Gas Appliances for a New Home: What You Can Run on Gas
1 September 2026Blog7 min
A guide to natural gas appliances in new homes: options and key considerations
When planning a new home, appliance and energy choices are often considered alongside layout, services and construction requirements. Considering appliance and energy options early can help you discuss space, services and installation requirements with your builder. Availability, eligibility and requirements vary by location and home design.
Natural gas covers more than heating and hot water. Cooktops, outdoor entertaining, and a few other appliance categories can run on natural gas too, depending on what's available in your area. This guide outlines appliance categories that may use natural gas, it also explains the practical questions to discuss with your builder and appropriately licensed tradespeople before finalising your plans.
Important information for Victorian new homes: New Victorian homes requiring a planning permit have been subject to restrictions on new reticulated natural-gas connections since 1 January 2024. From 1 January 2027, all new Victorian homes must be built all-electric. If your project is in Victoria, check the current requirements that apply to your property before selecting appliances or planning services. Different requirements may apply to LPG. Refer: Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap
Australian Gas Networks (AGN) distributes gas in parts of Australia. AGN does not sell gas plans, appliances or installation services. This article provides general information only and does not recommend a particular product, brand or energy option.
This guide provides general information to help you discuss appliance options, availability and applicable requirements with your builder and qualified professionals. It's here to help you weigh up the options before the key design stage closes off.
Key Summary:
- Cooking: Gas cooktops are one of several cooking appliance options that may be available in a new home.
- Outdoor living: Fixed gas points support BBQs, heaters, fire pits, pools and spas, if they're planned early.
- Planning window: Gas infrastructure is typically easier and less expensive to include when it's designed into the build from the start. Retrofitting later is still possible, it just takes more work.
- Installation: All gasfitting work and appliance installation must be carried out by an appropriately licensed gasfitter in accordance with relevant regulations and manufacturer instructions.
- Compliance: AGN is a gas distributor only. AGN does not sell gas plans, appliances or installation services.
Gas cooktops and ovens
Cooking is one of the ways new-build buyers add natural gas beyond heating and hot water, but it’s often not considered until kitchen design decisions have already been made.
According to NSW's energy efficiency guidance, induction cooktops use less energy than gas cooktops. Energy use and running cost aren't quite the same thing though, and energy.gov.au notes that cooking accounts for a small percentage of household energy costs, so the difference between cooktop types affects your bills far less than heating, cooling or hot water does. For many households the decision comes down to a combination of cooking preferences, household needs and energy considerations: gas provides instant, visual control and an open flame, while induction heats the pan directly and the cooktop surface generally remains cooler.
Here's how the two options compare across the factors that matter most at the design stage:
| Factor | Gas | Induction |
| Heat control | Instant, visual adjustment via flame size | Precise electronic control, faster response than an electric coil |
| Cooking style | Open flame allows wok cooking and charring, a point of difference for many cooking styles | Even heat across the base of the pan, though open-flame charring isn't possible |
| Cookware | Works with any cookware, including round-based woks | Needs flat-based cookware with a magnetic (ferrous) base |
| Energy efficiency | Some heat escapes around the pan during cooking | Less heat escapes into the kitchen, which can be more comfortable in summer |
| Cooktop surface | Stays hot near the flame during and after use, so care is needed around burn risk | The cooktop surface generally remains cooler because heat is transferred through the cookware, which may reduce burn risk |
| Power outage |
Some models may allow manual ignition via a pilot light or spark igniter. Always check the manufacturer's instructions first to ensure safe operation.
|
Needs mains power to operate at all |
| Cleaning | Grates and burner caps lift off but need regular cleaning | Flat glass surface wipes down easily, though it can show scratches |
| Build requirements | Needs a gas point plumbed to the cooktop location | Needs a dedicated electrical circuit , usually hard-wired by a licensed electrician |
Ventilation, clearances and installation requirements vary by appliance, kitchen design and jurisdiction. Confirm what applies to the appliance you choose before finalising your kitchen plans.
The most suitable option will depend on factors such as cooking preferences, household requirements, energy availability and installation considerations. Natural gas offers instant flame control, an open flame for cooking techniques such as wok cooking and flexibility in cookware choice. Induction generally uses less energy and provides a cooking surface that remains cooler than a gas cooktop, which may appeal to some households, including those with rooftop solar. See our guide to find out more about gas cooktop or induction for new home.
If you're finalising kitchen plans, discuss appliance requirements with your builder or licensed tradesperson to ensure any necessary gas or electrical infrastructure is considered during the design process.
Natural gas hot water systems
Hot water is one of the appliance categories households may consider when selecting energy systems for a new home. Storage and continuous-flow gas hot-water systems are available, with continuous flow systems common in newer builds because they take up less space and deliver hot water on demand rather than storing it. Storage systems keep heated water in a tank. Space, capacity, demand and installation requirements vary by model and household.
Choosing between gas, solar and electric hot water systems involves a range of factors, including household hot water usage, property location, available space, installation requirements and ongoing maintenance. See our guide to choosing the right hot water system, which outlines factors such as household demand, location and installation considerations.
The most suitable system will depend on your household's hot water needs, site conditions, available energy sources, system capacity and budget. Consider the options available for your property and seek advice from qualified professionals before making a decision.
Natural gas heating
Ducted heating and gas space heaters are two types of gas-heating appliances available in some homes. Some ducted heating systems can be configured to heat multiple areas and may offer zoning options, depending on the system design. Energy.gov.au notes that heating only the rooms in use can help reduce energy use compared with heating the entire home at once, where the system allows this. Space heaters may suit smaller areas or homes without ducted heating. Running costs vary with appliance efficiency, system size, local energy prices, climate, home insulation, household usage and zoning. Any cost information should be based on current, location-specific assumptions.
