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The Australian Gas Distribution Network
One of the things you will probably consider is whether gas is connected to the house as you begin to make plans to move to a new home. You certainly don’t want to overlook or leave this out of the list of things you are supposed to do before you move in.
Frequently people find themselves confused after moving into a new home because they do not know if gas is connected to the house. However, this can be swiftly taken care of, and in fact, more helpful information may be gathered by reading on.
Is Gas Available For Everyone In Australia?
There are different gas networks in Australia, allowing everyone to connect to the main gas supply system when building a new house. In other words, gas availability should never be perceived as an issue in the country, and you will only have to decide on what gas network you want to subscribe to for gas supply.
Connection is made to the main gas supply when building a new house, and this calls for careful planning as there is a cost implication for doing this. Also, there would be lots of plumbing work that needs to be handled by a professional.
Natural Gas Connection To Houses In Australia
Natural gas is what is commonly used in Australia. Many homes in the country still make use of natural gas appliances. This does not mean you have to go with natural gas, as other options exist. It is, therefore, your obligation to consider all options before you make up your mind about what best suits you.
More than five million households are connected to natural gas in Australia. This means that about 48% of homes get their gas from the main gas supply. However, the percentage could be higher in some areas.
For example, houses in Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria have natural gas connections, while homes in Tasmania and Queensland do not all have gas connections.
How To Find Your Home's Natural Gas Meter
You can take account of your home’s natural gas consumption with a gas meter. Gas meters are not given a specific location in homes, and where they are placed will depend a lot on the kind of home. You may find it on the front porch of your house, or it may be attached to the back wall.
Gas metering ensures a correct record of gas usage in your house. When there is an accurate measurement of the volume of gas used, you get to pay for only what you have used.
The usual practice is to install it at a place not far from your electricity meter. In older houses, natural gas meters are placed in the hallway or the garage inside the buildings. If your home is an apartment, the meter may be placed inside or in the car park.
How To Identify Where The Gas Supply Is Located
There is a valve attached to gas meters where you may operate the gas supply depending on what you want. It is crucial to take note of the location of the gas meter when you move into a new home because, at some point, you will need to turn the gas supply on again.
However, before you turn the gas supply on again, you need to make sure that all gas appliances are turned off. You need to be checking the meter and the valve from time to time even though it is a professional that will install a gas meter in a house. Ensure that the valve is working correctly to avoid any leakage that may cause you to pay for the gas you have not used.
Is Natural Gas The Best Choice For Households?
Different Australian gas networks supply gas to homes in the country. Questions are now arising on whether natural gas should be considered a form of reliable and clean fuel as energy companies are now touting it to be. A report issued in November 2021 recommended that Australia should not allow new household natural gas connections.
According to this report, homeowners would be able to save some money if they use electrical options, and in addition, it is an option that is environmentally friendly. This is because leaks from Australia gas networks are driving climate change.
Should A New Home Be Connected To Natural Gas?
A report by the Australian Technology Association in 2018 found that there is no reason to install natural gas in homes. The report also found that using all-electric appliances and solar panels in homes is more cost-effective.
The report revealed that homes might save between AUD 9,000 and 18,000 over ten years. It added that even if there is no solar panel in your home, you can still save some money.
Are Electric Appliances More Efficient Than Gas?
The Australian Technology Association recommends that Australians use electrical appliances due to their efficiency. An example is using a hot water heat pump instead of a gas boiler.
Another example is to use a split system air-conditioning system for heating your home. According to several Australian studies, it is cheaper to do this than to use a gas heater.
Electric induction cookers are a more energy-efficient option to use than gas stoves. They are also capable of reducing the chances of your child developing asthma.
Cost Factor When Connecting Gas To A House
You will have to take care of the cost of having gas plumbing installed if you are planning to build a new house. New homeowners will also have to bear the cost of connecting the house to a natural gas main pipe. Additionally, all homes with gas appliances must pay gas usage and connection fees annually.
These are some of the reasons those who live in existing houses should consider switching from gas. Even if it is one gas appliance you have, you should replace it with an electric appliance as soon as it is old and needs to be replaced. This, according to the Australian Technology Association report, will help you to save some money and prevent environmental pollution.
Find Out How Gas Is Connected To Your House
Finding out how gas is connected to your house is only half the task. There are still some crucial steps you will need to take if you are looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to use your appliances. Although you may have access to Australian gas, it may not be the best option for you.
If your plan is to build a new home, you should go with electric appliances and not gas appliances. Of course, if you do this, you would not need to start asking around if gas is connected to your house. This is more so if you choose to become a part of the now close to three million other Australian households who have installed rooftop solar panels.
That said, if you are still unsure regarding how to find out if or how gas is connected or want to move from gas to solar, why not contact a reputable gas fitter to do it safely and efficiently.
Movement Plumbing
