With gas prices rising and the Victorian Government’s Gas Substitution Roadmap in full swing, more homeowners in Melbourne’s north are asking the same question: “Is it time to cut the gas pipe?”
At Melbourne Gas & Air Conditioning Group (MGAG), we believe the answer is yes—but only if you do it right. As Dual Trade Plumbing and Electrical experts, we have helped hundreds of families in Mernda, Doreen, South Morang, Epping, and Eltham make the switch seamlessly.
Here is everything you need to know about future-proofing your home with an electric home upgrade.
Why Switch from Gas to Electric?
It’s not just about being green; it’s about your bank balance.
- Eliminate Supply Charges: Even if you barely use your gas heater, you are paying a daily supply charge. By fully electrifying, you abolish this cost entirely (saving approx. $300–$400/year just in fixed fees).
- Healthier Homes: Gas cooktops release particulates that can trigger asthma. Switching to an induction cooktop removes open flames and fumes from your kitchen.
- Solar Compatibility: If you have solar panels (or plan to get them), your electric heating and hot water can essentially run for free during the day.
The MGAG “One-Call” Difference
Most companies you call for a gas to electric conversion in Melbourne are just sales teams. They hire a plumber for the pipes and a separate electrician for the wiring. This leads to scheduling nightmares and finger-pointing if something goes wrong.
At MGAG, we are Dual Trade specialists. We handle the entire scope in-house:
- Decommissioning your old gas meter and piping (Plumbing).
- Upgrading your switchboard to handle new loads (Electrical).
- Installing your new Reverse Cycle AC, Heat Pump, or Induction Cooktop (Dual Trade).
Step-by-Step: Your Electric Home Upgrade
1. Heating & Cooling (The Biggest Energy User)
Replace your old gas ducted heating with a modern Reverse Cycle Split System or Ducted Electric system. These units are 300–500% efficient compared to gas heaters.
- Learn more about our.
2. Hot Water (The “Thermal Battery”)
Old gas storage units are inefficient. We install Heat Pump Hot Water systems that absorb heat from the air to heat your water. They use a fraction of the energy of a standard electric element.
- See our page for VEU rebate details.
3. Cooking (The Final Step)
Once the heating and hot water are sorted, we replace your gas stove with an Induction Cooktop. This is often the final step that allows us to call the gas company and request a “Service Abolishment” (total disconnection).
Local Rebates for the Northern Suburbs
Living in the City of Whittlesea (Mernda, Doreen, Epping, South Morang)? You may be eligible for specific energy efficiency grants alongside the state-wide Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. As an authorized provider, we handle the paperwork to ensure you get the maximum discount at the point of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a gas to electric conversion cost in Melbourne? A: Costs vary depending on your home’s age and switchboard capacity. However, with VEU rebates, you can save thousands on the upfront cost of heat pumps and air conditioners. Contact us for a free site assessment in Melbourne’s north.
Q: Do I need to upgrade my switchboard? A: Often, yes. Older homes in Eltham or Epping may have single-phase boards that cannot handle the load of an all-electric home. Our in-house electricians assess this during your quote.
Q: Can you remove my gas meter? A: We handle the “Service Abolishment” request. While there is a fee charged by the gas distributor (approx. $235 depending on your zone) to physically remove the meter, the savings on daily supply charges usually pay this back within a year.
