How do I get my home off gas?
The government aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions by 2050, and with that comes the replacement of our home gas appliances.Australia has an estimated 4.5 million gas water heaters, five million gas stoves and 2.7 million home heating systems – they all must be replaced to achieve net zero. So, how do you get your home off the gas? Let’s discuss the heating and cooling options.
Get efficient with heating.
Heating and cooling uses the most energy in Australian homes, accounting for around 40 per cent of total use. In cool climates like Victoria and Tasmania, gas heaters and ducted gas systems are common for getting through the chilly winters.
However, reverse cycle air conditioners based on efficient heat pump technology are significantly cheaper to run and produce fewer emissions in cold weather because they are much more efficient. That means more of the energy needed to run them is directly turned into heat instead of being lost when it is burned or distributed around your house.
Climate Council analysis indicates that reverse cycle air conditioners cost about half as much to run as standing gas or ducted gas heaters.
(Heat) pump it up
Heating water for steamy showers and sparkling clean clothes accounts for around 25 per cent of the energy used in our homes. Gas hot water systems are a standard fixture in Australian homes because these used to be the most efficient technology. But times have changed! Thankfully, the world has moved on, and electric heat pumps are now a cleaner and more affordable technology for water heating.
Heat pump hot water systems collect heat from the air in a water storage tank. They are more efficient than traditional electric and gas hot water systems, with annual running costs around 50% lower than an instantaneous gas system. Learn more here.
Embrace induction cooking
It’s a myth that gas cooking is superior to induction. Replacing gas cooktops and ovens with induction appliances is another great way to save, and it won’t come at the expense of a delicious meal. For example, induction cooktops can be used with woks made from a ferromagnetic material such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron – delivering the same great flash cooking much more efficiently.
The price of induction cooktops and ovens has also decreased considerably in recent years compared to when they were introduced as a new technology. Today, induction cooking appliances are available in various models and price points to suit every household. CHOICE has prepared this useful guide for comparing brands and prices.
Try the Climate Council Calculator and see how much you could save by changing from gas.
