Electrify your home
Are you considering switching your home to all-electric? The transition from gas can lower energy costs, prepare your home for net zero, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
During renovations or when building new, it's a great time to choose efficient electric appliances, especially in high-energy areas like living spaces. In existing homes, replacing aging gas appliances with electric options can effectively phase out gas usage. Plan your transition gradually, replacing one appliance at a time until you no longer need your gas supply.
Common electrification questions
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, while electricity can come from renewable sources. Gas prices have risen and are expected to keep increasing due to supply issues.
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 (Save with an all-electric home).
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 (Save with an all-electric home).
Gas appliances in homes primarily provide heating, hot water, and cooking. Since heating appliances consume the most energy, switching to a reverse cycle system for both heating and cooling is a smart move.
Heat pump hot water systems have become more efficient and cost-effective, making them a sustainable alternative to gas hot water systems.
Many Victorians prefer gas for cooking, but induction cooktops are now more affordable and widely available. There are also health and indoor air quality concerns associated with gas cooking.
Modern induction cooktops are fast, efficient, and offer precise temperature control. Their flat surfaces make them easier to clean compared to gas stovetops.
Induction cooktops heat up quickly and are safer, as they stay cool to the touch while cooking. They also improve indoor air quality, making them a healthier choice for your home.
| Duel fuel home |
All-electric home |
| 2 bills for energy – electricity and gas – and 2 service charges to the property |
1 bill with 1 service charge |
| More expensive to run |
Cheaper to run |
| Gas prices are increasing faster than electricity prices |
Electricity prices are reducing with the introduction of more renewable energy into the grid |
| Fewer retailers for gas means less choice |
More electricity retailers to choose from |
| Fossil fuelled |
Environmentally friendly when using renewable energy |
How to switch to electric and move away from gas
- Make a list of all appliances that you run on gas
- Consider your budget
- Determine your budget and prioritise the most energy-intensive appliances to electrify
- When major appliances, such as gas heating or hot water systems, reach the end of their life
Heating
In Victoria, heating is the biggest energy consumer in homes. An electric reverse cycle split system is the most energy-efficient and cost-effective option, generating the least greenhouse gas emissions.
If your home has gas heating and reverse cycle air conditioning, using your air conditioner's heating function can save you money without requiring new technology.
Water heating
Hot water accounts for about 15% of energy costs in Victorian households. Switching from a gas hot water system to a heat pump can lower your gas bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cooking appliances
Modern induction cooktops can replace gas cooktops as they are safer, faster, and easier to clean.
After switching your last gas appliance to electric, you'll need to remove the gas meter to avoid daily supply charges. Contact your retailer to arrange for the disconnection of the gas meter.
Electric options for renters
Renters can electrify their homes by working with their landlord to upgrade to a reverse cycle heating and cooling system and replace the gas hot water system with a heat pump when it fails. They can also use electric cooking appliances such as portable induction cooktops.
Improve Your Home Efficiency
Mildura Rural City Council Library now offers the Home Energy Efficiency Toolkit for loan to the community. This kit is designed to help you identify issues affecting your home's energy and water efficiency.
Each tool is designed to provide information about some important aspects of your home’s efficiency, which can help you determine what steps you can take to reduce your energy and water use, saving you money and reducing your greenhouse gas emissions at the same time.
You will need to sign a waiver and be over 18 to collect.
Mildura Library (only)
According to EPA Victoria, Australian households contribute about one-fifth of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, which drive climate change. Improving home efficiency and shifting to renewable energy are essential steps to reduce these emissions.
Mildura Rural City Council recognises the climate emergency and is committed to helping residents tackle it in their homes and communities. Offering these toolkits through our libraries supports this commitment.