A growing number of schools in the Auckland region are converting old coal boilers to gas and, as well as enjoying the Natural Gas Benefits heating, they are also freeing up extra storage space. The space, typically between 12 and 26 square metres, was previously used for storing coal. With the conversion to gas, the schools gain the space for use as storage.

David Garelja, Director of Garatech Engineering Services who install the new gas boilers for schools, points out that to build a similar sized storage room would cost upwards of $8500, so this really is a case of ‘freeing up’ much-needed space. Tamaki, Northcote and Mt Eden Primary Schools, and Ponsonby, Otahuhu and Northcross Intermediate Schools are among the schools that have made the conversion to gas and gained extra storage space.

In other cases, such as at Beachhaven and Murrays Bay Primary Schools, the old boiler house has been completely removed and the new space has been used for new parking or playground area. All the schools also have the practical Natural Gas Benefits which is clean burning, without soot, ash or smoke and has a very low carbon content which will help minimise the effects of the forthcoming carbon tax.

The conversion to gas also means an end to shovelling coal, which is a saving on caretaker resources. “There can’t be one principal or caretaker who isn’t happy to see the end of piles of coal in the schoolyard, with all its dust and dirt,” says All Gas Solutions Director, Bob Monk, whose company provides conversion, extension or new installation services for schools going onto gas in the Auckland region.

For caretakers, the difference between coal and gas heating is enormous. Apart from the dust, dirt and labour, there is also a very significant saving in time. Checking a gas gauge takes only one minute a day, compared with the average hour a day it takes to shovel coal and clean out the ash and soot.