Thinking of giving your home an energy upgrade? You’re not alone. More and more Aussies are ditching gas and switching to all-electric homes – a move that’s not just good for your wallet, but also a win for the planet.
What’s the Deal with Home Electrification?
In simple terms, home electrification means swapping out gas-powered appliances and systems for electric ones. Instead of burning gas for heating, hot water, cooking or even drying your clothes, you rely on electricity – ideally powered by renewables like solar and wind.
And with Australia's grid slowly but surely leaning into clean energy, it makes even more sense to plug into this future.
The All-Electric Home Makeover: What It Looks Like
- Heating and Cooling: Replace old gas systems with heat pumps, which are like reverse-cycle air conditioners. They’re super-efficient and can handle both heating and cooling duties.
- Hot Water: Heat pump water heaters are a top pick – they use ambient air to heat water and are far more energy-efficient than gas alternatives.
- Cooking: Induction cooktops are fast, precise, and a breeze to clean. Bonus: no more indoor pollution from gas burners.
- Clothes Drying: Electric heat pump dryers are another energy-efficient swap.
- Solar Power: Many homes pair electrification with rooftop solar, slashing energy bills and reducing grid reliance.
- Home Batteries: Store your solar energy for use after sunset or during peak pricing hours.
- EV Charging: Got an electric vehicle? Install a home charger and power your ride using clean energy.
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Think better insulation, sealing draughts, and installing efficient windows. These reduce your overall energy use and make electrification even more effective.
Why Make the Switch?
- Save Cash: Electric appliances, especially when paired with solar, often cost less to run than gas ones. Think long-term savings.
- Healthier Home: No gas means no combustion fumes – better air quality for you and your family.
- Safety First: Less risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure.
- Planet-Friendly: Swapping gas for electricity – particularly renewable electricity – drastically cuts your carbon emissions.
- Future-Ready: Energy prices are shifting, and the push for greener living is growing. An electric home is better equipped for what's ahead.
- Government Support: Rebates and incentives are often available to help cover upfront costs. Worth keeping an eye out!
Is Now the Right Time?
If you’re building or renovating, it’s a brilliant time to go all-in. While efficient electric appliances might cost more upfront, their lower running costs make up for it over time – especially with solar panels helping shoulder the load.
But even if you’re not building new, you can start small. Swapping out appliances as they age – like upgrading to an induction cooktop or installing a heat pump water heater – is a practical, budget-friendly approach.
What If You’re Renting?
Renters aren’t left out of the electrification game. Smart gadgets, like energy monitoring apps, smart plugs, or power boards, can help you cut down on usage and costs. And if you’ve got a good relationship with your landlord, chat about possible upgrades – some might even increase the property's value and be tax-deductible.
Electric Cars and Energy Savings
Charging an EV at home is a key part of electrification. If you’ve got solar, even better – charge during the day to avoid buying power from the grid. No solar? Some energy retailers offer off-peak EV charging plans, using cheaper, cleaner grid energy overnight.
What’s the Bottom Line?
According to Energy Victoria, a home with solar switching from gas to electric could save about $2,000 a year on energy bills. Even without solar, swapping to efficient electric appliances can still mean significant savings. Heating, cooling, and hot water account for over 60% of home energy use – so upgrading these can have a real impact.
In Victoria, a brand-new all-electric home could cost $880 less a year to run compared to a dual-fuel home. Add solar, and the savings can shoot up to $1,820 annually.
Source: energy.vic.gov.au - Save with an all-electric home
Ready to Electrify?
The electrified lifestyle isn’t just a pipe dream – it’s happening now, all across Australia. Whether you’re retrofitting or starting from scratch, there are tools, guides, and trusted service providers ready to help you on your way.
Switching off the gas and plugging into a cleaner, cheaper future? That’s a move worth making.
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