5 Easy Ways to Get Off Gas

As gas prices continue to soar, we’ve seen a huge rise in homeowners seeking ways to not only reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, but boost the energy efficiency of their home in the process.

While you might have the will to do the same, actually knowing where to start can be a huge challenge – particularly so if you own an older home with legacy systems and a number of gas-reliant appliances that need replacing.

Fortunately, there are several easy and effective changes you can make to your home systems that not only combat rising gas prices but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

In this article, we’ll explore five simple but powerful ways to get off gas for a variety of budgets, including:

• Installing a heat pump
• Going solar
• Upgrading your appliances
• Optimising insulation
• Utilising more efficient heating/cooling solutions

The aim? To provide you with a sophisticated yet relaxed guide to reducing your energy bills and environmental impact – all the while adding both class and value to your home.

1. Embrace heat pumps: an efficiency heating and cooling solution

One of the most effective ways to reduce your gas consumption is by embracing heat pumps – incredible feats of modern technology that can provide efficient, year-round heating and cooling solutions for your home.

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air, ground, or water, and then transferring it indoors to warm your space during winter. In summer, the process reverses, allowing heat pumps to cool your home effectively.

By utilising renewable energy sources, heat pumps not only provide comfort but also help minimise your carbon footprint. Switching from a gas heating system to a heat pump can also result in significant reductions in gas bills. The exact amount of savings will depend on various factors – however, some significant, recent studies and real-world data have shown that households can save up to 60% on their annual heating costs by making the transition.

Another great thing about heat pumps is that they’re known for their durability and longevity. A well-maintained and properly serviced heat pump can last for up to 20 years or more, without issue. This makes them a super-wise investment for homeowners looking to reduce their reliance on gas.

Curious about how much a heat pump will cost you? Give our friendly team a call and we’ll help you understand not only which model will work best for your needs, but how much this is likely to cost you as an upfront investment – phone 1300 137 567 today.

2. Harness the power of solar panels

Installing solar panels on your roof is another fantastic way to combat rising gas prices and reduce your carbon emissions.

Solar panels harness the power of the sun and convert it into clean electricity that can power your home’s appliances, including electric heating systems and water heaters. By utilising solar energy, you can significantly decrease your dependence on gas for both heating and electricity, resulting in substantial long-term savings.

Here in Australia, where sunshine is beautifully abundant, solar panels have become increasingly popular. According to the Clean Energy Council, the average Australian household can save around $900/year on their electricity bills by installing a medium-sized/average 6.6kW solar panel system. This figure only takes into account electricity savings, highlighting the enormous potential for reducing gas consumption when solar energy is used to power electric heating systems.

What’s more, pair your solar panels with an impressive solar battery storage option (we’ve got loads of high-quality units to choose from!) and you could even start earning money from the excess electricity you generate, store and export.

We can show you how!

3. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

Another great way to reduce your reliance on gas and fossil fuels is by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.

Old and inefficient gas-powered appliances, such as heaters, hot water systems and stoves, consume significant amounts of gas, contributing to higher energy bills and increasing your impact on the environment. By replacing these with high quality, energy-efficient electric alternatives, you can decrease your gas usage and enjoy a huge range of savings in the long run.

Energy Rating, a government-backed program in Australia, reports that choosing energy-efficient electric appliances can result in substantial savings for both individuals and households. An electric heat pump water heater, for example, can save homeowners up to $480 annually compared to a gas water heater, while an energy-efficient induction cooktop can reduce your energy consumption by up to 50% compared to a gas stove.

Huge, right?

It just goes to show: you don’t have to overhaul your home and spend tens of thousands of dollars to get it functioning more efficiently. Sometimes, the best changes are the smallest ones.

4. Optimise the insulation of your home

A well-insulated home is key to reducing the need for excessive heating, especially during the colder months. Taking a look at reducing gaps in windows, unintended draughts, and insulation within your walls can be an amazing, almost cost-free way of reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and natural gas.

Proper insulation helps retain heat, keeping your home warm and comfortable while minimising gas usage. By ensuring your walls, ceilings, floors, and windows are adequately insulated, you can create an energy-efficient environment that requires less heating.

According to the Australian government’s YourHome resource, properly insulating your home can result in energy savings of up to 45%. This not only reduces your reliance on gas but also contributes to a more sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

But where to start? Be sure to work through your home methodically, checking:

• Gaps in windows
• Thickness and quality of insulation in walls and ceiling spaces
• Considering double-glazing, where possible
• Fixing gaps under doors
• Installing draught strips to doors
• Thickness and facility of blinds in retaining/excluding heat

5. Utilising more efficient heating/cooling systems

Gas and electric heaters are huge consumers of energy in the home. One incredible way to both reduce your bills and your reliance upon gas is to consider what heating/cooling system you’re using, and how this can be upgraded – after all, heating and cooling is a year-round necessity in most Victorian and Australian homes!

Energy-efficient alternatives to gas/electric heaters include:

• Hydronic heating systems
• Heat-pump facilitated hydronic heating systems
• High-efficiency split-system air conditioners
• Passive cooling solutions

Interested to know what alternatives exist for you? With a huge range of government incentives now available and technology improving all the time, chances are that taking the leap is much more achievable than last time you checked!

Discover our range of incredible HVAC solutions online.

Wrapping up

Looking to move away from gas-reliant appliances and systems but don’t know where to begin? Your friendly, award-winning G Store team specialises in helping you get started!

Just give us a call today on 1300 137 567, or visit our Learning Centre to read more. We’re here to help.