Choosing between gas and electric for your home isn’t just about flipping a switch—it’s about finding the option that’s best suited to your lifestyle, budget, and even the layout of your house.
From cooking and heating to hot water systems, each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. And if you’re thinking about making the switch, chatting with a qualified gasfitter can help make the decision a lot easier.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of gas and electric, and what to consider when making your choice.
1. Cost-effectiveness: What’s cheaper in the long run?
The Gas Advantage:
In many parts of Australia, natural gas remains cheaper per unit than peak-rate electricity. If you have a large family with high hot water demands or you love a toasty warm house in winter, gas often results in lower quarterly bills.
The Electric Shift:
While electric appliances are cheaper to buy, they can be pricier to run, with one big exception: Solar. If you have a PV solar system, electric appliances (especially Heat Pumps) can run almost for free during the day.
2. Heating your home: Warmth that works
Gas:
Gas heaters are known for heating rooms quickly and maintaining warmth, making them ideal for larger spaces or open-plan living areas. Ducted gas heating systems can also warm your entire home without costing a fortune to run. Plus, they keep working even if there’s a power outage—a big win in the middle of winter.
Electric:
Electric heaters, including split systems and panel heaters, offer a lot of flexibility. You can heat just one room without wasting energy on spaces you’re not using. However, they can struggle to warm larger areas efficiently, and running them for extended periods can cause your electricity bill to spike.
Expert tip: If you’re considering gas heating, a professional gasfitter can help ensure your system is installed safely and complies with local regulations.
3. Cooking: The battle of the burners
The Chef’s Choice (Gas): There’s a reason pros use gas. You get visual control of the flame and instant heat adjustments. Plus, if the power goes out, you can still cook dinner.
The Modern Contender (Induction): Induction cooktops are the future of electric cooking. They are:
- Faster than gas (boils water in half the time).
- Safer for families (the surface stays cool to the touch).
- Easier to clean (flat glass surface).
Note: Induction requires specific magnetic cookware. Not sure if your kitchen is ready for an upgrade? Contact our team for a power load assessment.
4. Hot water systems: Gas vs electric
Gas:
Gas hot water systems, including instant and storage models, are known for their efficiency and lower running costs. Instant systems heat water only when you need it, which means no wasted energy keeping a tank hot. Gas storage systems, on the other hand, can recover faster than electric models, ensuring you’re not left shivering in the shower.
Electric:
Electric hot water systems tend to have higher running costs, but they’re easier to install and don’t require a gas connection. Heat pump systems are an efficient alternative, using about 60% less electricity than traditional electric storage units. However, they do have a higher upfront cost and work best in warmer climates.
What to consider:
- If you’ve got gas connected, a gas hot water system is probably the smarter choice.
- A licensed gasfitter can help you weigh up the installation costs and efficiency of different systems.
5. Environmental impact: Gas or electric?
Gas:
While natural gas burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, it’s still a non-renewable resource that emits carbon dioxide. However, it’s worth noting that gas appliances tend to be more efficient than older electric models, which can offset some of the environmental impact.
Electric:
Electricity’s environmental impact depends largely on where it’s coming from. If your power’s sourced from renewables—like solar or wind—then electric appliances can be a greener choice. For those with solar panels, going electric means you could potentially power your home for next to nothing.
Key takeaway:
- If sustainability is a priority, consider upgrading to energy-efficient electric appliances and investing in solar.
- If gas is the better fit, choosing high-efficiency gas appliances can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Making the right choice for your home
Choosing between gas and electric isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision—it really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how your home’s set up. Gas is generally more cost-effective for heating and hot water, especially if your home’s already connected.
Electric, on the other hand, is becoming more efficient and can be a better choice for new builds or homes with solar power.
Getting advice from a qualified gasfitter can make a world of difference, especially when it comes to installation costs and safety. They can help you weigh up the options, figure out what’s best for your home, and ensure everything’s installed to code.
If you’re still on the fence about going gas or electric, why not chat with a licensed gasfitter?
Call Flowtec today at 0488 097 697 to make the right choice for your home and your wallet.
