How much does gas installation cost?

Gas is often a cheaper energy alternative as compared to electricity. That is one of the main reasons why many Australians choose to have gas installed in their homes. The average cost of installation for gas service is between $1,200 to $5,000. 

Gasfitters must be licenced to install gas services or repair gas lines because of the potential hazards involved. Labour is often one of the largest portions of the cost involved. Gas fitter rates are one of the more uniform labour markets in Australia. Here are some examples of what you could expect to pay in the different states.

Here are two of the main benefits of choosing gas appliances over electric ones:

Cheaper than electricity 

The main reason why Australians have gas appliances installed is the long-term cost of gas when compared to electricity. When you compare the gas utility cost to electricity, an electric clothes dryer will cost about 109c per hour, but an electric one will only cost about 60c per hour. An electric hot water tank will cost 396c per hour, while a gas one will cost about 240c per hour.

More environmentally friendly than electricity

Gas heat is considered to be more environmentally friendly than electricity. Gas is chemically simple and creates less pollution than coal-burning power plants. It produces lower levels of greenhouse gases, acid rain, and smog.

Several factors affect the cost of installation of gas appliances. Understanding some of these factors can help you make a better decision about which is right for you. Here are some examples:

Natural vs. LPG gas

Natural gas connection cost is often cheaper than LP (liquid petroleum) gas. There is no tank to install and secure, and all that needs to be done is to establish a connection to the local supply line. If natural gas is not available in your area, then you will need to have an LPG bottle or tank installed, which is an extra cost. These tanks need to be replaced when they run out. LPG companies will either charge you when you need it replaced or you will pay an annual fee to cover this cost.

How many outlets/gas appliances you want 

The cost of installing a gas line depends on how many gas appliances you want to add. If you add just an oven, the cost will be less than if you convert the entire house to gas. If your home had gas appliances at some point, the gas line replacement cost might be lower if the old lines are still up to regulation and in good enough shape to use. 

A gas cooktop / Source: Pipedream Plumbing & Draining

House size

The cost to get a gas line installed depends on the size of your house. For instance, if you have a two-storey house and need to supply hot water and heaters to the upstairs, it will cost more than for a small one-storey home. As a general rule, a bigger home size means more pipe to run. 

The complexity of the job

The cost to run a natural gas line from street to house depends on several factors. The slope of the land and distance will affect the cost. If the gas line must be installed under a sidewalk or driveway, it will add to the price. 

Pipework materials

Pipework materials significantly add to the gas line installation cost. Several components, including the natural gas connection and the cost of a gas metre, affect the total installation cost. The gas metre installation cost might be in addition to the cost for the gasfitter if the gas company itself must do it. 

Professional’s level of expertise

You can expect to pay more for a professional with many years of experience than for a newer gas fitter. One thing to consider is that while the professional might be higher in price when it comes to working with something like natural gas, the extra cost might be worth it.

Here are some typical costs for getting the most common gas appliances installed:

Gas line installation

Gas line installation costs between $1,200 for a simple job to upwards of $5,000 for a more complicated job. 

Hot water system

The average gas hot water heater cost can be anywhere from $750 to over $5,000, depending on the type of system that you get. 

Heating

Gas heater installation cost can range from $3,000 on the low end to over $12,000 on the high end. The type of system that you choose, brand, and size of your home are the most important factors. 

Oven/cooktop

The average gas cooktop installation cost is about $290, not including the cost of the actual appliance. For a combo oven/cooktop unit or a single oven, gas oven installation costs around $390. The price of a gas oven is on average between $400 and $2,300.

Fireplace

Gas fireplaces require a firebox, vent pipe and gas line. The total gas fireplace installation cost will depend on how many of these you need installed and is typically between $2,000 to $3,500. 

A gas fireplace / Source: The Gas Smith

The decision to switch to gas appliances can be expensive in the beginning, but the long-term differences can represent considerable savings over time. Selecting the right professional is the first step to making sure that the job is done correctly and safely. Here are a few tips for choosing the right gas fitting specialist. 

How to create an accurate estimate

When you call for services, there are few things that you can do to help your professional create an accurate estimate. 

• Have basic information ready, like the number of appliances that you will be installing
• Know the size of your home and number of storeys, if you will be installing hot water in the upstairs 
• Note any old gas lines that you have found in the home 

Licencing and qualifications

Only a licensed gasfitter can install or repair the gas system and its appliances. This is uniform nationwide across Australia. Some states might have stricter regulations, so be sure to check the qualifications that your professional must have before you hire. Here are a few questions to ask before you sign the contract. 

• Do you meet all local licensing requirements on national, state, and local levels? 
• Do you hold valid professional indemnity and public liability insurance? 
• Do you provide written estimates? 
• Do you provide a warranty or guarantee for your work?

Here are a few tips for saving some money when hiring a gas fitter. 

• Get at least three estimates from only local, qualified professionals. 
• Ask your professional if they can get any discounts on appliances. 
• Shop and compare appliance prices online before you make a purchase. 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources