From reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utility bills to improving safety and efficiency, there are plenty of reasons to replace your gas hot water system with an electric one.
With government incentives supporting the switch, there’s never been a better time to get off gas. So, let’s look at the advantages of making the change, the best type of electric system to choose, and the specific steps to take to replace your gas hot water system with an electric one.
Here are the top reasons to replace your gas hot water system with an energy-efficient electric system, such as a heat pump water heater.
There are three main types of electric water heaters available, each with its pros and cons.
An electric hot water system with a storage tank is the cheapest sort of hot water system to purchase. But, if not used in conjunction with a solar PV system, they can have high running costs. While they’re virtually silent during operation and can be installed indoors or outdoors, they take longer to reheat large volumes of water and are the least energy-efficient electric option (as they rely on direct resistance heating). Their running costs are high unless the electricity is supplied via a solar PV system or a cheaper off-peak tariff.
Hot water heat pumps have some of the highest upfront costs but are extremely cost-effective to run because they heat water by extracting heat from the surrounding air. They require slightly more maintenance than a storage tank system, and their performance can be slightly reduced in very cold climates. However, their energy efficiency makes them our top pick to replace a gas hot water heater.
With the lowest long-term running costs, it’s hard to beat a solar hot water system, especially one with a booster to ensure reliability during poor weather. However, they do have the highest upfront costs, and their installation is more complex, especially if your roof does not receive a consistent amount of sunlight.
As well as disconnecting your gas, switching to an electric water heater may require wiring upgrades and additional circuit breakers. In most cases, you’ll require a plumber as well as an electrician to install your new system.
To make the cost of replacing your old gas hot water system with an energy-efficient electric system more affordable, both state and federal governments have rebates available for householders.
The main financial incentive is the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which can significantly reduce the cost of a new hot water system. Many installers ‘pre-sell’ these credits, so you’ll often see the rebate already applied to your quote.
The biggest consideration before you switch from gas to electric is, by far, the cost of installation. The upfront costs of energy-efficient systems like heat pumps are another important factor to think about. However, while heat pumps do cost more initially, they will be a lot cheaper to operate in the long run.
Given the rising price of gas and the upfront cost of efficient electric systems, replacing your gas hot water system should be seen as an investment that will future proof your home.
You should never replace a gas hot water system with an electric system yourself as it requires disconnecting gas lines and ensuring that your switchboard has the electrical capacity to cope with the extra electrical requirements.
Installation of an electric water heater to replace your gas one usually only takes one working day, so you won’t be without hot water for too long.
What size hot water system you need depends on your household usage. That is, how many bathrooms you have, how often you wash clothes or run the dishwasher. A heat pump of 250-300L is normally suitable for the average family.
While they are initially more expensive, heat pumps are worth the extra cost because they can significantly reduce utility bills from the moment they are installed.
The cost to convert from gas to electric hot water depends on the type of system you choose, the complexity of installation and the need for new electrical work.
Yes, you can replace a gas hot water system with an electric one, but you may need to upgrade your switchboard.
The use of non-renewables like gas is being phased out in Australia. This means that it is worth switching from a gas to an electric water heater because it will help future-proof your home.
Gas hot water systems are no longer the most efficient choice. Electric systems are safer and cheaper to run, so make the switch today! Visit the Same Day Hot Water Service website to view our full range of electric storage systems, solar systems and heat pump water heaters, and have one installed at your home today.