Efficient electric homes

Room heating is typically the largest energy user in the home. If you already have a reverse cycle (split system) air conditioner, start using it for heating instead of gas heating – you will notice the bill savings! Gas heating is no longer a cheap heating source, and a reverse cycle air conditioner is around four times more efficient than using gas.

Clean air filters regularly, at least at the start and end of winter, and have the unit serviced at least every two years to keep it operating efficiently. Watch this short video to learn how to clean your air conditioner in just minutes.

Set the temperature to between 18° to 20°C in winter and 24–26°C in summer. Every degree can add 10 per cent on to your bills. Only heat and cool the rooms in use. Use zoning where possible for ducted air conditioning or cover vents when not in use.  

You can have a quality, affordable reverse cycle air-conditioners (split systems) installed through our Home Energy Upgrades program. Our vetted supplier can advise you on the right size heating and cooling options to meet your needs.

The second largest energy user is usually hot water heating, with round 17% of a typical home energy bill spent on heating hot water.

Heat pump hot water systems are much more efficient than other systems and work well in Melbourne. Through our Home Energy Upgrades program our vetted supplier can install a quality, affordable heat pump hot water system. They will advise on an appropriate size system to meet your needs and budget, and help you access applicable government rebates.

A typical Victorian household can save more than $1,000 a year on electricity bills by installing rooftop solar to generate their own clean power. The largest savings are enjoyed by homes with all electric appliances used during the day. Through our Home Energy Upgrades program our vetted supplier can install quality, affordable rooftop solar. You can receive an obligation-free quote including expected applicable rebates, financial savings, emission reductions and payback periods.

Induction cooktops heat up quickly while leaving the surrounding surfaces cool to touch. You’ll also avoid the health risks of inhaling emissions from gas stoves. 

Through our Home Energy Upgrades program our vetted supplier can install a quality, affordable induction cooktop for a safe, healthier, energy efficient way to cook.

Thick, quality insulation helps keep you comfortable all year round by keeping warm air in during winter and excluding heat in summer. Effective ceiling, wall and underfloor insulation can reduce heat loss and gain by around 50%, with ceiling insulation making the biggest difference.

Our vetted supplier can install quality, affordable insulation through our Home Energy Upgrades program. The supplier can assess your needs and install bulk insulation batts in homes that lack insulation or top up existing insulation. Wall insulation and underfloor insulation are also available.

Gaps and cracks, such as around windows, doors and exhaust fans, can account for up to 25% of heat loss in winter, and allow hot air to enter in summer.

Sealing gaps with quality door and window seals prevents air leakage and improves comfort. Seal small cracks and gaps with a clear caulking gun, and larger gaps with expanding foam.

Safety note: If your home has unflued or open-flued gas heaters you need to maintain adequate ventilation to operate them safely. You should not seal any fixed vents that are required for gas ventilation. Learn more about ventilation for gas heaters.

Our vetted supplier can install quality, affordable draught proofing through our Home Energy Upgrades program.

Electric cars are quiet, non-polluting and cheap to run. They also need little maintenance and can be charged with clean renewable energy. Electric and cargo bikes are a great alternative to using a car.

If you’re planning for your next car to be an EV, see the Electric Vehicle Council’s detailed list of EVs available to buy in Australia and cost calculators. There is also an Electric Car Discount from the Australian Government.