The time is now to transition to a clean 100% renewable energy economy, using solar, wind and energy storage for all power needs. Switching from gas appliances to modern, efficient electric appliances for heating and cooking in the home is a great place to start!
Making the switch will improve your home comfort, air quality and safety and will also result in significant energy bill savings in the long run.
Follow these six steps to run your home on all-electric and renewable energy. Remember, this list can be part of a long term plan so you’ll be ready when your current appliances come to the end of their life.
Step One: Switch your power
Many electricity retailers now offer renewable energy at no extra cost as part of your electricity bill. The Green Electricity Guide provides an up to date list of the top renewable energy deals available in Australia. The energy market is changing and cheap renewable energy will continue to come onto the electricity grid.
Solar power is the cheapest electricity available and a solar system is a really good investment that will save you money over time. The Brimbank Community Solar program offers a council vetted installer option that invests back into renewables in the community. Solar Victoria’s Solar Rebates for Rental Properties scheme is a great option if you are renting.
Step two: Heat your home with a split system air conditioner
In Melbourne, heating costs can be the most expensive household cost. The good news is, heating using a split system air conditioner costs approximately half the amount to heat a home per day than gas heating.
For many, this will be as easy as switching the split system air conditioner you already use for cooling to heating mode, just look for the sun symbol on your remote.
Alternatively, you could be eligible for a $1000 rebate to upgrade your gas, electric or wood heater to a new split system air conditioner and heater through the Home Heating and Cooling upgrade program.
Step three: Switch from gas to electric hot water
Hot water heating can account for a quarter of average household energy costs.
The good news is, modern electric heat pump hot water systems cost about half as much to operate compared to gas hot water systems. Plus, if your house is connected to solar you can program your heat pump system to heat water while the sun is shining, making the best use of cheap solar energy!
Get ready to switch to heat pump hot water when you can, this may be when an old gas heater comes to the end of its life. You could be eligible for a $1000 rebate on a heat pump hot water system through the Solar Hot Water Rebate program.
Step four: Upgrade to induction cooking
Induction cooktops are gaining popularity amongst top chefs and home cooks alike! The benefits of cooking with induction are huge: induction cooktops are healthier, safer, cooler and more responsive– a massive improvement on old electric coil and electric ceramic cooktops.
Importantly, induction cooktops are extremely energy efficient and cost approximately 18% less than gas cooktops to run. Choice.com has some great information about choosing the right cooktop for you.
Step five: Disconnect from gas!
Now that you have replaced all your gas appliances with electric, it’s time to disconnect from the gas network. Do this to avoid more than $200 a year in gas provider administration fees. Simply contact your provider to arrange the disconnection.
Step six: Make the move to active and electric transport
Walking, cycling and catching public transport helps reduce air pollution, improves health, and helps transition our community towards an all-electric future. Get familiar with local walking and cycling routes to get started!
When these options aren’t suitable for your journey, we can still choose solutions that move us away from fossil fuels wherever possible. Electric bikes and scooters and hybrid and electric vehicles powered by renewable energy are all low emission options that are becoming more popular and affordable.
Find out more
Still not sure where to start? Book a complimentary 30 minute consultation with a 100% Renewable Brimbank expert today!
