by Christelle Lochner | Jul 16, 2026 | Commercial Gas Water Heating
Yes, provided the unit is designed for indoor use and installed with the correct flue system.
The Paloma 28 Litre Internal (PH-28CMI) gas water heater is built for indoor applications where strong hot-water performance, safety and guest comfort are all important.
If you are still researching the broader benefits, this guide explains why gas geyser installations are popular in South Africa.
When Does an Indoor Gas Geyser Make Sense for a Commercial Property?
Indoor gas water heating is often considered when a property has high hot-water demand but limited outdoor wall space, strict aesthetic requirements, or an installation area such as a plant room, garage or utility space. For guesthouses, Airbnbs, small hotels and similar commercial properties, the Paloma 28 Litre gas water heater offers an indoor option with balanced flue technology and sealed combustion, helping to deliver high-capacity hot water while protecting indoor air quality.
For a wider comparison, you may also want to compare gas geysers, heat pumps and solar water heating before choosing the best system for your property.
Can You Install a High-Capacity Gas Water Heater Inside a Garage or Utility Room?
Yes, but only if the appliance is approved for indoor use and installed with the correct balanced flue system. The Paloma 28 Litre Internal is designed for developments and retrofits where outdoor placement is not practical, but the final installation must still be assessed and completed by a registered gas practitioner.
What Are the Benefits of an Indoor Paloma 28L Commercial Gas Geyser Installation?
- Sealed combustion: The unit is sealed from the room it is installed in. It draws fresh air from outside and vents combustion gases outdoors through a dedicated flue.
- Quiet and compact: Despite its high output, it operates quietly and can fit neatly into a suitable cupboard or utility space, subject to installation requirements.
- Advanced safety: The unit includes Flamesafe® overheat protection and a digital display that helps technicians identify and resolve issues quickly.
- Stable water temperature: Smart electronic modulation helps maintain consistent water temperature, even when more than one tap or shower is being used.
What Is a Balanced Flue and Why Is It Necessary for Indoor Gas Geysers?
A balanced flue is a pipe-within-a-pipe system that supports safe indoor operation. It brings in fresh air for combustion and removes exhaust gases from the building while the appliance is running.
- Dual-action piping: The outer pipe draws in air for the flame, while the inner pipe carries hot exhaust gases safely outdoors.
For more practical safety guidance, read our LPG safety tips for Western Cape properties.
How Is a Balanced Flue Routed in an Airbnb or Commercial Building?
The Paloma 28L Internal can be installed with a flue route suited to the building layout, provided the design complies with manufacturer requirements and South African gas installation standards.
- Flexible flue options: Depending on the site, the flue may be routed vertically through a roof or horizontally through a suitable external wall.
- Customised fit: Extensions and elbows can be used where appropriate so the system suits the property’s ceiling height, roof design and service area.
Which Paloma 28L Internal Features Matter Most for Commercial Water Heating?
Conclusion: Is the Paloma 28L Internal a Safe Choice for Commercial Properties?
The Paloma 28L Internal is designed for properties that need reliable indoor hot-water performance without compromising safety. Its balanced flue system, sealed combustion design and built-in protection features make it a strong option for Airbnb’s, guesthouses and other commercial spaces where hot water demand is consistent. For the best result, the unit should be specified, installed and certified by a registered gas practitioner.
If you are unsure what documentation is required, this article explains what to know about a Gas Certificate of Compliance.
Why choose Hi Service Gas?
We have been official Paloma Gas Water Heater specialists in the Western Cape since 2017. Our team helps ensure that every internal installation is assessed correctly, installed safely, supported with a Gas COC where required, and backed by genuine parts and expert after-sales support.
View the Paloma 28 Litre Internal (PH-28CMI) gas water heater or contact Hi Service Gas for help choosing the right commercial hot-water solution.
by WebDevInt | May 23, 2026 | Gas Geyser, Gas Water Heater
The Ultimate Hot Water Solution for Restaurants, Hotels, Lodges & Luxury Homes
Commercial properties cannot afford inconsistent hot water. Whether you run a busy restaurant, a boutique hotel, a gym, or a large luxury home, you need a system that delivers high-volume, on-demand hot water without temperature drops or downtime. The Paloma 28 Litre Ultra Platinum Series is engineered for exactly these environments, offering 28–34 litres per minute of continuous hot water with the reliability and efficiency required for commercial operations.
For property owners, the choice is simple:
✔ Paloma 28L External (PH-28CMX) for outdoor installation
✔ Paloma 28L Internal Balanced Flue (PH-28CMI) for indoor installation Both deliver the same power – the difference lies in your building layout and ventilation requirements.
28 Litre External vs Internal: Which One Is Right for Your Property?
Both models deliver the same performance, your building determines which one fits best.
