Gas Geyser Installation In South Africa

With Eskom becoming increasingly unreliable and the rise of electricity prices in South Africa, you should start considering other cheaper options like getting a gas geyser installed instead of using an electric geyser. It goes without saying that gas geysers are becoming popular and an equally reliable alternative to escape the pain of load shedding and ensure a sufficient supply of warm water. Although this is the case, proper installation of a gas geyser is needed in your home to ensure safety and optimal performance. 

This article will explore the advantages of installing a gas geyser in your household, the costs involved and some rules you need to follow for proper installation.

The benefits of gas geyser installation  

• Continuous supply of water: with having a gas geyser installed, it means no more waiting an hour or two for the geyser to heat up so you can take a shower. You have instant hot water as soon as you turn on the tap.
• Low electricity bill: a gas geyser is not reliant on electricity so your electricity bill will be reduced significantly compared to an electrically powered geyser which accounts for 40% of your energy bill. The cost of purchasing and installing a gas water heater is much less compared to what you would pay for when using an electric geyser. 
• Eco-friendly: gas geysers are a more environmentally friendly option since their gas burns clean, preventing harmful emissions, leading to cleaner air and less pollution.They operate to reduce your carbon footprint since water will only be heated when needed.
• Increased lifespan: the lifespan of a gas geyser is about 12 years and if properly maintained it could be more. With regular maintenance there is no risk of your geyser bursting and ruining you electric appliances. 

Cost of gas geyser installation

According to a gas installation company, on average you should expect to pay the following industry rates to have your gas geyser installed: 

• Gas line installation: budget from R2900 and up.
• Plumbing: around R2900 and up.
• Gas Geyser: R 4500 to R13500 depending on your requirements (At Gas & Solar, our prices start from R2000). 
• Gas: you will need a 19kg cylinder which is plus minus R950. 

A complete gas geyser installation can cost anywhere from R8900 for entry-level up to R20 000 for more advanced setup and depending on your requirements. While installation can be costly to set-up, once they are up and running they will end up costing less in the future. 

Can I install my own gas geyser?

Installing a gas geyser is not something you should be doing on your own because it needs to be installed correctly and installations need to be inspected to ensure the relevant regulations have been complied with. At Gas & Solar, our gas geysers should be installed by a SAQCC & LP Gas Authorized Practitioner to ensure that your gas system has been installed correctly, is free from leaks and safe to use. It’s best to get an expert to install your gas geyser to ensure it is safe and reliable. 

The process of installation

• Choose the Right Location: select the appropriate location for the gas geyser. This is the first crucial step in the installation process. It’s best to install the geyser outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. It should be mounted on a flat surface like a wall.
• Gas Supply Connection: before connecting the gas geyser to the gas supply, it is essential to ensure that the gas source is turned off. The geyser should come with a gas inlet valve, which must be securely attached to the gas supply line. 
• Water Supply Connection: the water supply line needs to be connected to the geyser’s water inlet. A shut-off valve should be installed in this line to allow for easy maintenance and repairs. Ensure that the water supply connection is leak-proof, and properly sealed.
• Flue Gas Discharge: for safety purposes, the flue gas discharge should be directed away from windows, doors, and other ventilation openings. It is essential to ensure that the flue gas is not recirculated back into the house to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

The rules of gas geyser installation

Many rules govern gas installations to ensure safety. The rules are necessary to determine where and how gas can be installed.

• Only a registered gas installer should install your gas geyser. This is an essential part of the installation process. 
• You need to have a gas line installed in your home before installation takes place. 
• The gas geyser should be mounted on a wall and not inside the ceiling. The position of the gas geyser is very important for safety purposes. 
• The gas geyser should be installed as close to where hot water will be used. This will ensure that the hot water does not take time to get to your tap and you don’t lose hot water in the process. 
• Go for a thinner and shorter pipe instead when it comes to the size of your water pipes. This will prevent wasting water because using a wider pipe means you will open the tap for longer to get the flow of hot water.
• The gas pressure should not exceed the rated pressure as labelled on the unit. So have to adjust your regulators appropriately.
• A certificate of compliance is required for the geyser installation for safety and insurance purposes. 
• Final thing to do after installation is to run a gas leak test to identify any potential gas leaks that might lead to hazardous situations in future. Also tighten any loose fittings by running checks on water and gas connections. 

Before you go

Gas geysers are the perfect option for anyone who wants to reduce their electricity costs especially this winter season. At Gas & Solar we can help you achieve that goal. By finding an authorised gas practitioner, you can be assured that you will get efficiency from our appliances. Getting a gas geyser for your home makes absolute sense in South Africa today and by hiring the right professional for installation, you won’t regret making that choice! Visit Gas & Solar to find the right gas geyser and get started on your installation.