Deal Expert

Gas vs Electricity (Energy): Which is the Best Option for You?

When it comes to running your home, one of the biggest choices Aussies face is whether to stick with gas, go all-electric, or keep a bit of both. 

From heating your shower to cooking dinner, both gas and electricity play a significant role in daily life. But with energy costs climbing and more people planning to Switch Energy Suppliers for renewable options, it’s fair to ask: which choice gives you the best value?

In this guide, we’ll break down for you the pros and cons of gas and electricity. You’ll learn about cost, convenience, the environment, and what the future looks like. 

Most importantly, we’ll show you how to compare energy Australia-wide with DealExpert online, quickly and easily, so you can find the right deal and save money. 

Understanding the Basics: Gas vs Energy in Australia

Before we start comparing gas and energy, let’s make sure we’re clear on what each option means.

  • Gas: Usually, natural gas is supplied through underground pipes, or LPG is delivered in bottles where there are no pipelines. It’s often used for hot water, heating, and cooking.
  • Electricity: Supplied through the national grid. These days, more and more of it comes from renewable sources like solar and wind. Electricity powers just about everything, from lights, fridges, air conditioners, hot water, to even our cars.

Not every Aussie home has access to gas pipes, while electricity is available almost everywhere. So, before making a decision, the first step is checking what’s available in your area.

Key Things to Consider: Energy and Gas Compare

Choosing between gas and electricity comes down to four main factors: cost, environmental impact, convenience, and future value.

1. Cost and Pricing

  • Gas: You pay a daily fee plus a rate per megajoule (MJ). Gas appliances can be efficient, especially for heating.
  • Electricity: Charged per kilowatt hour (kWh) plus a daily supply fee. Some providers also use “time-of-use” pricing, which means you pay more during busy times and less when demand is low.

👉 For many homes, electricity can work out cheaper if you have solar panels and modern appliances. But for homes with high heating needs, gas can still be a budget-friendly choice.

2. Environmental Impact

  • Gas is a fossil fuel, which means burning it releases carbon emissions.
  • Electricity, on the other hand, is getting greener every year as more solar, wind, and hydro power feed into the grid. 

If you care about cutting down emissions, switching from gas to electric hot water or heating can make a big difference.

3. Convenience

Gas needs pipes or bottles, plus special appliances.

Electricity is universal;  almost every appliance today runs on it. Making the switch from gas to electric may cost upfront for new appliances, but in the long run, you’ll likely save with lower maintenance and fewer moving parts.

4. Future Value

Australia is heading towards net-zero emissions. Many states are already limiting new gas connections in homes. Electricity is shaping up to be the main energy source of the future, especially when paired with rooftop solar and home batteries.

When Gas Works Best vs When Electricity Wins? 

Here are some common Aussie scenarios that might sound familiar:

  • Homes with gas connections already: If your place already has gas heating or hot water, it may be cheaper to stick with it for now. But when those appliances wear out, it’s worth looking at electric alternatives.
  • Homes without gas access: If you don’t have mains gas, going fully electric is usually simpler and more cost-effective. Reverse-cycle air conditioning and heat pumps are top picks.
  • Homes with solar: Got panels on your roof? Using electricity for heating, hot water, and even charging an EV makes sense. You’ll be powering your home with your own sunshine.
  • Apartments or small dwellings: Electricity is often the default. It keeps things simple and avoids the need for gas cylinders or extra infrastructure.

Energy And Gas Compare: Finding the Best Plan

Once you’ve thought about what suits your home, the next step is comparing actual plans. This is where things can get tricky.

Here’s what to check for when doing an Energy and Gas Compare:

  • Daily supply fees and usage rates
  • Off-peak and time-of-use pricing
  • Solar feed-in tariffs (if you send power back to the grid)
  • Green energy options
  • Discounts, contract length, and exit fees

Doing all this research yourself can be time-consuming and a headache. That’s why DealExpert makes it easy to compare energy Australia-wide. Just go online, pop in your postcode, and in less than a minute you’ll see the best deals available in your area.

How to Switch Energy Suppliers in Australia?

Switching providers isn’t as hard as it sounds. In fact, it’s usually stress-free.

Here’s how it works:

  • Compare providers – use DealExpert to see what’s available for your home.
  • Choose a plan – pick the one that best suits your budget and lifestyle.
  • Make the switch – your power or gas won’t be cut off. The supply stays on while the paperwork happens in the background.
  • Cooling-off period – most plans give you time to change your mind if needed.

👉 The best part? It’s free to switch energy suppliers. You’ll just start getting bills from your new supplier. 

Gas vs Energy: Quick Pros and Cons

Here’s a snapshot to help you weigh it up:

Factor Gas Electricity
Cost Often cheaper for heating/cooking if infrastructure exists Can be cheaper long-term, especially with solar
Environment Fossil fuel, higher emissions Cleaner, increasingly renewable
Convenience Needs connection or bottles Universal, works everywhere
Future Value Declining as rules push toward electric Strong future, aligned with net zero

Decision Guide: What’s Right for You?

Ask yourself:

  • Do I already have gas appliances that work well?
  • What are my main energy needs (heating, cooking, hot water)?
  • Do I have solar, or could I add it later?
  • Do I want to cut my carbon footprint?
  • Am I chasing short-term savings or long-term value?

General rule of thumb:

  • Stick with gas if you already have efficient appliances and set-up.
  • Choose electricity if you’re starting fresh, want to future-proof your home, or have solar panels.

Wrapping Up

There’s no single “best” answer when it comes to gas vs electricity. The right choice depends on your household, your budget, and your future goals.

But one thing is certain: comparing your options can save you serious money each year. So, if you’re looking to switch energy suppliers, Compare Energy Australia deals, or check out the best gas deals. DealExpert makes it simple. 

👉 Start an energy and gas comparison today and see how much you could save.

FAQs

Q: Can I switch to all-electric?

A: Yes. More homes are moving to all-electric set-ups using reverse-cycle air conditioning and heat pump hot water systems. There may be upfront costs, but you’ll save over time.

Q: Will I lose power if I switch energy suppliers?

A: No. The wires and pipes stay the same. You just start receiving bills from your new provider once the switch is complete.          

Q: What’s the easiest way to compare plans?

A: Using DealExpert to compare Energy Australia plans. Just enter your postcode and you’ll see the top energy and gas plans side-by-side.

Q: How often should I compare plans?

A: At least once a year. Prices and offers change, so reviewing your plan makes sure you’re not paying more than you need to.