Commercial Plumber: To Gas or Not to Gas: Evaluating Your Home’s Energy Options in Wellington East
To Gas or Not to Gas: Evaluating Your Home’s Energy Options in Wellington East
Deciding between gas and electric energy solutions involves more than just cost and efficiency—it’s about capacity, comfort, and long-term value. In Wellington East homes, residents often ask: “Electricity is more efficient and cleaner—so why choose gas?” The answers lie in practical considerations and regional constraints.
Power and Capacity
Residential power supply typically uses a 60Amp cable, with around 30Amps (9.6kW) available for heating. That’s sufficient for a single heat pump, but compared to gas, it’s limited. Gas furnaces can deliver 18–23kW or even 32kW–three times more power, ideal for large homes or rapid warmth. To match this output with heat pumps, you’d need multiple units—tripling installation costs to $30,000–$45,000 compared to a typical $15,000 gas setup.
Electrical Load and Limitations
Your home’s fixed electrical load includes ovens or induction hobs, water heating, and general lighting, all drawing power from that same 60Amp supply. With three heat pumps (about 15kW) plus a heat pump water heater, you max out. On cold nights with calm wind, electricity demand spikes and supply may struggle, driving prices higher—sometimes three times more than natural gas.
Installation Costs and Real Output
Installing gas appliances is often cheaper. A 5kW gas heater runs consistently, while a 5kW heat pump rarely reaches that capacity in winter—it’s more like 2–3kW. So while heat pumps are efficient under ideal conditions, real-world performance lags behind gas for high-output needs.
Energy Source and Environmental Impact
Yes, electricity can be cleaner, especially when generated from renewables. New Zealand’s grid is about 90% renewable, but winter shortages are still met with coal-powered generators–offsetting clean credentials. Gas, mostly methane with fewer particulates, can sometimes prove cleaner in certain winter scenarios. Biogas—made from forestry or food waste—offers a sustainable replacement for natural gas and is slowly gaining traction.
Power Infrastructure and Future Planning
Switching en masse to electric heating would require major upgrades to national power generation and transmission. Droughts delaying hydro replenishment can reduce capacity, pushing prices up. Solar alone won’t meet peak winter demand in Wellington due to lower winter generation. Comprehensive solutions such as new dams, offshore wind, or nuclear are needed—but they are costly and face long-term regulatory hurdles.
Impact on Industry & Economy
Gas plays a vital role in NZ’s heavy industries—steel, food processing, pulp and paper, meatworks. Removing gas without affordable and reliable alternatives could risk rural employment, core industries, and NZ’s economic stability.
What It All Means for Your Home
If your priority is high output, installation cost control, and reliable heating in cold weather, gas remains a sensible choice for many homes in Wellington East. If your household heating needs are modest and you’re willing to invest in efficient heat pump setups and handle higher upfront cost, electric heating is a greener, future-oriented option.
Ultimately, energy decisions hinge on your heating needs, budget, space constraints, and long-term goals. Whether choosing gas or electric, planning ahead ensures comfort, reliability, and responsible resource use in Wellington’s dynamic energy terrain.