Gas
Any gas related works must be outsourced to a licenced contractor. Nowadays (in 2024) many say that gas is not cool. In Australia governments are staring to phase out gas for new homes. The US Government has also indicated that it is considering phasing out gas due to health issues related to using gas cooktops (in particular childhood asthma). We have had gas cooktops (and even ovens) our entire lives which makes it more challenging to convert to say induction which is really the only reasonable other option. Things to consider include whether or not you have you children, have the money to pay more for an induction top and oven and whether you can afford changing all your pots and pans (if they are non-magnetic). So what the verdict…? Not decided yet.
And then there is the fireplace (or two). I can see you thinking… what the… a fireplace in Brisbane? Yes, we want at least one fireplace in the main living area. But gas? Well, a woodfire fireplace is not ideal in an urban area for obvious reasons. We don’t have a TV (true fact) and we love sitting in front of a fireplace looking at real flames while sipping on a good Irish Whiskey. We might get one in the top floor bedroom, not sure yet. Will keep you posted.
Also see our Energy Efficiency page for more details.
Any gas related works must be outsourced to a licenced contractor. Nowadays (in 2024) many say that gas is not cool. In Australia governments are staring to phase out gas for new homes. The US Government has also indicated that it is considering phasing out gas due to health issues related to using gas cooktops (in particular childhood asthma). We have had gas cooktops (and even ovens) our entire lives which makes it more challenging to convert to say induction which is really the only reasonable other option. Things to consider include whether or not you have you children, have the money to pay more for an induction top and oven and whether you can afford changing all your pots and pans (if they are non-magnetic). So what the verdict…? Not decided yet.
And then there is the fireplace (or two). I can see you thinking… what the… a fireplace in Brisbane? Yes, we want at least one fireplace in the main living area. But gas? Well, a woodfire fireplace is not ideal in an urban area for obvious reasons. We don’t have a TV (true fact) and we love sitting in front of a fireplace looking at real flames while sipping on a good Irish Whiskey. We might get one in the top floor bedroom, not sure yet. Will keep you posted.
Check if natural gas is available
You can check if natural gas is available at your address here.
Disconnecting the mains gas line (aka Abolishment)
When doing earthworks or anything else that might impact on your gas line, you must have your service physically removed. The process called “abolishment” and it is quite simple. If you follow these steps you should be fine. In our case we just bought the property and there was an existing line but we did not have an existing gas account. Our meter was easily accessible and the site was 100% safe for the gas authorities to work with.
- Step 1. Ring the Australian Gas Networks on 1 300 001 001
- Step 2. Ask who had the last billing rights (this is the gas retailer with whom the previous owner had an account)
- Step 3. Ring that retailer (e.g. Origin) and as tell them that you want to gas meter and line physically removed from your property (this is starting an Abolishment Application)
- Step 4. For the retailer (e.g. Origin) to be able to start the application, they will need to set up a new account with you first; yes that sounds silly as you don’t want to have gas but they cannot start the application without an account; and yes, you will have to pay a connection fee and get put on to a gas supply plan; the plan will be cancelled as part of the Abolishment process so you won’t be charged after the service has been deleted
- Step 5. After the new account has been set up, they can start the abolishment process; it may take a few weeks to be done due to things like council permits etc; you don’t have to worry about this, the retailer will organise all of this.
- Step 6. When the build is done, have everything reconnected with your retailer of choice (you don’t need to stay with the one used during the abolishment process)
Also see our Energy Efficiency post for more details.
