Energy Solutions and Supply

Gas

1. Gas as an Energy Source

Gas is a great alternative energy source for many applications in the home and is an ideal choice for water heating. You may be pleasantly surprised at the running costs of gas and the speed at which the hot water is heated.

There are two types of water heating systems available:

Unlimited and on-demand hot water can be enjoyed with a continuous flow gas system. The water is heated as it flows to the tap so you will never run out of hot water and you’re not paying for water to be heated and then sit there waiting for use.

Gas hot water storage cylinders are also available. Gas heats water much faster than electricity – and most gas cylinders reheat your water from cold in less than an hour. Water for hot tubs and spas can also be heated using a gas spa heating system.

2. Heating your home

Gas lets you heat your home quickly and efficiently, and can save you money on your energy bills. It’s also much kinder on the environment than burning solid fuels such as coal or wood. 

Fully programmable gas central heating systems give complete control over the temperature throughout your home. Alternatively, a wide range of gas heaters are available in different colours and styles. This range includes modern ‘flame effect’ fires and more traditional heater models. One of the great advantages of gas fires over solid fuel burners like a traditional wood fire, is the elimination of the mess! Starting a gas fire is so easy - no more kindling to chop or struggling with damp wood.

3. Cooking

Gas is a great way to cook. You can precisely control the temperature which is one of the many reasons why chefs prefer to cook with gas. It gives fantastic indoor and outdoor cooking options, with a wide range of ovens, cooktops and barbeques in the latest styles to suit any home and budget.

Something you could consider, given the budget allows, is to run a gas line outside for either outdoor heating or cooking. Even if you can’t afford to put the finished equipment in now, running the line through during your renovation or build allows you to do this at a later date

Electrical

• You’ll be surprised at just how much wire goes through a modern house, but given the number of electrical fittings, you need it!
• This is where good planning can really pay dividends – think not only about what you want now but what you may need in the future.
• Entertainment, Lighting, Home Automation and Security are all elements of the electrical fitout that may need specialist attention. Consult widely during your planning.
• For lights, light switches and powerpoints, walk through the plans with your designer and project manager to ensure that they’re in positions that are convenient and functional.

• Do you have sufficient powerpoints through the house and in the right positions?Are the powerpoints, light switches, intercom boards installed evenly with each other and other elements on the wall?
• Is your home entertainment system hard wired into the walls (no more tripping over wire spread around the floor)?
• Have you future proofed for new light fittings, appliances or heating units and installed appropriate wiring (think outdoor heating, stereo speaker wire, outdoor lights, etc…)?
• Have you installed computer, security and stereo or other home automation cabling (better to do it now than rip holes in walls later)?
• Are they all protected from each other?