7 easy steps to installing a gas heating system

One of the reasons why gas heating is so popular is that it is virtually maintenance-free and has low running costs. Heating a home with gas is also an environmentally friendly solution, as gas is one of the cleanest fuels. It does not contribute to the formation of smog and environmental pollution. However, the installation of gas heating in a single-family home requires the completion of the necessary formalities and the proper execution of the installation.

Types of installation

Not all properties can be supplied with town gas. Another option is to install a special tank outside the building in which liquid gas is stored. The gas installation can therefore take two forms, which differ in the way they are distributed in the building:

The most common option is to connect to natural gas. The next step is to connect to the gas network, which provides constant access to the fuel.

In the case of an LPG installation, it is necessary to buy or rent a tank.

Natural gas heating - Step by step installation

The rules for connecting properties to the gas supply are mainly regulated by the Energy Act and the Regulation of the Minister of Economy of 2 July 2010 on the detailed conditions of gas exploitation. It is necessary to submit an application to the energy company, which includes a statement on the legal title to the property. If permission is granted to create a gas connection plan and connect the supply, it is then possible to sign a gas connection agreement. Subsequently, customers are given instructions on the conditions for connecting the facility to the gas network. At this stage, a selected contractor can be appointed to design the gas installation.

Building Permits

In the case of newly built houses, it is possible to obtain a building permit for the house as well as the interior installation. However, if the installation project was not submitted at the same time as the permit application, it is necessary to obtain a permit decision and have the project carried out.

Design of a gas installation

The design must be carried out by a specialist licensed in the field of gas installations. The investor only needs to provide certain documents:

On this basis, an installation is designed taking into account the gas demand of the house. The design is adapted to the technical conditions of the building. It includes all gas receivers and the course of the entire installation.

Gas connection to the housing

The gas connection to the gas box is made by a person who has a contract with the gas company.

Installation of the gas box at collection points

The installation is carried out by a contractor selected by the investor. His role is to carry out the installation from the gas box to the extraction points. It is important that the contractor is a company that has all the necessary qualifications to carry out such work. Importantly, the contractor must keep a site log during the installation.

Leak test and acceptance

Once the installation is complete, a leak test of the installation must be carried out in the presence of the site manager and the gas customer. A protocol is drawn up to confirm that the procedure has been carried out.

Agreement with the gas supplier

In order to sign a contract with a gas supplier, it is necessary to submit an appropriate application. Only after the contract is signed is the gas meter installed. There is also a date when the gas supply will start.

Start of gas supply

The start of supplies is possible on presentation of the relevant documents:

See also: Photovoltaic home heating - installation and costs

LPG heating - step by step installation

When installing an LPG tank, the process usually begins with the signing of a contract with the chosen distribution company, which often also offers the possibility of organising the entire gas connection process.

Notification of the construction of a facility

Before starting work, the intention to build a liquid gas installation must be reported to the local council. The construction of a tank with a maximum capacity of 7 m3 does not require a building permit. However, it is necessary to provide the appropriate documents:

If the officials have no objections, this means that the construction of the system is approved. Before installing the tank and making the connection, the internal gas installation with the connected receivers must already be ready.

Plant construction

Construction must be carried out under the supervision of an authorized official, and the tank must be inspected by an inspector from the Technical Control Board. The liquid gas tank can be installed on the ground (on a foundation slab) or underground.

Start of the operation

Before being put into service, the tank must be put into operation.

How much does gas heating cost?

When calculating the price of a natural gas installation, the gas connection fee must be taken into account, the amount of which depends on the distance of the plot from the pipeline. The total cost can range from a few thousand to about ten thousand euros. The monthly costs of heating the house with gas are not high afterwards.

In the case of an LPG installation, one can choose the option of buying a tank or renting it. The purchase and installation costs can be around 10,000 euros. If renting, the costs are limited to the execution of the project and the foundation slab, which costs about 1,000 euros. Rental costs usually amount to several tens of PLN per month. Heating a house with gas from a tank does not involve high costs.

Gas can be used to heat water and for underfloor heating. With modern gas central heating boilers, it is possible to heat water for domestic use and to supply central heating. Gas heating in the home has been an environmentally friendly solution for years.

Natural gas heating is a popular and efficient solution for heating homes. It offers several advantages, including clean combustion, high reliability and lower energy costs than electric heating. What's more, modern boilers are highly efficient and can be controlled via convenient mobile apps. If you're thinking of installing a natural gas heating system in your home, follow our handy 7-step guide to ensure a successful installation.