What Is a Gas Conversion?
A gas conversion means replacing your home’s gas-powered appliances — like central heating, water heating, or cooking — with efficient, modern electric alternatives. It involves safely removing or disconnecting existing gas systems, installing the new electric appliance(s), and upgrading your electrical infrastructure if needed.
At Lite Energy, our gas-conversion service helps you make this switch smoothly, whether you’re converting just one appliance or your entire home. As we note on our service page, we cover everything: gas hot water to electric or heat pump, gas heating to ducted or standard electric, and even gas cooking to electric.
Why Convert Off Gas?
Rising Gas Costs
Gas line charges, especially in New Zealand, are becoming a major expense for many households. By switching to electric heating, hot water, or cooking, you reduce or even eliminate your exposure to these fixed (and variable) gas costs.Better Efficiency
Electric heat pumps are far more efficient than traditional gas systems. According to government- and industry-backed data, heat pumps can achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 3–4 — meaning for every 1 kWh of electricity used, they produce 3–4 kWh of heat. Likewise, modern hot-water heat pump cylinders use much less energy to heat water than gas or traditional electric storage.Emissions & Health Benefits
Gas appliances (especially natural gas) produce CO₂ emissions and can leak methane — a potent greenhouse gas. Switching to electric (especially when paired with renewable sources like solar) reduces your carbon footprint.Unlock Your Solar Potential
If you already have—or plan to install—solar panels, going electric unlocks more value. You can use your solar energy directly to power heating, hot water, and cooking instead of relying on gas.Flexible & Future-Proof
Upgrades don’t have to happen all at once. You can convert piece by piece—start with hot water, then heating, then cooking. Lite Energy offers staged or hybrid conversions to make this easier.Plus, once you’ve converted, you may be able to completely disconnect from the gas network and avoid ongoing supply charges.
The Benefits of Converting
Here’s why many of our customers decide to make the leap:
Lower Long-Term Costs: While the upfront conversion cost can be significant, many homeowners save money over time. Electric appliances (especially heat pumps) use energy more efficiently than gas, and you can avoid or reduce gas line fees.
Improved Home Comfort: Heat pumps offer consistent, controlled heating. Hot water heat pumps provide plenty of hot water efficiently. Electric cooking can offer finer temperature control (especially induction).
Safety: No more potential leaks, combustion, or gas-related risks inside the home.
Sustainability: You reduce your home’s carbon emissions — especially powerful if your electricity comes from a renewable source like solar.
Increased Property Value: Electrified homes with efficient systems are increasingly attractive to buyers and may align with future building standards.
What Does a Conversion Cost?
Costs can vary significantly depending on:
How many gas appliances you’re replacing
Whether your switchboard or wiring needs upgrading
The complexity of installation (e.g., relocating pipes, removing old systems)
The type of electric system you choose (heat-pump, electric cylinder, etc.)
Here are some guideline numbers based on previous installs:
Converting a gas hot water system to a Electric or heat pump hot water system can cost anywhere from NZD ~$6500 for a standard Electric to ~$10,000 for a hot water heat pump, depending on the size of the unit and installation complexity.
Heating Conversion costs can range from a few thousand for a Hi-wall heatpump for a single room to easily up to $20,000 + for a whole home ducted solution
Cooking Conversion costs are usually pretty consistant and range around the $1000 – $1300 range but this is not including the cost of the cooktop chosen or any other building costs that may be required.
- Retrofit estimates for a full gas appliance conversion (hot water, heating, and cooking) average anywhere from around NZD $16,000–$40,000. and are determined by many factors including unit type and brand and installation conditions.
When selecting a system, also consider warranties, maintenance, and whether your electrical infrastructure needs an upgrade – Lite Energy can help guide you through all of this to make the process as smooth as possible.
Challenges & Considerations
Before converting, here are some common factors to watch:
Electrical Infrastructure: Your switchboard may need upgrading, or your wiring may not be sized to support new electric heating loads.
Staged Conversions vs All-at-Once: If budget is a concern, converting in stages (e.g., hot water first, heating later) can make the process more affordable.
Noise & Efficiency: Heat-pump hot water systems have compressors and fans; they can be audible if not located well.
Warranty: Heat pump units have varied warranty lengths — it’s important to check.
Disconnecting Gas Supply: If you’re removing gas completely, you may want to decommission your gas meter or gas line and beware of the hidden costs associate with this, ask your retailer the cost to disconnect!
How Lite Energy Helps
Full Consultation: We evaluate your current gas setup, energy use, and goals.
Tailored Recommendations: We’ll propose the right electric alternative for your needs — whether that’s a heat pump, electric cylinder, induction cooktop, or all three.
Professional Installation: Our licensed electricians and plumbers handle everything — from disconnecting gas to wiring, mounting, testing, and commissioning.
Flexible Approach: We can do the work in stages if you don’t want to convert everything at once.
Compliance & Safety: We follow all relevant NZ electrical and plumbing standards to ensure your new system is safe, efficient, and long-lasting.
Switching off gas is more than just a trend — it’s a practical, cost-saving, and future-proof decision. With rising gas prices, increased line charges, and more efficient electric technologies (especially heat pumps), the financial and environmental arguments are getting stronger by the day.
If you’re curious about what converting your home could realistically cost — or how to begin — get in touch with Lite Energy. We’ll walk you through the options, provide a tailored quote, and make sure your home transition is smooth, safe, and smart.
