Switching to rich gas

The most common gas appliances in the home are boilers, cookers and hobs, decorative stoves and fireplaces, water heaters and convectors.

You should also be aware that appliances bought abroad or dating from 1978 or later are generally not compatible with rich gas.

If you own a vehicle that runs on LPG or CNG, or if you have appliances that run on bottled gas (butane or propane), they are not affected by this conversion.

Renter or owner, who pays?

As a landlord, you have to bear the costs of the rich gas check, any adjustments and the replacement of parts or even the appliance itself if it is not compatible with rich gas.

As a tenant, you must bear these costs if, and only if, you own the appliance.

If you currently use propane or natural gas, you may be affected by the switch to rich gas. Rich gas is a mixture of natural gas and town gas that has a higher gas content than other types of gas. This mixture is stored and distributed in the gas distribution network in Belgium. Rich gas is increasingly used because it offers better energy efficiency and lower consumption. However, it may not be compatible with all boilers, which is why it is important to have the compatibility of your boiler checked.

Different types of gas in Belgium

There are several types of gas in Belgium, including propane, natural gas and town gas. Propane gas is stored in tanks and is mainly used in homes that are not connected to the natural gas network. Natural gas is delivered by gas suppliers and is mainly used in homes that are connected to the gas network. City gas is a mixture of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that is used in large towns and cities in Belgium.

The importance of checking the compatibility of your boiler

If you currently use propane or natural gas, it's important to check that your boiler is compatible with rich gas. Some boilers are not designed to work with this type of gas and may need to be replaced. If your boiler is not compatible with rich gas, you may experience problems with heating and hot water production.

To check your boiler's compatibility with rich gas, it's advisable to contact a boiler professional. They will be able to carry out a full inspection of your boiler and advise you on the steps you need to take to ensure safe and efficient use of rich gas. If your boiler is not compatible with rich gas, they will be able to recommend alternative solutions to ensure the comfort of your home.

The transition to rich gas is a crucial step towards more efficient and environmentally-friendly gas consumption. This transition involves checking the compatibility of appliances and adapting domestic gas installations to ensure that the connection to natural gas is made safely.

Gas suppliers and network operators are responsible for distributing natural gas and supplying gas to gas meters in homes. They work closely together to ensure efficient management of the distribution network and to offer competitive gas prices.

When switching to rich gas, it is important to check that your gas installation is compatible with this new type of fuel. Burning rich gas produces less carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide than other gas sources, which helps to reduce the environmental impact of gas use.

Switching to rich gas can also lead to energy savings, as this type of gas offers better combustion and greater energy efficiency. This means lower gas consumption and lower costs for domestic hot water and heating.

By ensuring that your installation is correctly connected and supplied with natural gas, you can minimise the risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide emissions. Modern gas meters also allow you to monitor your natural gas consumption accurately, making it easier to manage your energy consumption.