Many Australian homes still run on a mix of gas and electricity. Gas might heat the lounge, the water and the cooktop, while everything else runs on power. More households are now looking at going fully electric. Done well, it can mean one energy bill and one supply charge instead of two.
The change does not have to happen all at once. Most homes swap one appliance at a time as old ones wear out. A bit of planning makes each step easier and cheaper. This guide covers the order of upgrades, the wiring side and closing the gas connection.
Why households are moving off gas
The ACT Government says gas prices are rising and newer electric appliances generally use less energy. That makes them cheaper to run. Its modelling suggests households could be $8,900 better off over 15 years, even after paying for new electric appliances. That figure comes from ACT modelling, so results in other places will differ.
Solar adds to the benefit. The ACT Government notes that homes with solar can cut bills further by using their own electricity during the day. The ACT has also committed to moving away from fossil fuel gas to renewable electricity by 2045. Other states have their own programs and timelines, so check what applies where you live.
Plan the change before anything breaks
Sustainability Victoria suggests spreading the switch over a few years. Replace one appliance at a time, ideally when each one reaches the end of its life. A renovation or new build is another good time to make the change. Planning ahead means you are not stuck buying a gas replacement in a hurry.
A simple plan lists each gas appliance, its age and what will replace it. It is also worth noting where the plumbing and wiring run. If a plumber is already coming out, our guide on preventing blocked pipes has easy ways to keep drains clear between visits. Keeping the whole system in good order saves call out costs later.
Heating usually comes first
Sustainability Victoria says heating uses the most energy in a Victorian home. It recommends an electric reverse cycle split system as the most efficient and lowest cost heating option. It also has the lowest greenhouse emissions of the options it compares. That makes heating a logical first step for many homes.
Some homes already have reverse cycle air conditioning. In that case Sustainability Victoria suggests using its heating function instead of the gas heater. That saves money with no new equipment at all. It is the easiest first move a household can make.
Floor coverings play a part in how a room feels in winter too. If new heating is part of a wider refresh, our tips to prolong the life of your carpet help protect what is already down. Looking after existing floors is cheaper than replacing them. It also keeps the renovation budget for the bigger jobs.
Hot water is the next big step
Sustainability Victoria says hot water accounts for at least around 15% of the average Victorian household’s energy costs. It recommends replacing a gas hot water service with a heat pump unit. The best time is when the existing system reaches the end of its life. Planning ahead lets you choose the right size and spot instead of grabbing whatever is in stock.
A heat pump runs on electricity, so it can be set to run at good times. The ACT Government suggests running hot water systems, dishwashers and washing machines while you are out or during low peak times. Homes with solar can run them during the day. That spreads the load on your electrical connection.
Cooking is often last
Sustainability Victoria covers cooking after heating and hot water on its guide. It recommends induction cooktops in place of gas. It describes them as safer, faster and easier to clean. Some households prefer to swap the cooktop during a kitchen renovation so the benchtop work happens once.
Moving away from gas cooking also changes how the kitchen is cleaned and aired. Our article on how green cleaning can transform your office talks about gentler cleaning products. Many of the same ideas work at home. A smooth induction surface suits a simple wipe down approach.
Check your switchboard and connection
Going all electric adds load to your power supply. The ACT Government says older switchboards may not have enough capacity or spare slots for new circuits. Any upgrade should bring the installation up to the current AS/NZS 3000 wiring standard. It also recommends including spare slots for future needs.
Many older homes have a single phase 80 amp connection. The ACT Government page on electrical upgrades to support electrification says most homes will not need three phase power to go all electric. Upgrades are more likely for fast car chargers above 7 kW or solar systems over 10 kW. Solar and batteries may also help you avoid a three phase upgrade.
Working with an electrician
Ask a licensed electrician to assess your needs. The ACT Government says they should provide a load and diversity calculation. This shows whether a single phase connection is enough. Confirm the electrician’s licence and insurance and compare more than one quote.
Before agreeing to a three phase upgrade, ask if there are ways to meet your needs on single phase. Once the work is finished, ask for a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Keep it with your other home records.
Closing the gas connection
Once the last gas appliance is gone, you can stop paying for gas altogether. Sustainability Victoria explains that the gas line and meter typically need to be removed to end the daily supply charge. You contact your gas retailer, who arranges for the gas network to abolish the connection. The ACT Government notes you can then pay a single electricity supply charge.
Sustainability Victoria’s guide to electrifying your home covers each step in more detail. Processes and charges vary between gas networks and states. Ask your retailer what applies before you book the removal. That way there are no surprise fees on the final bill.
Renters and business premises
Renters can still take part. Sustainability Victoria suggests working with the landlord to upgrade a gas heater to reverse cycle heating and cooling. A gas hot water system could be replaced with a heat pump when it fails. Renters can also use portable electric cooking appliances.
The same planning works for a shop or office. If a business is moving, it is a good moment to think about how the new space is heated and powered. Our list of questions to ask when relocating your office covers the wider move. Adding energy to that checklist saves rework later.
Frequently asked questions
Which gas appliance should I replace first?
Sustainability Victoria suggests starting with heating, then replacing the other gas appliances one at a time. Heating uses the most energy in a Victorian home. Your own order may depend on which appliance is closest to the end of its life.
Will I need three phase power?
The ACT Government says most homes will not need three phase power to go all electric. Fast car chargers and large solar systems are the usual triggers. A licensed electrician can do a load calculation to check.
How do I stop paying the gas supply charge?
Contact your gas retailer once your last gas appliance is removed. Sustainability Victoria says the retailer arranges for the network to abolish the connection. This usually means removing the gas line and meter.
Can renters switch to electric appliances?
Yes, with the landlord’s agreement for fixed appliances. Sustainability Victoria suggests talking with the landlord about heating and hot water upgrades. Renters can use portable electric cooking appliances in the meantime.
This article is general information only. Rebates, rules and gas network processes differ between states and territories and change over time. Speak with your energy retailer, a licensed electrician or a licensed gas fitter about your own home.