Gas water heating

Gas water heating systems run on natural gas from gas mains, or LPG from bottles or in some areas from gas mains. Some types are cheaper to run than standard electric water heating.

The two most common types on the market are continuous flow gas systems (also known as instantaneous gas heaters) and gas storage cylinders. If you go for a gas system of either type, choose a condensing system - these are the most efficient.

Gas hot water boilers are coming onto the market, and these can supply your hot water as well as room heating needs by piping hot water through radiators. Talk to your supplier about more information on this option.

Continuous flow gas systems

Continuous flow gas systems heat water as it runs through them. They can run on natural gas or LPG.

What's good about them

• They are more efficient than gas storage cylinders.
• The hot water flow rates are suitable for most households.
• They provide an unlimited hot water
• They can free up storage space in your house if the cylinder is removed.

What to be aware of

• This type of system tends to waste more water than other types during the start-up lag. This may be important to you, particularly if you are on tank water supply or metered water.
• As most require an electrical supply, you won't have hot water during power cuts (though power backup systems are available).
• Though the hot water never runs out, using more than you need is a waste of money, water and energy.

Gas storage cylinders

Gas storage cylinders heat the water in an insulated tank to a temperature set by a thermostat. They can run on natural gas or LPG.

What's good about them

• There's no electricity required. They can continue to heat and supply hot water during power cuts.

What to be aware of

• They are less efficient than continuous flow gas systems because they lose heat storing the water.
• They have higher heat losses than electric storage cylinders.
• The running costs are relatively expensive.

More information

Choose the right water heating system
Simple ways to save on hot water