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 $2,000 a year on energy bills. This is in addition to around $740 of savings each year from an existing 6.6 kW solar system.
Savings for new homes
Going all-electric puts around $880 per year back in the pockets of new-homeowners, or approximately $1,820 with solar installed. A new Victorian detached home which has been built all-electric, will spend around $2,070 on energy bills compared to a new dual-fuel home which will spend around $2,950 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
The 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.
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.
Also, visit the Solar Homes Program to learn about rebates for solar PV systems and hot water and loans for solar batteries for eligible households.
If you’ve decided to electrify, you may also be wondering if you need to upgrade to 3-phase power or improve your switchboard to handle the increased load. Our guide will help you determine the best course of action for your household's electrical needs.
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.
About $140 to replace your gas cooktop with an induction cooktop.
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.
From 1 May 2024 7 energy efficiency stars standards are mandatory for new home construction. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make your home more energy efficient, more comfortable to live in and cheaper to heat and cool.
If your household can’t move away from gas just yet, there are other ways to lower your energy bills.
This includes ensuring you are on the best electricity plan with Victorian Energy Compare. following simple energy saving tips, upgrading to energy efficient appliances and investing to save long term through solar and batteries.
We know that energy prices are impacting Victorian households. Find out what support is available if you need it - including rebates and discounts off your energy bills, assistance to understand your bills and how you are protected if you are struggling to pay your bills.
