Benefits of Installing Gas to Your Gold Coast Home
Are you about to embark on a complete home renovation or a new home build? If you are, one of the many considerations you need to make is whether to install a gas connection.
Gas is an alternative option to electricity, and on the Gold Coast, it is a commonly preferred choice for cooking and heating. Gas cooktops and gas ovens offer many benefits over their electrical counterparts, as do gas water heaters.
At Local Plumbing & Gas, we specialise in not only plumbing installations but also gas installations. Our Gold Coast gas fitters are highly experienced in connecting new and existing homes to gas and would like to share the benefits gas offers so you can choose your new home. So continue reading to discover the benefits of connecting your home to gas.
Natural Gas Vs LPG Gas
Before we look at the benefits of gas, let’s look at the two types of gas available: Natural Gas and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). Natural gas is primarily methane, delivered via underground pipelines, while LPG is a mixture of propane and butane stored in gas bottles or tanks.
In terms of installation, natural gas requires more infrastructure and connection to a mains gas network, making it the more costly option upfront. By contrast, LPG installation is typically simpler, requiring only a regulator, changeover valve, and pipework connected to gas bottles—making it more suitable for properties not serviced by the gas grid.
One key difference is energy content: LPG has a higher energy content per unit, meaning it produces more heat than the same volume of natural gas. According to Elgas, LPG contains approximately 93.2 MJ/m³, compared to natural gas at around 38.7 MJ/m³. This means LPG burns hotter and you’ll need different gas jets or burners depending on the fuel type used.
It’s important to choose the right type of gas for your location and needs, as this will determine not only your supply setup but also the type of appliances you’ll need.
Gas for Affordability
If you’re looking to create a cost-effective home, then connecting your home to gas will help you achieve this. Gas is much cheaper than electricity. You only need to look at this comparison chart from canstarblue.com.au to see the running cost differences.
| Appliance | Electricity Running Cost (p/hour) | Gas Running Cost (p/hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop (1.1kWh/6MJ) | 36c | 24c |
| Heater (2.4kWh/13MJ) | 79c | 52c |
| Clothes Dryer (3.3kWh/15MJ) | 109c | 60c |
| Hot Water System* (60MJ/12kWh) | 396c | 240c |
*Assumes 260L gas/electric hot water storage system heating from 20°C-70°C. Note that electricity customers may also have access to a lower controlled load tariff.
As you can see from the table above, the running costs are cheaper for gas cooktops, heaters, clothes dryers, and hot water systems. In some households, the total cost of cooking with LPG has been found to be significantly lower than using Natural Gas—depending on appliance efficiency and usage habits.
According to Compare the Market, the average Australian household uses around 10,803 MJ of gas annually, with Queensland households averaging slightly lower at 7,154 MJ per year. Understanding these usage levels helps homeowners appreciate how gas usage translates into cost savings compared to electricity.
QLD Gas Rebates: What Help Is Available?
Further enhancing the affordability of gas, the Queensland Government offers rebates and concessions to eligible homeowners. For instance, the Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate provides financial support to pensioners and seniors, reducing household energy expenses significantly. Such rebates further strengthen the financial advantage of choosing gas for your home
Gas for Longevity
Gas appliances are renowned for their durability and extended service life. According to industry data, gas ranges typically last around 15 years, slightly outlasting electric ranges, which average about 13 years.
This longevity is partly due to the simpler mechanical design of gas appliances. They generally have fewer electronic components, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions and the need for repairs. This simplicity not only enhances reliability but also makes maintenance more straightforward and cost-effective.
Moreover, gas appliances often feature robust construction, with durable materials that withstand high temperatures and frequent use. This resilience contributes to their extended lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice for homeowners seeking long-term value.
Gas for the Environment
Connecting your home to gas doesn’t only benefit your budget—it also benefits the environment. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, natural gas use in the home is generally more efficient and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electricity—especially when that electricity is generated from coal-fired power stations, which remains common in many parts of Australia.
Gas for Quicker Heating
If you’re looking for fast heat, consider connecting your home to gas. Gas delivers heat much quicker than electricity, which is why gas ovens and cooktops are the preferred choice for many home cooks and professionals. Unlike electricity, which takes time to build up temperature, gas reaches maximum heat almost instantly—offering better responsiveness and control.
Gas hot water systems may be more expensive to purchase and install initially, but they deliver hot water faster than electric systems and are generally more efficient if you have access to mains gas. According to CHOICE, “Gas hot water systems can heat water faster than electric systems and are more efficient if you have access to mains gas.”
Conclusion
Compared to electricity, gas is cheaper to run, better for the environment, produces heat quicker, and gas appliances offer better longevity. Gas may initially be more expensive to install, but it is well worth it for its long-term savings.
If you’d like to install Natural Gas or LPG gas appliances in your new home or renovation, contact the licensed gas plumbers at Local Plumbing & Gas Co. We service the entire Gold Coast and can provide a fixed quote for gas installations. We are one of the few Gold Coast plumbing companies licensed to conduct plumbing and gas work, and we welcome you to contact us for a no-obligation quote.
