water.

An LPGas system can be used in virtually any application, domestic, commercial or industrial and is increasingly fairly common in domestic and commercial use. The system does, however, need to be designed and installed according to the requirements, this can be done by a properly trained and Registered LPGas Practitioners. It should be noted that only Registered Practitioners (Installers) are permitted to undertake the installation of any LPGas appliances – including LPGas water heaters. These practitioners should be trained by the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa (LPGSASA )which is mandated by the Department of Labour (DoE) to undertake this training. They should then be registered through an independent body (SAQCCGas) which is also mandated by the DoE to do so. This is a requirement in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and the Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER).

Installation snags

Calculating the size and number of LPGas cylinders required to ensure a sufficient flow of hot water and establishing the pipe sizing requirements can certainly be a challenge, however, the trained and registered LPGas Practitioner is certainly capable of calculating these. These Practitioners are also competent in ensuring that the entire installation complies with the various regulations which cover LPGas installations. Installations not undertaken by such an installer could be potentially hazardous.  When an installation has been undertaken by an unregistered installer, Insurance companies will most likely refuse to cover the costs of any damage to property or assets that may occur due to that installation. Like any working appliance, there is a need for maintenance, this also should only be undertaken by a trained practitioner.

To find a Registered Installer near you, simply go to: http://saqccgas.co.za/  where you will be able to source one via their town or suburb.

Cost effects-Long term investment

The complexity of the installation determines the costs, an LPGas water heater would generally be more expensive than a standard electric geyser to purchase and install. However, considering the effectiveness of the water heater and the fact that it only heats the water required, the running costs are far more efficient. The longer you keep and use it, the more it saves.  There is a large number and broad range of LPGas water heaters available to suit various cost and application requirements. It is important to note, however, that only appliances which carry a Permit Verification number are approved for use. A list of these products can be found on:

https://www.lpgas.co.za/safety/find%20a%20safe%20appliance/Search_Appliance.php