Gas in the home
Many Queenslanders use gas to cook their meals, heat their household water, and in the cooler regions, warm their homes.
Benefits of gas
Gas is a clean-burning energy source, and has environmental benefits over coal-fired electricity. The energy we use at home is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from Australian households. The average household's energy use is responsible for about eight tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas, per year. Changing from electricity to gas for heating water and cooking can reduce a household's CO2 emissions by about 2.3 tonnes.
Gas is efficient, safe and environmentally friendly and Queenslanders are increasingly considering gas as part of their houshold's energy mix.
Types of gas
There are two types of gas that a household may use - natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Natural gas consists mainly of methane and is reticulated, or piped, to your home.
LPG occurs naturally, or is produced as a by-product of oil refining. It can be either piped to your home or supplied in cylinders. In Australia almost all the LPG used in domestic and recreational use is 100 percent propane.
Household appliances use either natural gas or LPG. Different burners are needed in appliances for the two types of gas, and appliances can be converted to use either natural gas or LPG. However, all gas installations and conversions must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter.
Last Updated 04 June 2007
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