Considering an LPG Gas Geyser? The Pros, Cons, and What You Need to Know

Between unpredictable load shedding schedules and the ever-climbing cost of electricity, South African homeowners are constantly looking for smarter, more reliable ways to run their homes. One of the biggest electricity consumers in any household is the conventional electric geyser. This has put a spotlight on an alternative: the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) geyser.

If you've found yourself wondering, "Is a gas geyser right for me?" or even just "How does a gas geyser actually work?", you're in the right place. We've tapped into the knowledge of seasoned gas plumbing professionals to break down everything you need to know. This guide will walk you through the pros, the cons, and the essential safety considerations to help you make an informed decision for your home.

What is an LPG Gas Geyser and How Does it Work?

Unlike a traditional electric geyser that keeps a large tank of water constantly hot (and constantly uses electricity to do so), an LPG gas geyser works on demand. It's a tankless system.

Here’s the simple version:

1. You turn on a hot water tap.
2. A sensor inside the gas geyser detects the water flow.
3. This immediately ignites a gas burner.
4. Water flows through a series of pipes (a heat exchanger) that are heated by the burner.
5. The water is heated almost instantly as it passes through.
6. Hot water comes out of your tap.

When you turn the tap off, the gas burner switches off. No stored hot water, no wasted energy. It only burns gas when you are actively using hot water.

The Pros: Why South Africans are Switching to Gas Geysers

The appeal of gas geysers goes far beyond just a warm shower during a power cut. Here are the key advantages.

Significant Energy and Cost Savings

This is often the biggest motivator. An electric geyser accounts for 30-50% of a typical household's electricity bill because it's constantly working to keep 150-200 litres of water hot, 24/7. A gas geyser only uses energy when you need it. While you have the upfront cost of the unit and installation, the month-to-month running costs are generally lower than electricity, especially for households with high hot water usage. Over time, the investment pays for itself through lower utility bills.

Instant and Continuous Hot Water

Have you ever had to wait for the geyser to warm up again after someone else had a long shower? With a gas geyser, that's a thing of the past. As long as you have gas in your bottle and water in your pipes, the geyser will produce hot water continuously. This is a game-changer for larger families or simply for the luxury of not having to ration hot water.

Total Independence from the Grid

This is the benefit every South African understands viscerally. Load shedding can knock out your lights, your Wi-Fi, and your oven, but it won't stop you from having a hot shower. For many, this reliability and freedom from the national grid are priceless. Most modern gas geysers use a battery-powered ignition, meaning they require zero electricity to function.

They Are Space Savers

Gas geysers are compact, wall-mounted units. They don’t require a massive, heavy tank to be installed in your ceiling or a cupboard. This frees up valuable space and makes them a versatile option for smaller homes, flats, or even outbuildings where installing a traditional geyser would be impractical.

The Cons: Important Considerations Before You Commit

While the benefits are compelling, a gas geyser isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It's crucial to understand the potential downsides.

Higher Upfront Installation Cost

The initial outlay for a gas geyser system is typically higher than for a standard electric geyser. This includes the cost of the unit itself, the necessary copper piping for both gas and water, the gas bottle cage, and, most importantly, the fees for a certified installer. It’s an investment, and the budget needs to be planned accordingly.

The Need for Gas Refills

Your geyser is only as reliable as its fuel source. You will need to monitor your gas levels and arrange for refills or swaps. Running out of gas mid-shower is the gas equivalent of a cold-water surprise during load shedding. Most homeowners opt for two gas bottles connected by a changeover valve, so when one runs empty, they can simply switch to the backup while they get the other refilled.

Flow Rate Limitations

A gas geyser is rated by the number of litres per minute (LPM) it can heat. A smaller unit (e.g., 6-10 LPM) is perfect for a single basin or shower, but it might struggle to supply hot water to two outlets at the same time. If you run the bath and try to wash dishes simultaneously, you might notice a drop in temperature or pressure. It's vital to size the unit correctly for your household's needs.

