GloBird Energy is getting close to launching our gas offering: we’re just in the final stages of getting everything in place, from contracts with suppliers through to the website interface for you to sign up with us.
It’s fairly common here in Australia for people to use a mix of electricity and gas for their energy needs, although the balance between the two differs by region and type of home.
You’ve probably already got gas, but you might not know why it’s good to have, so we’ve taken this opportunity to look at the main advantages of having natural gas in your domestic energy mix.
Consistent
Natural gas is always there when you need it and you never have to worry about running out of fuel or arranging for deliveries. Many natural gas appliances will operate during a power outage, so you can still stay warm, have hot water and cook on a gas cooktop.
Because gas is supplied to your premises via underground pipes, disruption to the supply is extremely rare. For one thing, it’s not susceptible to storm-related outages, as the poles and wires that connect you to the electricity grid can be,
Convenient
Within your home, natural gas provides instant, on-demand heat through ducted heating or gas heaters, and for a reliable and steady flow of hot water.
And while we understand that some people like the romance of a flickering log fire, with gas heating there’s no need to buy or chop and stack wood, and no ashes or odours.
Versatile
Natural gas can do more than heat your home. It can be used for water heating, clothes drying, cooking, and to power mood-setting fireplaces that replicate the flicker of an open fire (without the mess and fuss). It can also be used outdoors for barbecuing, gas lighting, and even to heat your swimming pool or hot tub.
Low maintenance
Because natural gas is a relatively clean fuel, with no visible residue, gas heating and cooling equipment needs very little maintenance or repairs over the years.
Affordable
Where appliances can be either gas or electric, using gas is often the cheaper option. For example, cooking with gas usually costs quite a bit less than using electricity to cook at the same heat for the same length of time.
Gas water heaters are also favoured because of their efficiency, both in terms of cost and reduced emissions.
Although they’re not as common, gas clothes dryers heat up and dry your clothes faster than electric dryers do, making them a little more energy efficient and also gentler on fabrics.
The exception, according to Choice, is heating. While using a gas heater – particularly in a small space – is still likely to cost considerably less than an equivalent portable electric heater, modern reverse-cycle air conditioners are the most efficient and cost-effective option (after the cost of purchase and installation, of course).
There may come a day when all electrical appliances are more affordable to buy and more efficient to run, but for most of us, that’s a little way off yet.
Meanwhile, we know that many households like to get their electricity and gas from the same retailer, so we look forward to unveiling our gas offer very shortly. Stay tuned!