Gas

Q: How do I go about converting to gas?

A: Most people decide to convert from electricity to gas for the hot water benefits. Installing a gas continuous flow or storage tank unit outside your home will:

• cut your water heating bill (which represents about 30%-40% of your total household energy)
• give you more hot water
• save you space inside your home.

Converting from electricity to gas is as simple as calling your Master Plumber and/or Gasfitter. The charge for installing an external unit will include removing your existing cylinder (if possible), running a new gas pipe to the water heater from an existing pipe in the house, and connecting the heater to the existing cold and hot water pipework.

An external gas water heater must be positioned 500 mm from any corner of the building or opening window, and not less than 1.5 m from an open drain.

Q: What's a gas certificate?

A: Certain gas work must be certified, and this is done by the certifying gasfitter when the work is completed.

Gas Certificates (also known as Energy Works Certificate or Gasfitting Certification Certificate) must be issued for:

• all new installations
• any extensions, additions and replacements to existing gas installations
• any alterations that result in repositioning of pipework or changes to the operation of the installation
• any repairs following notifiable accidents.

The certifying gasfitter must file the details of the gas certificate online and print and provide a signed copy for the consumer. A copy must be completed within 10 working days of the work being 'commissioned' (activated), with a further five days allowed for the certificate to reach the consumer.

Consumers should keep Gas Certificates in a safe place as they are needed for conveyancing purposes if the property is sold. Gas providers may also ask for a copy before you are supplied with gas or before they refill your LPG bottles.

More information, and a public search for Gas Certificates is available on the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board website www.pgdb.co.nz.

Q: Is it correct that gasfitters have to earn points towards their licence?

A: Yes. The Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) introduced competence-based licensing of gasfitters on 1 April 2005.

To qualify for the annual licence, the gasfitter must accumulate credits towards continuing professional development (CPD) each year.

Visit the PGDB's website for a public search of the Register, where you can check a gasfitter's current licence status.

Q: What should I do if I smell gas?

A: If it's from an LPG cylinder, turn off the cylinder by screwing down the valve. If it's natural gas, turn off the gas at the meter by turning the handle 90°. If the smell is coming from a gas appliance, turn off the appliance and, if the smell continues, turn off the gas at the meter or LPG cylinder, open doors and windows, don't switch any electrical appliances and equipment on or off and call a gasfitter at a safe distance from the gas smell.

If you smell gas outdoors, evacuate the area, call the gas emergency number in the front of your phone book and keep flames, cigarettes and electrical equipment away from the area.

Find useful consumer information about gas safety at the Energy Safety website.

Q: What should I know about carbon monoxide?

A: Gas can be one of the safest fuels available if used properly. But if a gas appliance or flue has not been properly installed or maintained, carbon monoxide can be produced at dangerous levels.

Most incidences of carbon monoxide poisoning from gas appliances are caused by poor maintenance, so it's essential that you get your gas appliances checked regularly (the appliance manual should tell you how often, but if you don't have one, ask your Master Gasfitter).

In a worst-case scenario, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be fatal. Often the symptoms are similar to a viral infection or flu, and include drowsiness, weakness, headaches, nausea and pains in the chest. CO poisoning is especially dangerous because of its deceptive onset. It affects mental ability, meaning the person is not aware that anything is wrong. Sudden exertion may cause them to collapse, preventing their escape. If the person feels better outside the home, and the symptoms reappear once they're back inside, they may have CO poisoning.

Look out for the following:

• rusting or water streaking on the vent/chimney
• loose or missing parts on the appliance
• sooting in or around the appliance, especially ceilings and around fireplaces
• unfamiliar or burning smell
• loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections
• moisture inside windows
• an appliance that makes unusual sounds or gives off an unusual smell
• unusual flames (often yellow)

If you are at all concerned, call a gasfitter. They can test for carbon monoxide using a special CO detector. The gasfitter will take several readings in different locations in the room to establish an average reading. They will need to keep the doors closed and operate the appliance for at least 15 minutes.