Tips on using natural gas for residential property owners.
A reliable plumber should be on every Australian’s household contact list. A plumber covers plumbing works in homes and businesses, such as drainage, gas fitting, sanitary, water supply, stormwater drain, and non-agricultural irrigation. A plumber must be licensed by the state or a local authority to do plumbing work in Australia. An experienced and skilled plumber is a gift since they can solve all those leaks, clogs, and other problems that bring headaches to homeowners.
What is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is one of the primary sources of energy in Australia. It is a mixture of methane and combustible hydrocarbon gasses that is colourless and odourless. Like coal and fossil fuels, natural gasses were also formed millions of years ago. Natural gas was created from decomposed animals and plants that were exposed to heat and pressure.
Natural gas contributes to around 26% of energy consumption in Australia. Natural gas is obtained by drilling into reservoirs located underground. The reservoirs are then connected to a network of pipes that distribute the gas to both residential and commercial consumers.
Currently, there are over 100,000 kilometres of gas pipelines around the country to meet the needs of more than 4 million Australians.
Natural gas power plants have lesser carbon emissions compared to coal plants but is not considered renewable gas. This is because it contains gases that are not environmentally friendly, such as butane and propane. Natural gas also takes hundreds of millions of years to produce. This means that replacing the natural gas being used now will also take millions of years.
Benefits of Natural Gas for the Household
Although not considered a renewable source of energy, natural gas has many benefits. Natural gas can be used for cooking, heating, and hot water systems. Here are some of the notable advantages of natural gas over its counterparts.
It has lower emissions compared to coal
Using natural gas reduces the carbon footprint of the household. For instance, gas hot water systems have 83% fewer carbon emissions compared to electric hot water systems. A combination of solar panels and gas appliances is also a good idea. When the sun is not shining, the household can still use an energy source with lower carbon emissions. Unused solar energy can be passed on to the grid.
It is a reliable source of energy
Many Australian households favour natural gas because of its reliability. It is always available to keep appliances running and homes comfortable and warm. The convenience of natural gas is pretty apparent. Cooking using natural gas gives cooks more control to prepare delicious meals for a family or a party. It also keeps homes more inviting during the colder months with central heating systems and wall heating appliances. Natural gas can also be used to power outdoor heaters or fire pits.
It is more cost-efficient
Using natural gas more to power appliances can help lower electricity bills. In addition, compared to LPG, natural gas is much cheaper to use for cooking, heating, and hot water.
Why You Should Hire Plumbers to Install Your Gas Lines
Plumbers are trained in the different installation methods so that the gas lines are installed correctly and according to safety standards. Here are the reasons a gas plumber is necessary for gas line installations.
Safety is of utmost importance
Any gas-related activity, such as installation, repair, and maintenance, must only be done by skilled and trained professionals. These experts will ensure the safety of the client’s home and household, and the neighbours.
They are well-oriented with industry standards
There are reasons why industry standards are established. These standards help ensure that the lines are installed properly so that there will be minimal to zero issues in the pipes and supply. This will help reduce the risks of leaks in the future.
Competent plumbers also know the correct pipes to use for an efficient and successful natural gas line. In addition, they know the regulations concerning natural gas line installations and repairs. Natural gas is highly flammable and can be dangerous if not handled properly. That’s why it is crucial to use only industry-approved materials in the installation of natural gas lines for homes.
They offer comprehensive services
Aside from installing the gas lines, plumbers can also install and connect gas appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, and outdoor grills.
They are equipped to handle unforeseen problems
Plumbers are experienced and qualified to handle any issues arising from a natural gas line. Not only can they complete the installation correctly, on time, and safely, but they will also know how to deal with any difficulties that may surface during and after installation.
They are fully insured
Reputable and reliable plumbers are insured, which means they are covered should anything go wrong in the performance of their job. In other words, they, and the property they are servicing are sufficiently covered should there be any unwanted accidents.
Things to Consider When Planning to Use Natural Gas
The gas pipes run beneath and through the house, so it is important to be cautious when making changes or adding new gas appliances. Here are things to factor in when considering installing natural gas lines in one’s residential property.
Never DIY
Handling appliances that use gas is not a simple matter. It is important to hire only a licensed plumber to add new gas appliances to the house. Not doing so increases the risks of gas leaks and fire. If you are not a licensed plumber, doing it yourself is heaps unsafe and impractical.
Invest in new appliances
Invest in new gas appliances, such as ovens, stoves, laundry machines, and furnaces. Switching to these new appliances will let the household enjoy significant energy savings.
Be aware of where the gas lines are
Before doing some digging in the property, homeowners should always check whether there is a gas line underneath. Knowing which areas to avoid will help prevent gas leaks and broken gas pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gas Lines
Is natural gas abundant in Australia?
Australia has many underground sources of natural gas. It has abundant resources and reserves of natural gas, albeit not evenly distributed across the continent. Most of its natural gas reserves are located offshore in the north-western area of Western Australia. The country also has more natural gas than petroleum. Its largest onshore reserve is located in Central Australia, which supplies NSW, South Australia, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Is exposure to natural gas dangerous?
Yes. Once homeowners notice a strange, pungent odour like rotten eggs, they should leave the house immediately, along with everyone in the household and any pets. Call a plumber once everyone is safely outside. If the homeowners suspect a gas leak, they should not use any electrical equipment. They should not also try to locate the source of the leak. However, most of the time, natural gas is odourless. Therefore, a carbon monoxide detector is a helpful tool to alert the household of any gas leak.
When using natural gas, one should always be cautious. Fire, suffocation, and explosion are just among its hazards. In addition, long exposure to natural gas can also have negative effects on one’s health, such as respiratory problems.
What are the signs of natural gas poisoning?
Since natural gas can have no smell, some may be exposed to it without even knowing it. Common symptoms of natural gas poisoning include:
- Breathlessness
- Chest Pain
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Nosebleeds
- Ringing in the Ears
What are the signs to look out for in a gas leak?
Here are the common signs of gas leaks that every homeowner that uses gas appliances should know:
- The smell of rotten eggs
- A white cloud near the gas line
- A whistling sound near the gas line
- Bubbles in the water
- Dead house plants
Is natural gas safe?
Yes. Despite its potential hazards, natural gas is a safe energy source. It will not explode or burn on its own. However, with the right ignition source and enough air, natural gas can explode. Therefore, it always is important to be cautious when it comes to natural gas.
Preventive maintenance is also important to ensure that all gas pipes and fittings are in good condition. Even the strongest and best quality pipes need to be checked and serviced. Through regular maintenance and servicing, leaks can be avoided or detected early. Aging pipes can be identified and should be replaced before they can cause any trouble.
Natural gas is an efficient energy source that every Australian family must take advantage of. With sufficient knowledge of its hazards and safe use, risks can be reduced.
Call Green Planet Plumbing for your Gas Lines Needs.
Green Planet Plumbing is ready to serve your plumbing needs in Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, and The Hunter Valley. We provide expert gas installation services for your homes. Our gas fitters are licensed and insured for your safety and peace of mind. Call us on 02 4911 9402 or enquire via hello@greenplanetplumbing.com.au.