Energy efficiency in your home
Energy plays a big role in Australian households, with a variety of energy sources being used for things like heating, cooling, cooking, and entertainment. Ongoing cost of living pressures and a rise in utility costs mean saving energy in our homes not only makes a positive impact on our environment, but also our wallets.
Tips for an energy efficient home
Efficient Upgrades
- Upgrade your insulation to make your home warmer in the winter and colder in the summer
- Find air leaks using a Home Efficiency Audit Kit and seal them to avoid hot or cold air entering your home at the wrong times of the year
- Upgrade to Solar using the Victorian Government solar panel and battery rebates
- Use energy-star rated appliances when replacing appliances
- Install external shades to reduce the amount of heat radiating from your windows
Everyday Habits
- Set your thermostat correctly to reduce energy consumption – 18-20 ºC in the winter and 25-27ºC in the summer
- Run dishwashers and washing machines on full loads only
- Hang clothes to dry in the sun, when possible, instead of always using the dryer
- Use draft stoppers at the bottom of doors to reduce cold air entering your home
- Unplug consoles and appliances when not being used
- Keep blinds closed in summer and open in winter
Reversible Improvements
- Apply removable window film to reduce heat coming in during warmer weather
- Place rugs or mats on bare floor to reduce heat loss in winter
- Install thicker curtains or window covers to reduce outdoor temperatures radiating through the glass
- Install weatherstripping around doors or windows to reduce drafts
Trying to keep your home cool in the summer while still saving on your energy bill? Check out our tips for keeping your home cool in the summer(PDF, 5MB).
Victorian Energy Upgrades
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers discounts on energy-efficient products for your home. Investing in energy-efficient products pays off with significant long-term savings. Upgrading your hot water system and heating can save you hundreds of dollars annually.
Upgrade products
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program covers products including:
- Heating and cooling systems
- Insulation
- Hot water systems
- Induction cooktops
- Clothes dryers
- Refrigerators
- Televisions
- Shower heads
Eligibility
To access the program, you'll need to purchase your product from a VEU accredited provider or hire a qualified tradesperson who partners with an accredited provider to handle the paperwork and secure your discount.
To find out more about the program including discount sizes, visit the Victorian Energy Upgrades page
Residential Efficiency Scorecard
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard Program is a home energy rating program which can help you identify key issue areas for energy wastage in your household. The program will help get an accredited assessor into your household to look at the building and fixed appliances, providing you with an overall energy star rating for your home.
This rating will help the assessor in giving you advice to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient, finding the best solutions to suit your household needs.
To learn more about the program, visit the Residential Efficiency Scorecard website.