Commercial Benefits for High-Demand Venues
1. Scalable Hot Water for Hotels, Lodges & Gyms (EZ-Link Technology)
Commercial properties often need more than one unit. Paloma solves this with EZ-Link, allowing you to electronically connect up to six units.
- Units communicate and balance the load
- No temperature drops during peak usage
- Two units deliver 56L/min – ideal for hotels, gyms, and spas
- Far more efficient than heating a 500L storage tank
This modular system grows with your business.
2. Solar Integration for Lower Operating Costs
Restaurants, hotels, and large homes can dramatically reduce energy bills by pairing Paloma with a solar pre-heat system.
- Solar does the initial heating
- Paloma only “tops up” the temperature
- Flow rate increases to 35L/min
- Gas consumption drops significantly
Perfect for properties with high daytime usage.
3. Precision, Reliability & Guest Comfort
Both models use Smart Electronic Modulation, meaning:
- The flame adjusts automatically to water flow
- No temperature fluctuations
- No cold shocks
- No wasted gas
Whether one tap opens or four showers run at once, the temperature stays perfectly stable – essential for guest satisfaction.
Conclusion: Why Commercial Properties Choose Paloma 28L
The Paloma 28L Ultra Platinum Series is built for high-demand, high-performance environments. Whether you choose the rugged External model or the ultra-safe Internal Balanced Flue model, you get:
- Endless hot water
- Commercial-grade reliability
- Scalable performance
- Lower operating costs
- Japanese engineering
- A future-proof system that grows with your business
As the official Paloma gas water heater agent and distributor in the Western Cape since 2017, Hi Service Gas provides end‑to‑end service – from supply and installation to repairs and long‑term maintenance – ensuring your system remains safe, compliant, and optimised for heavy commercial use.
Does your commercial property need a modular hot water solution that grows with your business?
Stop wasting money heating massive water tanks during off-peak hours.
Switch to a scalable, on-demand Paloma system and only pay for the hot water you actually use. Reach out to Hi Service Gas to find out how much your business could save on monthly gas bills.
by Christelle Lochner | Oct 17, 2025 | Gas Water Heater
The Paloma 20L gas water heater, a reliable and efficient upgrade from the 16L model. Designed for South African homes and conditions, this unit offers more capacity without compromising on space or style. With its off-white finish and standard ¾ fittings, the 20L model fits perfectly into existing Paloma gas geyser weather boxes and setups – making installation seamless for homeowners and installers alike.
As the official Paloma distributor in the Western Cape since 2017, Hi Service Gas continues to deliver world-class water heating solutions backed by Japanese engineering and local expertise.
Prefer a video? Check it out here.
Paloma 20L Gas Water Heater: Smart Features for Everyday Comfort
The Paloma 20L gas water heater isn’t just about size – it’s about smart functionality. Like all Paloma models, it connects to a temperature controller, allowing users to adjust water temperature from anywhere in the house. This not only enhances comfort but also helps reduce monthly gas bills through more efficient usage.
One of the standout features of the 20L unit is its ability to integrate with electric geysers and solar water heating systems. This hybrid setup offers flexibility and peace of mind, especially during load shedding or when gas supply is low.
Key Benefits:
- Off-white finish or silver with standard ¾ fittings
- Fits existing weather covers with proper venting
- Temperature control from anywhere in the home
- Hybrid-ready: integrates with solar and electric geysers
- Energy-efficient and built for South African conditions
More key benefits and specs can be found in our article: Why are gas geyser installations popular in South Africa?
Paloma products are manufactured in Japan and distributed in over 20 countries. Each unit undergoes rigorous testing to meet international safety standards and is backed by generous warranties – including up to 10 years on the copper heat exchanger for residential installations.
Paloma’s global reputation is built on precision, safety, and durability. Every 20L unit is tested to meet international standards and comes with generous warranties – including up to 10 years on the copper heat exchanger for residential use.
Watch our short video to see how the Paloma 20L can elevate your home’s hot water experience.
Upgrade with confidence. The Paloma 20L gas water heater is now available at Hi Service Gas – your trusted Western Cape agent and distributor since 2017. Contact us today for expert guidance, installation support, or to place your order. Reliable hot water is just a call away.
by HiServWebdev | Nov 20, 2024 | Gas Water Heater, Heat Pump, Solar Water Heating, Sustainable Water Heating
The countless times that I’ve seen an article about how expensive a gas geyser, heat pump, or solar water heating systems are versus electricity is astonishing. The reality is that the majority of these articles are not fact-based and relevant to individual use and property requirements in South Africa.
We can provide statistics on either side to promote our products or viewpoints, but in reality, every household or commercial property manager must provide us with their specific requirements, which include the head count and consumer habits. With that information provided, we can determine a factual calculation of the cost savings and initial layout, which include the installation and maintenance of the water heating system.