Gas-heating installation, servicing and repair work should be completed by appropriately licensed gasfitter or qualified professionals in accordance with the law, relevant standards and manufacturer instructions. Check the requirements that apply in your state or territory.
See our natural gas heater buying guide for general information about appliance types and sizing considerations.
Outdoor gas appliances
Outdoor areas may also accommodate natural gas appliances where a gas connection is available and appropriate infrastructure has been included in the design, subject to appliance specifications, site conditions and professional installation requirements. Check if natural gas is available in your street.
Gas outdoor heaters, BBQs, outdoor kitchens and gas fires supplied from a fixed gas point may be suitable options for some new builds. Gas-powered pool and spa heating systems may also be available. Fixed natural gas appliances and portable LPG barbecues have different supply and installation considerations, and a qualified professional can advise what may be feasible for your property and when any required works should be incorporated into the construction process.
Connecting compatible outdoor appliances to a fixed natural gas supply may remove the need to replace LPG cylinders. Where a connection is being considered, planning for it early in the design phase is generally simpler than arranging installation after the slab has been poured.
| If you are considering a fixed appliance connection, ask your builder and appropriately licensed tradespeople to assess the relevant requirements during the design process. Feasibility, timing and cost vary by property and location. |
Other natural gas appliance options
A few less common gas appliance categories may also be worth considering, although they may not suit every home or location. Natural-gas fireplaces are available in some locations as a heating appliance and design feature. Confirm appliance suitability, clearances, ventilation and installation requirements with an appropriately qualified professional.
Gas clothes dryers are another appliance category available in some locations, subject to appliance compatibility, availability and installation requirements. AGN’s guide to outdoor and other gas appliances provides further general information about categories such as pool and spa heating and laundry appliances.
Availability, eligibility and feasibility depend on your address, local requirements, appliance type and home design. Treat this guide as a starting point for discussion with your builder, designer and appropriately licensed gasfitter or tradespeople rather than a guarantee that a particular option will be available.
Planning gas appliance requirements for a new home
Appliance selections are often easier to accommodate when considered during the early design stages of a build. Your builder or designer can advise on the requirements for the appliances you are considering, including available services, space, clearances and installation. Requirements, feasibility, timing and cost depend on the home design, property conditions, appliance choice and local rules.
Gasfitting work must be undertaken by appropriately licensed gasfitter or qualified professionals in accordance with applicable legal and technical requirements. Other qualified trades may also be needed, depending on the appliance and installation.
Consult appropriately qualified professionals during the design stage to assess what is feasible for your home and location. Availability, eligibility, installation requirements and connection arrangements can vary.
Frequently asked questions
In some homes, it may be possible to add natural-gas appliances after construction. This will depend on gas availability, connection eligibility, appliance compatibility, the property layout, required pipework, clearances and applicable requirements. Before making plans, speak with an appropriately licensed gasfitter about what may be feasible for your home.
Victorian customers should also check whether any planning-permit conditions restrict a new connection to reticulated natural gas.
Availability depends on your specific location and the appliance type, since not every category is offered everywhere across AGN's SA, QLD, NSW and NT network areas. Check with a licensed gasfitter or with AGN directly for what's available at your address.
Connection requirements, eligibility criteria and approvals may differ between jurisdictions. Check current requirements that apply at your address before making decisions.
The bottom line
Where natural gas is available and permitted, compatible appliances may include cooktops, hot-water systems, heating, fireplaces and some outdoor appliances. The options available for a particular home depend on the address, connection eligibility, appliance compatibility, home design and applicable requirements.
When planning appliance selections, discuss the energy and appliance options available for your home with your builder and appropriately licensed tradespeople. They can advise on suitability, available services, space, clearances and installation requirements.
Check what applies at your address
Gas availability, connection eligibility, approval requirements, fees and timeframes can vary by jurisdiction and address. Check current requirements before making appliance, design or construction decisions.
If you're still deciding, talk to a licensed gasfitter or your builder now, while it's still a line on a drawing rather than a retrofit. AGN’s gasfitter tool can help you locate an appropriately licensed professional in relevant areas.
Important information
Australian Gas Networks (AGN) is a gas distributor in parts of Australia. AGN does not sell gas plans, appliances or installation services, and this guide does not recommend a particular product, brand or energy option.
Costs and running-cost factors mentioned in this article are general and will vary by system, household, and location; AGN does not set or publish fixed pricing for gas appliances or installation.
Gasfitting work must be carried out by appropriately licensed gasfitter or qualified professionals in accordance with the requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.
This article provides general information only and does not take account of your personal circumstances. It is not a substitute for advice from your builder, appropriately licensed gasfitter or another qualified professional.
New gas connection requirements may apply in Victoria. Before including gas appliances or infrastructure in your new home plans, please confirm eligibility, connection availability, approval requirements and any applicable charges for your property.
Gas connection availability, eligibility, approval requirements, fees and timeframes vary by jurisdiction and address, and may change. Check the current requirements applicable to your property before making appliance, design or construction decisions.
If you smell gas or are concerned about gas safety, follow the emergency instructions for your area. Do not use flames, electrical switches or appliances. If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas supply. Leave the area and call the gas emergency number from a safe location: 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532)
References
- Induction cooktops, energy.nsw.gov.au, for the relative energy use of induction and gas cooktops
- Heating and cooling, energy.gov.au, for ducted gas heating zoning and servicing
- Appliances, energy.gov.au, for cooking as a share of household energy costs
All information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing (September 2026)
