Have you wondered which is the best way to fulfil the energy needs of your home? Gas or electricity? Both types of fuels have their own set of pros and cons. The key is to pick one that best suits your daily requirements.
Before you set out to find the cheapest gas and electricity plans, find out more about the different facets of each option.
Gas Or Electricity? Which is More Affordable?
To understand the cost factor, compare the upfront and the ongoing costs associated with the fuel choice.
- Electrical appliances cost slightly lower than gas appliances. When you move from the primary heating and cooking appliance to more complex ones like the heat pump hot water systems, costs escalate. If you want to increase your home’s electrical capacity to accommodate advanced appliances, you can talk to an electrician. This again involves a cost. With gas appliances, you need a professional to assist with the installation of gas supply points. It involves labour as well as material costs.
- The cost of running your electrical appliances depends on your electricity distributor and state. Rates per kilowatt-hour vary between 20 and 35 cents. You may also have to pay an additional supply charge. Gas comes with a fixed supply charge per annum. But the cost of gas gets cheaper as your usage increases. Gas is a better option for medium to big households.
Choosing the cheapest gas and electricity plan alone does not fetch sufficient cost savings in the long run. It would be best if you considered the multiple factors before making a wise decision.
Is Gas More Reliable than Electricity?
Losing power supply even for a few hours can turn out to be a great inconvenience for most families. Electricity outages are common in areas with a supply issue, unfavourable weather conditions, or high demand.
Gas, on the other hand, is a more reliable option. Unplanned gas supply outages are very rare.
Does Household Size and Location Matter?
Upfront installation costs are pretty high when you choose natural gas (installation of gas supply outlets). In contrast, installation costs are minimal for electricity unless you choose to upgrade to a higher amp capacity.
It has also been seen that smaller households with less usage may take longer to recover the upfront investment than households with higher usage.
The gas and electricity plans vary from one state to another. It is also to be noted that the weather conditions of a location can also impact energy options. For instance, in places with long and extreme winters, electrical appliances like heat pumps perform poorly as compared to gas.
Opting for Clean Energy
Solar energy is the cleanest option. Gas and electricity follow closely. When you choose a cleaner energy source, you contribute less towards harmful carbon emissions and the greenhouse effect. Therefore, you can carefully evaluate various energy options and pick the one that suits you the best.
A Final Word
It is hard to declare any one source of energy as the best. Compare costs and other factors of energy sources within your state to find the best and cheapest gas and electricity plans. Consider other factors like reliability, eco-friendliness, etc., and prioritise your needs. You may also choose to have a mix of both fuel options for your home.
