Neither gas nor electricity is automatically the better choice for every home. The practical answer depends on the appliances being compared, their efficiency, household demand, current energy plans, separate supply charges and the services already available at the property.
Also consider future replacement plans. The current position on gas appliances and NSW policy helps distinguish statewide rules from decisions for an existing home.
What should you compare?
Compare two appliances that provide the same service and suitable capacity, not the advertised tariff for each fuel in isolation.
- Appliance efficiency: Check the energy label, manufacturer data and expected annual consumption for the actual models being considered.
- Household demand: Account for household size, usage patterns and seasonal heating or hot-water demand.
- Supply charges: A mixed-fuel home generally pays separate gas and electricity supply charges. Retaining gas for one appliance can change the overall result.
- Existing services: Replacing an appliance where suitable connections already exist is different from adding a new gas line, electrical circuit or switchboard capacity.
- Ownership costs: Include purchase, licensed installation, servicing, expected maintenance and eventual replacement.
For a cooktop decision, the scope can include gas disconnection, electrical capacity and benchtop changes. The guide to gas-to-electric cooktop conversion quotes explains why the site must be assessed first.
How do you make a useful comparison?
- Define the service: Compare appliances with equivalent capacity and intended use.
- Gather current data: Use recent bills, retailer offers, energy labels and manufacturer consumption estimates.
- Include fixed charges: Account for each supply charge that would remain after the change.
- Assess the property: Have the relevant licensed trades check gas, electrical, ventilation and installation requirements.
- Compare complete quotes: Confirm what supply, installation, compliance work, removal and commissioning are included.
Use current retailer offers for your postcode and distribution area rather than Australian averages. The Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy service can help Sydney households compare generally available residential plans. Confirm the current rates and conditions directly with the retailer.
All installations must adhere to national standards: AS/NZS 5601.1 (the Australian gas installation code governing safe pipe sizing, ventilation, and pressure integrity) for gas appliances, and AS/NZS 3000 (the Australian wiring rules governing dedicated electrical circuits, sub-mains, and safety switches) for electric appliances. Fixed Today has been guiding Sydney homeowners through heating and appliance decisions for over 15 years. Before dispatch, our team runs through a brief diagnostic screening—asking about your meter location, switchboard capacity, and appliance preferences—so our technicians arrive fully prepared. If gas forms part of your preferred setup, contact Fixed Today for a licensed gas fitter assessment to walk through the task breakdown and receive an upfront fixed quote with a $0 call-out fee on approved work.