Finding the ideal gas solution for your home can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you're building a new home, renovating, or simply looking to reduce your energy costs, understanding the different types of gas can help you make the ideal choice for your household's needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Natural gas and LPG are the two main gas types available to Australian households
- Reticulated natural gas offers convenience and cost savings where available
- LPG provides flexibility for homes without natural gas connections
- Your location determines which gas options are available to you
- Comparing gas plans can help you find significant savings on your energy bills
What Are the Types of Gas Available to Households?
Australian households have access to two primary types of gas for cooking, heating, and hot water systems:
- Reticulated Natural Gas: This is natural gas delivered directly to your home through underground pipelines connected to the main gas network. It's the most common option in metropolitan areas across NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and parts of Queensland.
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Also known as bottled gas, LPG is stored in portable cylinders or larger tanks on your property. It's an excellent alternative for homes without access to natural gas connections.
Both options provide reliable energy for household appliances, but each comes with distinct advantages and considerations that affect installation, ongoing costs, and convenience.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Ideal Gas Type
Before making your decision, consider these essential factors:
- Check availability in your area: Natural gas isn't available everywhere. Use online tools from major distributors to confirm what's accessible at your property
- Assess your energy needs: Calculate your household's gas consumption for cooking, heating, and hot water to determine the most cost-effective option
- Consider future plans: If you're planning renovations or additions, factor in how your gas needs might change
- Compare total costs: Look beyond just the gas rates to include connection fees, installation costs, and ongoing maintenance
Reticulated Natural Gas Explained
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that's delivered to homes through an extensive network of underground pipes. Once connected, you'll have an unlimited supply of gas on demand, making it incredibly convenient for busy households.
Can I Get Natural Gas at My House?
Natural gas availability depends entirely on your location. Most urban and suburban areas in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and parts of Queensland have access to the natural gas network. However, rural and remote areas often don't have this infrastructure.
To check if natural gas is available at your address, visit your local gas distributor's website or contact them directly. Major distributors like Jemena, Australian Gas Networks, and AusNet Services provide online checkers that show network coverage in your area.
Advantages of Reticulated Natural Gas
- Cost-effective operation: Natural gas typically offers lower running costs compared to LPG, especially for households with high gas consumption.
- Unlimited supply: You'll never run out of gas unexpectedly or need to arrange deliveries. The gas flows continuously through the network to your home.
- Convenience: No need to monitor gas levels, arrange refills, or store heavy cylinders on your property.
- Environmental benefits: Natural gas burns cleaner than many other fossil fuels, producing fewer emissions per unit of energy.
- Reliability: The natural gas network is generally very reliable, with minimal supply interruptions.
Disadvantages of Reticulated Natural Gas
- Limited availability: If natural gas isn't available in your street, you can't access it. Network extensions are expensive and not always feasible.
- Connection costs: Initial connection fees can range from $1,200 to $5,000 or more, depending on your location and installation complexity.
- Fixed location: You can't take natural gas with you if you move to an area without network coverage.
- Potential supply disruptions: While rare, network maintenance or emergencies can affect supply to entire neighbourhoods.
What if I Don't Have a Natural Gas Connection?
If natural gas isn't available at your property, don't worry. You have several options:
- LPG systems: Install an LPG system with bottled gas or a larger storage tank. This provides similar functionality to natural gas with the flexibility of portable fuel.
- Electric alternatives: Consider electric appliances for cooking, heating, and hot water. Modern electric systems can be highly efficient, especially when paired with solar panels.
- Hybrid systems: Use a combination of gas and electric appliances to optimise costs and performance based on your specific needs.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Explained
LPG is a versatile fuel that's compressed into a liquid form for easy storage and transport. It provides excellent heating power and can run all the same appliances as natural gas with minor modifications.
How Does LPG Work?
LPG is stored under pressure in steel cylinders or tanks. When you turn on a gas appliance, the liquid converts back to gas and flows through your home's gas lines. The system works similarly to natural gas, but you're responsible for monitoring your fuel levels and arranging refills.
Most LPG systems use either:
- Swap and go cylinders: Small, portable bottles that you exchange at service stations and hardware stores
- Larger cylinders: 45kg bottles that are refilled on-site by gas suppliers
- Bulk storage tanks: Large tanks for high-consumption households, filled by tanker trucks
Advantages of LPG
- Universal availability: LPG is available Australia-wide, making it perfect for rural properties and homes without natural gas access.
- Flexible installation: You can install LPG systems anywhere on your property without waiting for network infrastructure.
- Excellent heating power: LPG burns hotter than natural gas, providing superior performance for cooking and heating applications.
- Portable options: Swap and go cylinders offer ultimate flexibility for outdoor cooking, camping, or temporary installations.
- Energy security: You control your fuel supply and aren't dependent on network infrastructure or external supply issues.
Disadvantages of LPG
- Higher running costs: LPG typically costs more per unit of energy than natural gas, which can impact household budgets over time.
- Supply management: You need to monitor gas levels and arrange refills or exchanges before running out.
- Storage requirements: Cylinders and tanks require adequate ventilation and safety clearances, which may limit placement options.
- Delivery logistics: Regular deliveries or trips to exchange cylinders add to the ongoing management of your energy supply.
Important to Know
Which Type of Gas is Ideal for You?
The ideal gas type depends on several factors specific to your situation:
Choose natural gas if:
- It's available in your area
- You have high gas consumption
- You value convenience and unlimited supply
- You're planning long-term residence at the property
Choose LPG if:
- Natural gas isn't available at your location
- You need flexibility or portability
- You have moderate to low gas consumption
- You're in a rural or remote area
Which Energy Retailers Provide Natural Gas?
Major energy retailers operating in Australia include Origin Energy, AGL, EnergyAustralia, Red Energy, and others. Each offers different gas plans and pricing structures, and other distributors or retailers may also operate in your area, so it’s worth comparing options to find the right deal for your circumstances.
When comparing gas plans, look at:
- Usage rates per megajoule
- Daily supply charges
- Contract terms and conditions
- Customer service ratings
- Green energy options
Can I Connect Natural Gas Appliances Directly to a Cylinder?
No, you cannot connect natural gas appliances directly to an LPG cylinder. Natural gas and LPG operate at different pressures and have different combustion characteristics. However, most appliances can be converted between the two gas types by a licensed gas fitter, who will:
- Replace or adjust gas jets and regulators
- Modify pressure settings
- Ensure safe operation with the new fuel type
- Provide certification of the conversion work
Do I Have to Get New Appliances if I Switch to Gas?
Not necessarily. If you're switching from electricity to gas, you'll need new gas appliances. However, if you're switching between natural gas and LPG, most appliances can be converted by a qualified technician.
For homes connecting gas for the first time, you'll need:
- Gas-compatible appliances (cooktop, oven, hot water system, heating)
- Professional installation by a licensed gas fitter
- Safety compliance certification
- Connection to your chosen gas supply
Find Your Ideal Gas Solution
Understanding the types of gas available helps you make an informed decision about your home's energy needs. Whether you choose the convenience of natural gas or the flexibility of LPG, both options can provide reliable, efficient energy for your household.
Ready to explore your options? Compare gas plans from panel of participating providers and find a solution that matches your budget and lifestyle. Visit electricityprovider.com.au to compare gas plans from our panel of retailers and discover potential savings for your home.
