Everything you need to know about moving away from fossil gas in your home.
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With rising cost-of-living pressures, many Victorians are looking for ways to save money on their bills.
The good news is that all-electric homes save hundreds of dollars a year in energy bills. Plus, they are healthier to live in, and are better for the environment.
Savings for existing homes
Converting an existing home with solar panels from gas to electricity can save around $1,700 a year on energy bills. This is in addition to around $1,000 of savings each year from an existing 6.6 kW solar system.
Savings for new homes
Going all-electric puts around $1,000 per year back in the pockets of new-home owners, or over $2,200 with solar installed. A new Victorian detached home which has been built all-electric, will spend around $2,600 on energy bills compared to a new dual-fuel home which will spend around $3,600 on energy bills.
As part of the reforms under our Gas Substitution Roadmap, new homes requiring a planning permit will be required to be all-electric from 1 January 2024. This means new homes and residential subdivisions that require a planning permit cannot connect to the gas network.
More environmentally friendly when using renewable energy
4 steps to move away from gas and save money
Now you know that all-electric homes are the gold standard – saving you money and making your home greener – you might be wondering how to make the final move away from gas.
Here are 4 simple steps to start your journey to total home electrification:
1. Make a list
Make a list of all the appliances that you run on gas.
2. Book a Scorecard Assessment
Consider booking a Residential Scorecard Assessment. This will help you plan your move away from gas to a cleaner, greener – and cheaper – home. Discounted Scorecard assessments are now available under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. Contact your local assessor for more information.
3. Consider your budget
Determine your budget and prioritise the most energy intensive appliances to electrify. When major gas appliances, such as gas heating or hot water systems reach the end of their life, it’s a great time to consider upgrading them with an efficient electric option through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
About $420 to replace a gas hot water heater with a heat pump water heater. About $900 to replace a non-ducted gas heater with a non-ducted reverse cycle air conditioner.
About $3,600 to replace a ducted gas heater with a ducted reverse cycle air conditioner.
Did you know?
The reverse cycle air conditioner that cools your home in summer, can keep your home warm in winter. It’s also your cheapest and most energy efficient heating source. Check your instruction manual on how to switch to ‘heat’ mode.
Don’t have a reverse cycle air conditioner? Make the switch and save around $900 on appliance costs through the VEU program.
Solar Victoria offers incentives for eligible homes for the following:
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard rates your home's energy use and comfort, and provides tailored recommendations for improvements.
Looking to improve the energy efficiency of your new home? Consider building your new home to 7 energy efficiency stars. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make your home more energy efficient, more comfortable to live in and cheaper to heat and cool.
The State Electricity Commission (SEC) will establish a trusted ‘one-stop shop’ for Victorians, with pilot household solutions starting from next year – taking the guesswork out of the process and stepping people through the switch away from expensive fossil gas.
If your household can’t move away from gas just yet, there are other ways to take control of your energy bills and get support if you need it. These include:
