If you’re building a new home or getting stuck into some renovations, you have a lot of decisions ahead of you.
Classic colour schemes, family-proof flooring, budget breakdowns… and the right energy choices to meet your family’s needs. Your choices – including deciding between gas or electric for your hot water and cooking – will affect your energy bills, lifestyle, and the environment. So, we’ve broken down the pros and cons for you.
When it comes to water heating, being cost-effective is key; hot water systems can account for around 25% of the average Aussie household’s energy usage.
In anticipating your usage and picking a suitable solution, there are a few factors to consider like weighing up your city’s weather, the needs of your bustling household and doing the right thing for the environment.
Electric hot water systems typically have a lower set-up cost and are reliable in delivering hot water on demand.
• conventional electric systems are generally the most expensive system types to run and produce more greenhouse gases than other systems
• if the power goes off you may be without hot water, depending on whether you have a storage or instantaneous system.
Looking for a more environmentally friendly option? You might want to consider rooftop solar – the panels heat water using the power of the sun and keep it warm in an insulated storage tank for you to tap into as needed. Solar can help to reduce energy bills, typically providing between 50-90% of your hot water needs.
The upfront costs associated with solar hot water systems are higher than other types, but you’re investing in better long-term cost efficiency. If you’re keen on solar (and depending on your climate), it’s a good idea to have a gas backup to ensure your water stays toasty on days when the sun isn’t keeping up.
Gas systems have a secret weapon for cutting energy costs. Did you know that around 30% of the energy that’s used to warm up your water in a storage system can be wasted through heat loss from the tank and pipes. But if you have an instantaneous gas system (or continuous flow system), the water is heated at the time of use when you turn on the tap – that means there’s no tank to be constantly heated, even when you aren’t using it.
Other advantages of these systems include:
• they produce up to 33% less greenhouse gases than electric systems
• they work well with solar panels, as the gas backup kicks in if you need more hot water than the solar system has heated.
Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or it’s always a chore, you want your appliances to be easy to use and energy efficient.
It’s a matter of opinion, but those who love to cook often prefer gas. You can change the temperature instantly with gas, while electric systems take a little longer to respond. Gas also allows you to continue cooking even if the power goes out.
When choosing between gas and electric, you’ll essentially need to weigh up making an investment now to save in the long run or opting for a cheaper setup with higher running costs over time.
If you’re building or renovating, installing a gas line during the process is cheaper than converting it to gas in an existing property. If you enjoy the idea of gas savings but are less keen on the conversion cost of piping in natural gas to an existing home, you could consider LPG canisters – they’re delivered with handy level indicators, so you don’t run out.
For those who want the best of both worlds, a dual system might be the perfect match.
To view AGL Gas Plans offered in your state, visit Get Connected.
