Blog | 12th Sep, 2022

Top tips for freeing your household from expensive, polluting fossil fuels

Want to start making changes in your home to help cut climate pollution, make your home more energy efficient and save money? Here’s a list of resources and tips to get you started!

1. Switch from gas to energy efficient electric appliances

Using efficient electric appliances such as reverse cycle air conditioners to heat your home is now a cheaper alternative to gas heating. The difference in running costs is even greater for those households with solar panels!

Take advantage of government rebates and subsidies

In Victoria there are a range of rebates that can assists households with the cost of switching to efficient electric appliances.

  • Rebates of up to $1,000 are available to help eligible households replace old heating systems with an efficient electric split system. Learn more >>
  • You could also be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000 to replace your old hot water heater with an approved electric or solar hot water system. Find out more >>

This handy government website lets you search for all rebates and financial assistance you’re eligible for – including for heating and cooling, hot water, solar panels and more. Check it out here >>

Find out what rebates you’re eligible for

Resources to help you find the best appliance for your home  

‘Renew’ have some fantastic resources that can help you research the best options for your next upgrade. Check out their general advice page here, or specific resources on:

Don’t forget, you don’t have to do everything all at once! Switching worn out gas appliances can be part of your long-term planning. By doing your research before an appliance gives out, you’ll be ready to upgrade to a modern, efficient electric option.

Claim your $250 energy bonus!

The Victorian government is currently offering a handy one-off $250 payment to all Victorian households. To claim the bonus, all you need to do is visit the Victorian Energy Compare website to compare electricity providers.

Find out more

2. IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY

You can reduce the amount of energy you use in your home without changing any of your appliances –simply by being smarter about how and when you use them!

Check out these resources to get you started:

The ‘My Efficient Electric Home’ group on Facebook is also a great place to get tips and answers for any questions you have.

Renting? Check out these resources

3. Install solar panels and home battery storage

This option will get your home off fossil fuels the quickest! However, the current upfront cost of installing solar panels and batteries is prohibitive for many householders. That’s why we’re campaigning for greater support from the Victorian government so all households have this option.

Right now, the Victorian government offers solar panel rebates of up to $1,400 plus the option of an interest-free loan for existing homes and homes under construction. Check if you’re eligible for a solar rebate here >>

Solar Victoria is also offering discounts of up to $3,500 to encourage households to install solar batteries, with rebates available for properties that already have solar PV panels. Learn more >>

Not sure if this is the right solution for your home? Check out these resources:

Have a tip you’d like to share?

Have you got a resource you’ve found helpful or a handy tip you’d like to share with others? Send us an email so we can add it to this page: action@environmentvictoria.org.au

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