Charlie prioritised comfort and cost-savings when he needed to upgrade his home

With the rising cost of living affecting many Canberrans, focusing on energy efficiency during home upgrades can really cut your household energy costs. Reducing power bills and enhancing home comfort can be achieved in three steps:

1. Draught proofing – seal gaps to retain heat and reduce the need for excessive heating and cooling.
2. Insulate your roof, walls, and floors to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.
3. Upgrade old gas appliances with new, energy-efficient electric ones.

Tuggeranong resident, Charlie, faced high heating and cooling costs in his new home due to draughts, inadequate insulation, and old inefficient gas appliances.

Charlie called the Sustainable Home Advice Team and combined their advice with his own experience to make his home more comfortable and affordable to live in.

The Challenge

“When I moved in there were gaps around many of the windows with a huge open fireplace and chimney where all the cool and warm air would escape through.”

“The home had very little insulation. I fully insulated my previous home and that saved me around $3,000 every year on heating and cooling.”

“I also wanted to get off gas, mainly because my son is asthmatic, and it can trigger his attacks. So, I needed to replace the gas heating and stove.”

“Gas has also become expensive to use and I want my home to be as energy efficient as possible. I want to be comfortable without spending big money on energy bills.”

The Action

“I started by sealing all the gaps and holes when we first moved in and had insulation put in the walls and ceiling.”

“When it came time to get rid of the fireplace and gas, a builder told me to get in touch with the ACT Governments’ Sustainable Home Advice Team.”

“The team suggested that I attend one of their online workshops to learn more about energy efficiency and electrification. The team also organised a free home energy assessment.”

“As part of the assessment and at the workshop, I found out about what rebates and zero-interest loan options were available to help remove my fireplace, replace gas appliances with electric alternatives and to install solar.”

“The energy assessor also provided advice about appliances and pointed me in the direction of the ACT Government’s Make Your Next Choice Electric tool.”

The tool is a collaboration with CHOICE and can help you decide on the best electric appliance alternatives available on the market.

“I did my research and found the best ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling system for the size of our house and budget.”

“I also decided on induction to replace the gas stovetop.”

“Once the appliances were installed, I got rid of my gas connection.”

“Because I am eligible for a rebate, I have also made the decision to install solar with the panels going in next week,”

The Benefit

“My son’s health is number one, so getting rid of the gas makes our house safer for him which I can’t put a value on.”

“We’re ready for the Canberra winter now and we can be comfortable without big power bills.”

“The financial benefits are two-fold, I’m saving on power bills and have increased the value of the house if it came to re-sale.”

Charlie has some sound advice to others looking to make sustainable upgrades to their home.

“Get in touch with the Sustainable Home Advice Team, get a home assessment if you’re eligible and check if you can access any rebates and or an interest free loan.”

By switching to electric, Charlie is saving on his energy bills. It goes to show reducing emissions can be good on the pocket and planet.

*Please note: The image provided is decorative only, the image is not of Charlie or his son.