Gas heater replacement across Greater Hobart.

When like-for-like replacement is the right call.

A like-for-like gas-to-gas swap is usually the simplest answer when:

• The existing flue path is intact and complies with AS/NZS 5601
• The existing gas service has capacity for a modern, slightly higher-output appliance
• You like the radiant heat profile of a gas appliance (different feel from a heat-pump warm-air output)
• You want minimum disruption — a like-for-like swap is typically a single-day job
• You have a Real Flame log-fire effect heater you want to keep aesthetically

Cost: $2,000–$5,500 supply-and-install depending on appliance type. Open-flued radiant or convection replacement at the low end, fan-flued or balanced-flue at the mid range, in-built log-fire-effect unit at the upper end.

When reverse-cycle conversion is the better answer.

Conversion to a reverse-cycle heat pump (split system or ducted) makes more sense when:

• The existing appliance is more than 15 years old and parts availability is limited
• The existing flue is corroded, non-compliant or expensive to rework
• The house has been heavily retrofit-sealed and open-flued spillage risk is a concern
• You want both heating and cooling in the same unit
• You qualify for the Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan Scheme (interest-free finance, eligible appliances)
• The household electricity tariff (especially with rooftop solar) makes the running-cost gap meaningful

Modern reverse-cycle split systems run at a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.0+ at Hobart winter temperatures, meaning four units of heat output for every unit of electricity in. That’s a meaningful running-cost advantage over an open-flued gas heater at 60–75% efficiency. We’ll walk through the property-specific numbers at quote stage.

The full conversion process.

1. Site assessment. Room volume, heating load calculation, existing electrical supply, existing gas service, suitable outdoor unit location, indoor unit location.
2. Energy Saver Loan eligibility check. Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan Scheme paperwork prepared. STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate) eligibility confirmed.
3. Old heater decommissioning. Gas isolated, appliance removed, gas service capped or isolated as appropriate. Decommissioning Certificate of Compliance lodged with TasNetworks Gas.
4. Reverse-cycle install. Outdoor compressor unit mounted, refrigerant lines run, indoor unit installed, electrical supply connected by a licensed electrician (our partner spark).
5. Commissioning. Refrigerant charged, controls programmed, full function test on heating and cooling cycles, customer handover.
6. Documentation. Gas decommissioning Certificate of Compliance, electrical installation certificate, STC paperwork, warranty registration.

Pricing band breakdown.

• Like-for-like gas-to-gas (open-flued radiant or convection): $2,000–$3,200 supply-and-install.
• Like-for-like gas-to-gas (fan-flued or balanced-flue upgrade): $2,800–$4,500.
• Like-for-like gas log-fire-effect heater: $3,500–$5,500.
• Decommission gas + reverse-cycle split-system install (single zone): $3,500–$5,500 before rebate.
• Decommission gas + reverse-cycle install (multi-head or larger room): $5,000–$8,000 before rebate.
• Full ducted-gas removal + ducted reverse-cycle install: $9,000–$16,000 before rebate.

Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan Scheme — what you should know.

The Tasmanian Government’s Energy Saver Loan Scheme offers interest-free finance for eligible energy-efficient appliances including reverse-cycle heat pumps, hot-water heat pumps and double-glazing upgrades. Loan amounts and eligibility windows change periodically — we’ll confirm current terms at quote stage. Combined with federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) on eligible reverse-cycle systems, the effective upfront cost of a gas-to-electric conversion is meaningfully lower than the sticker price.

Gas decommissioning — do it properly.

A decommissioned gas service is not just "turn off the meter". Proper decommissioning involves:

• Isolation valve closure at the appliance and at the meter
• Capping of the appliance gas connection
• Capping of the service line if no other gas appliances remain
• Full removal of the meter where the entire gas service is being abandoned (TasGas application)
• Decommissioning Certificate of Compliance lodged with TasNetworks Gas
• Owner handover documentation for future conveyancing

Without proper decommissioning the next owner inherits a paperwork mess and potentially a non-compliant capped line. We do the full decommissioning as part of every conversion job.

Related services

For brand-new builds and first-time installs see new gas heater installation. If the existing heater is recent and just needs the AS 4575 service, see annual gas heater service. Wider region coverage on the Greater Hobart page.