Safety First: Gas Geyser Installation is Not a DIY Job

This is the most critical point. The installation of any gas appliance is governed by strict national safety standards in South Africa, specifically SANS 10087-1. Attempting to install a gas geyser yourself or hiring an unqualified handyman is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.

Here’s what a compliant installation involves:

• A Licensed Gas Installer: Only a registered and qualified gas practitioner is legally allowed to install, service, or modify a gas system. They will have a valid license from the South African Qualification & Certification Committee for Gas (SAQCC Gas).
• Correct Ventilation: Gas appliances produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. Incorrect ventilation can lead to a dangerous, or even fatal, build-up of this odourless gas. Your installer will ensure the unit is placed in a location that meets strict ventilation requirements, which is often on an outside wall.
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Upon completion of the installation, the practitioner must issue you a Gas Certificate of Conformity. This is your proof that the installation is safe and compliant with all legal standards. Without a CoC, your home insurance may refuse to cover any incidents related to the gas installation.

One of our trusted gas installers shared a story of being called out to a home in Pretoria where the owner had tried a DIY installation. The geyser was installed in a tiny, unventilated bathroom, and the gas connections were sealed with regular plumbing tape, not the specialised tape required for gas. It was a tragedy waiting to happen. Never, ever cut corners on gas safety.

Choosing the Right Size: Geyser and Gas Bottle

A common question we hear from homeowners is about sizing.

• Geyser Size (LPM): Your installer will help you choose the right size. As a rough guide:
  • 6-8 LPM: Suitable for a kitchen sink or a single hand basin.
  • 10-12 LPM: Good for a single shower.
  • 16-20 LPM: Can comfortably run a shower and a tap simultaneously, making it ideal for a small family home.
• Gas Bottle Size: The standard options are 9kg, 19kg, and 48kg bottles. For just a geyser, a 19kg bottle is often a good starting point for a small family, offering a reasonable balance between refill frequency and physical size. Many homeowners prefer installing two 19kg or 48kg bottles to ensure they have a continuous supply. Your usage will determine how long a bottle lasts, but having a backup is always a wise strategy.

Is a Gas Geyser Right for You? A Final Checklist

To decide, ask yourself these questions:

• Is my primary goal to save on electricity and have hot water during load shedding? If yes, a gas geyser is a strong contender.
• Do I have the budget for the upfront installation cost? Be prepared for an investment that is higher than a standard electric geyser.
• Do I have a suitable, compliant location for the geyser? This typically means an external wall with adequate ventilation. An expert can assess this for you.
• Am I prepared for the logistics of managing gas bottle refills? This is a new routine you'll need to adopt.
• Does my family's hot water usage pattern fit a tankless system? For most homes, the answer is yes, but it's worth considering if you have very high, simultaneous demand.

By weighing these factors carefully, you can determine if making the switch to an LPG gas geyser is the right move for your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a gas bottle typically last for a gas geyser? This depends heavily on your usage habits, the size of the geyser, and the number of people in the house. As a very general estimate for a family of four with average use, a 19kg bottle might last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. A 48kg bottle could last several months.

2. Can I install a gas geyser indoors? Yes, but only under very strict conditions. Smaller units (typically under 11 LPM) can sometimes be installed indoors, but they require a flue to vent all exhaust gases safely to the outside. Larger units must almost always be installed outdoors. A qualified gas installer is the only person who can determine if an indoor installation is safe and compliant for your specific situation.

3. What kind of maintenance does a gas geyser require? It's recommended to have your gas geyser serviced by a qualified professional every 12 to 18 months. They will clean the burner, check for gas leaks, inspect the heat exchanger, and ensure all safety features are functioning correctly. This routine check-up ensures efficiency and safety.

4. Do gas geysers still work if the water is off? No. A gas geyser requires water flow to activate the burner. If there is a municipal water outage, the geyser will not turn on. It needs both a water supply and a gas supply to function.