Sustainable Water Heating
When it comes to sustainable water heating, going off-grid or even just becoming a little less reliant on electricity will come down to your budget, the convenience you require, and your actual hot water usage requirements. For example, initial layout costs on solar water heating may be more expensive than a gas water heater, but the convenience of both together eliminates your reliance on the grid. If you add a heat pump for your swimming pool, you have an off-grid winner, covering all angles.
Regardless of how you look at it, when properly calculated, you will save money on your electric bill, even if you must top up your gas, pay for annual maintenance on these systems, or replace some parts every ten years.
Still, our country has a regulation that 50% of our hot water must come from a non-electrical source.(South African National Building Regulations (SANS 10400–XA) Inevitably, the majority of the homes and buildings in South Africa will have some form of green technology powering their water heating needs in the future.
So let me tell you about these systems and how they work. This will enable you to begin with the right water heating system and progressively work your way up until you can combine all of these systems for complete reliance on green energy rather than dirty grid energy.
Solar Water Heater (SWH)
A solar water heater harnesses the sun’s energy to provide the power needed to heat the water. When the solar system gathers the sun’s energy through collectors, it either heats the water directly or the heat transfer fluid. Collector plates are mounted on a north-facing roof with no shade. SWH typically includes a storage system or tank; even with pools, the pool is designated as the tank. Some systems use water-circulating pumps, whereas others do not.
The solar plates that we install are tube collectors or high-efficiency collectors.
Tube collectors are the tubes you typically find on a rooftop. High-efficiency flat plate collectors are the flat plates you’re used to seeing; they’re the typical sort of solar plate, but they’re still quite effective and less expensive. If you want technical information and drawings regarding the collectors, please see the links at the bottom of this post.
Heat Pump Water Heating (HP)
A heat pump is an efficient way to heat water by extracting warmth from the surrounding air, even in cold conditions! It consumes very little electricity while making the water piping hot. A heat pump also requires a water storage tank. It is simple to place out of sight or on the side of a wall and can be combined with solar water heaters for a zero-emission solution.
Gas Water Heater (GWH)
In South Africa, we commonly refer to it as a gas geyser, but it has also been called an instant water heater, a tankless water heater, and, most recently, a gas water heater. Gas water heaters (GWH) are no longer as dangerous as traditional GWHs, and they can provide far more hot water at the same time than before, allowing you to operate three taps at once rather than one.
- Some gas water heating systems may require a little bit of electricity to ignite the flame, and others will only require batteries.
- When a hot water tap is opened, the flame ignites instantaneously and increases the temperature to the appropriate level. Some systems include a remote control that allows you to set how much water is used to fill a bath, preventing the water from spilling or overfilling the bath. Most systems include a safety feature that will force the machine to automatically shut down when the gas depletes the oxygen level in a room that increases carbon monoxide. This safety feature therefore prevents a health hazard.
- Water is not stored in a tank, and therefore you receive instant hot water, whether it is in the bath, shower, or your kitchen basin.
- In previous years, gas water heating systems larger than 16 l/m had to be installed on the outside of a property but today we have gas geyser units with a balanced flue, which allows bigger sizes gas water heaters to be installed inside the property.
Side Note: A balance flue pulls in fresh air and releases the hot air or burned gasses to the outside.
- All permanent gas water heater installations that have a fixed gas supply line must be done according to regulation by a qualified gas installer, and a gas coc must be provided to the customer.
- A gas water heater must be serviced at least once a year and can easily last up to 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Some parts may be replaced to ensure the system remains optimal and safe.
Final Thoughts about a Gas Geyser, Heat Pump, or Solar Water Heating
Will you save an unfathomable amount of money on your electrical bill vs. your gas bill? Will you save a great amount of money on buying and installing a gas geyser, heat pump, or solar water heating system vs. your electrical geyser plus maintenance or replacement costs?
As much as I’d love to give you the sales pitch to persuade you of excessive savings, I won’t.
Yes, you will save money, but the amount you save is entirely up to you and depends on your lifestyle. What you will get in return is comfort, always having hot water for everyone, being able to heat your pool without worrying about Eskom’s next increase and having a little extra money to spend on making great memories with your family, renovating your home, or spoiling your employees. And, undoubtedly, you will not use the ESP app to keep track of any loadshedding schedule because you will not need to plan ahead of time.
We are all working to move away from using energy that is harmful to the environment, and installing a gas water heater, heat pump, and solar water heater will bring us one step closer to a world with fewer harmful contaminants that contribute to global warming.
Please contact us to survey your property and quote you on the correct system for all your needs at your property. This allows us to provide you with accurate figures that you can use before installing your sustainable water heating system.
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