If you are a new homeowner, you are probably wondering which fuel to use in your house. Natural gas has long been popular in Australia. Therefore, many houses still have natural gas appliances. If that is the case for your new home, read on to learn about how you can find out if gas is connected to your house.
Natural gas is usually connected to houses in Australia
Over five million households in Australia are connected to natural gas. This means that 48 per cent of homes have a mains gas supply. However, in some areas, this percentage is much higher. For example, houses in ACT, Victoria and Western Australia have natural gas connections. On the other hand, homes in Queensland and Tasmania often do not have connections.
How can you find out if gas is connected to your house?
To establish whether gas is connected to your house, first, you must know who the distributor is for your region. Simply check this website to discover your natural gas distributor. For instance, if you live in Sydney, your distributor is Jemena. Then, you can use the company’s Can I get gas? tool. This will tell you if your house has a natural gas connection. On the other hand, a home in Victoria may be supplied by Multinet Gas. This company has its own website called Is there gas in my street?
Furthermore, some distributors allow you to search natural gas availability by postcode. That is the case for ATCO in Western Australia, for example.
If you have a natural gas supply to your home, it is important to know where your gas meter is located.
How can you locate your home’s natural gas meter?
A gas meter records your natural gas consumption at home. Where this is located depends on your type of dwelling. If you live in a house, it could be on your front porch or attached to your back wall. Often, you will find it not far from your electricity meter. In older houses, the natural gas meter could be inside, for example, in the garage or the hallway. Likewise, if you live in an apartment, you will likely find the meter inside or in the car park. However, if you cannot find it, contact your body corporate.
Photo by Doris Morgan on Unsplash
How do you know where the gas supply is?
The gas meter also houses a valve to turn your gas supply on and off. This is handy to know when you move into a new home. That is because you may need to turn the gas supply on again. But, before doing so, make sure to turn off all gas appliances.
Is natural gas the best option for households?
There are now question marks over whether natural gas truly is the “reliable and clean” fuel that energy companies claim it is. For example, in November 2021, a report recommended that Australia bans new household natural gas connections. It came from the public policy think tank the Grattan Institute. This would actually save homeowners money, according to the report. Plus, it would also be better for the environment. That is because leaks from Australia’s gas network contribute to climate change.
Should you connect your new home to natural gas?
In 2018, a report found that there was no reason for new homes to include natural gas. This report came from the Australian Technology Association. Instead, homes with all-electric appliances and solar panels are more cost-effective, it stated. In fact, these homes would save between AUD $9,000 and $18,000 over 10 years. That is compared to those with gas appliances and no solar. Even if your new home has no solar panels, you will still save money, said the report.
Electric appliances are more efficient than gas
The Australian Technology Association report recommended electric appliances over gas due to their efficiency. For example, you can use a hot water heat pump rather than a gas boiler. Also, you can use a split system air-conditioning system to heat your home. This is cheaper than using a gas heater, according to multiple Australian studies. Finally, electric induction cookers are a more efficient option than gas stoves. They will also reduce your child’s chance of developing asthma.
Costs involved with gas
Newly built houses face the cost of installing gas plumbing. On top of this, new homeowners may need to pay to connect to the natural gas mains pipes. Furthermore, all houses with gas appliances must pay annual gas usage and connection fees. Therefore, even people in existing houses should consider a switch away from gas. In fact, if you have just one gas appliance, once it breaks down, you should replace it with an electric one. That will save you money, according to the Australian Technology Association report.
So, if you are planning to build a new home, choose efficient electric appliances. Then, there will be no need to ask how you can find out if gas is connected to your house. This is especially if you join the almost three million other Australian households with rooftop solar.