How to Electrify Your Home in Victoria — A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide

Victoria is leading the charge towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, and electrifying your home is one of the most impactful steps you can take. Not only will you significantly reduce your carbon footprint, but you'll also enjoy substantial savings on your energy bills. With gas prices on the rise and the Victorian government offering generous rebates, there's never been a better time to make the switch.

This guide from Climate Green Melbourne will walk you through the process, step by step, to help you transform your home into an efficient, all-electric oasis.

Why Go All-Electric in Victoria?

The benefits are compelling:

• Significant Bill Savings: All-electric homes are cheaper to run, especially when paired with solar. Victorian households are already saving hundreds, even thousands, of dollars annually by switching from gas to efficient electric appliances.

• Reduced Emissions: As Victoria's electricity grid increasingly relies on renewable sources, an all-electric home becomes a truly zero-emissions home, directly contributing to climate action.

• Enhanced Comfort and Health: Modern electric appliances, like reverse cycle air conditioners, offer superior heating and cooling, often with air purification benefits. Induction cooktops are faster, safer, and eliminate indoor air pollutants associated with gas cooking.

• Increased Home Value: Energy-efficient homes are highly sought after, boosting your property's appeal and value.

• Greater Energy Independence: With solar panels and battery storage, you'll have more control over your energy supply and reduce reliance on the grid.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Electrification

Electrifying your home doesn't have to happen overnight. It's often a phased approach, replacing appliances as they reach the end of their lifespan.

Step 1: Make a Plan and Set a Budget

• Assess Your Current Appliances: Identify all the appliances in your home that currently run on gas (heating, hot water, cooktop, oven).

• Prioritise Replacements: Generally, heating and hot water systems consume the most gas, so these are excellent places to start for maximum savings. Consider which appliances are oldest and most in need of an upgrade.

• Research Electric Alternatives: Explore efficient electric options like reverse cycle air conditioners (for heating and cooling), heat pump hot water systems, and induction cooktops. Look for energy-star ratings.

• Set a Realistic Budget: Factor in the cost of new appliances and professional installation. Remember, the long-term savings often outweigh the upfront investment, especially with rebates.

Step 2: Leverage Victorian Government Rebates and Incentives

Victoria offers fantastic support to help you electrify your home. Don't miss out on these opportunities:

• Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program: This program offers discounts and rebates on a range of energy-saving products, including:

  • Heating and Cooling: Discounts of up to $1,610 for replacing gas heaters with efficient reverse cycle air conditioners, and up to $5,530 for replacing ducted gas heaters.

  • Hot Water: Discounts of up to $560 for installing a heat pump water heater.

  • Cooking: Rebates of around $140 for purchasing an induction cooktop if you have an existing gas cooktop.

• Solar Homes Program (Solar Victoria):

  • Solar Panel (PV) Rebate: Eligible households can claim rebates of 50% up to $1,400, plus an equivalent interest-free loan for rooftop solar panels.

  • Hot Water Rebate: Rebates up to 50% of the cost of installing hot water systems, with a maximum of $1,400 for eligible systems with local content, and $1,000 for imported systems.

  • Solar Battery Loan: Interest-free loans of up to $8,800 are available for solar batteries.

• Residential Electrification Grants: Solar Victoria offers grants to innovative organisations that deliver projects embedding renewable energy and efficient hot water products in Victorian homes at scale. Check with approved providers for potential direct benefits.

Pro Tip: Many installers and retailers are accredited under these programs and can help you navigate the application process to maximise your savings.

Step 3: Upgrade Your Key Appliances

• Heating & Cooling (Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners): This is often the biggest gas consumer. A modern reverse cycle split system or ducted system provides efficient heating and cooling from a single unit. It's vastly more efficient and cost-effective than traditional gas heating.

• Hot Water (Heat Pump Water Heaters): Heat pump hot water systems are incredibly efficient, using ambient air to heat water, significantly reducing your hot water bills and emissions.

• Cooking (Induction Cooktops & Electric Ovens): Induction cooktops offer precise control, rapid heating, and are safer and easier to clean than gas stovetops. Pair it with an energy-efficient electric oven for a fully electrified kitchen.

Step 4: Consider Solar Panels and Battery Storage

Once you've replaced your gas appliances, investing in solar panels and a home battery can supercharge your electrification journey:

• Solar Panels (PV): Generate your own clean electricity, drastically reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your bills even further.

• Battery Storage: Store excess solar energy generated during the day to use at night, maximising your self-sufficiency and providing backup power during outages.

Step 5: Disconnect from Gas

Once your final gas appliance has been replaced with an electric alternative, contact your gas retailer to arrange for the disconnection of your gas meter and line. This will eliminate those annoying daily supply charges and truly complete your all-electric transition.

Step 6: Plan for the Future

Think about other ways to further enhance your home's energy efficiency:

• Insulation and Draught Proofing: Improve your home's thermal performance to reduce heating and cooling needs.

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Consider an EV and explore smart charging solutions that can utilise your home's solar power.

• Smart Home Energy Monitoring: Gain real-time insights into your energy consumption to optimise usage and savings.

Ready to Electrify Your Home?

Electrifying your home in Victoria is a wise investment that pays dividends for your wallet, your comfort, and the planet. By following these steps and taking advantage of the generous government incentives, you can confidently embark on your all-electric journey.

For more information and to connect with trusted local experts, explore the resources available through Solar Victoria and Sustainability Victoria. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable Melbourne.

Climate Green Melbourne is committed to helping our community embrace a low-carbon future. Stay tuned for more tips and insights on sustainable living!