As you’ve probably heard, a major push is underway to address Victoria’s current dependence on natural gas. Effective Jan 1, 2024, legislation from the State Government has already banned gas connections for new builds, and more and more homeowners with existing gas connections are also following suit.
If you’re currently looking to make the switch, there are measures in place to help all homes go away from gas and make the switch to an electrified home. After all, electric appliances and reverse-cycle electric heating can easily be powered by renewable energy sources, and additional financial incentives are already available, such as Victorian Energy Upgrades for Households through the VEU Program.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about gas and electric heating systems, how to make the switch, the costs involved, and whether it is worth it!
Winter is almost here, which means there’s no better time than now to invest in brand-new heating systems. If you’re currently considering electric instead of gas heating for your property, these are some of the major advantages and benefits:
Whether you aim to reduce your carbon footprint, do regular maintenance or want to avoid natural gas prices, Australian Climate Systems supports you with year-round comfort. With reverse-cycle heating and cooling to Wantirna, Malvern, Mooroolbark, Wonga Park, and surrounding areas across Melbourne.
What are gas heating and electric heating, and how do both compare? Let’s draw a comparison with both.
Gas is a non-renewable resource that requires a connection to the natural gas network or LPG. Adequate ventilation and proper flueing are also essential for the safe operation of a gas appliance.
Heating a room quickly with powerful, consistent, and natural heat for the entire home or a zoned area, central heating systems or gas-ducted heaters draw heat from inside the home and distribute it through floor or ceiling vents. Gas heating requires access to a gas line or LPG to be connected to your household. With this in place, there will be fixed positions in a couple of rooms.
If your home is not currently connected to the Victorian gas network, LPG is the only option.
As you can probably gather, electric systems require a direct link to electricity. These systems work by converting electric energy into heat energy, often through resistance heating or other methods like heat pumps.
One of the most common electric home heating systems are split systems, which have the ability to shift between heating and cooling modes down to the exact temperature set. Once activated, split systems help to regulate the temperature in individual rooms. Multi-split systems are also ideal if you’d like to heat or cool multiple rooms at different temperatures. There is also ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, which can be an alternative to your existing gas-ducted heating. Installed under the floor or above the ceiling, heat pump systems that can warm or cool your whole home through a series of ducts!
Although gas has traditionally been a cheaper form of energy, gas prices have soared compared to electric ‘socket’ costs, or how much it costs to buy electric power from an energy retailer.
The Victorian government estimates that Victorian homes can save up to $1000 off yearly energy bills from their intended roadmap or $2,200 if solar is installed.
The government plans to spend $10 million on a new electrical grant program for volume builders and developers to offer solar panels, solar hot water, and even heat pump rebates to new home buyers.Electricity is also safer than gas. Some gas appliances can release carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, and open flames are dangerous to children and pets. Using natural gas indoors impacts respiratory problems such as asthma and can have the same effect as passive smoking, according to research by the Climate Council. Gas combustion also causes more moisture in your home, risking dampness and mould.
Yes, absolutely. Although making the change can be a higher upfront cost, electrifying your household will be both more eco-friendly and kind to your energy bills moving forward. Additionally, replacing one gas appliance at a time rather than all at once can make the overall process for your home smoother!
The other good news is that there are government rebates for heating and cooling upgrades. This includes both the VEU Program and incentives for solar panel installation. In both cases, these rebates are in place to encourage more Victorians to make the switch and ease the overall financial burden of doing so. As heating and cooling also accounts for 40% of Australian home energy use on average, savings can be made over the long term. Because this process involves the removal of gas fittings, connections, and appliances, it will need to be handled by a licensed gas technician. So, whether you want to get new ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling installed or brand-new split systems, our Melbourne based team is here to help!
Making the switch to electric-based heating is a process similar to that of a gas furnace installation. Cutting traditional gas central heating also opens the door for a variety of different electric alternatives.
Has your current home been built with wiring capable of handling an electric heating system? Electric heating needs a lot of power to run, which can become a challenge for older homes needing more capacity.
If you need help determining whether your home has been wired correctly for electric heating, speak to a heating and cooling professional before installing. The correct wiring can be installed so your system functions safely.
Choosing electric systems over gas can often mean a higher upfront cost, but there are still money considerations. Equipment costs, installation expenses, or long-term operating costs. According to an article by The Age, Victoria has been most vulnerable to gas price hikes, with 3 million gas connections and 65 percent of the nation’s total residential use.
Is your home small or large? How will an electric heating system fit into your house? The size of your home will determine your heating capacity and affect where the system can be installed. From boilers to radiators, you want to ensure it works for your space. Electric heating systems can be advantageous for smaller spaces where gas lines are inaccessible, such as regional areas.
Speak to heating professionals or contractors to assess your heating and cooling requirements. This is a great way to get a personalised recommendation that supports your budget needs. If you would like to know more, here are the benefits of reverse-cycle heating and cooling.
Are you looking to replace your current gas system? Prioritising your energy savings, Australian Climate Systems offers heating and cooling to Glen Iris, Burwood, Blackburn, Mount Waverley, and surrounding areas across Melbourne.
Yes. Electric systems like reverse cycle heating and cooling, ducted electric, and split systems are excellent for cold Melbourne nights and rural areas such as Geelong. Whatever you decide, they will keep your home comfortable all year.
The installation time depends on the system’s complexity and your property’s layout. In general, most installations can be completed in a day or two.
Being energy efficient, safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, converting to electricity requires fewer repairs than traditional gas units.
With yearly care from a licensed professional, your electric heating system can last for 15-20 years on average. Always speak to a qualified heating and cooling professional for an accurate estimation.
Whether you want to replace your old heating system with electricity, are looking for a split system, or just need a customised quote, Australian Climate Systems can support your family’s heating and cooling needs.
Looking to go gas-free in Victoria? Australian Climate Systems offers sales and installation, warranty and repairs, and service, repair or maintenance when you need that yearly inspection. With 25 years in business, our team provides generous workmanship guarantees, offers brands from Bonaire to Brivis and Daikin, and supplies only the best for your home.
So, whether you are looking to navigate ducted electric systems instead of portable heaters, want add-on cooling to suit you all year round, or want to turn to electricity to complement your solar panel, our team is your best supplier, installer and professional for efficient heating.
Contact us today at 03 9762 4444 or visit us in Chirnside Park, Victoria, to get a satisfying new system.
