If you’re considering ways to slash your power bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase your home’s value, switching from gas to an all-electric setup might be the perfect solution. With solar energy and efficient electric systems, the long-term savings and benefits are undeniable.
Compelling Savings and Environmental Impact
Switching from gas to electricity, especially if you have solar panels, can lead to significant financial savings. The Victorian government’s Energy Victoria website reports that converting an existing home from gas to electricity can save homeowners up to $1,700 annually. Add to that around $1,000 from a 6.6kW solar system, and the reduction in both energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions becomes even more substantial.
Increase Your Home’s Value
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a key selling point for homes. According to the Domain Sustainability in Property Report, homes with sustainable features like electric appliances, solar panels, and double-glazed windows can add as much as $112,000 to their selling price. Buyers today are more conscious about purchasing homes that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making all-electric homes more attractive.
Key Gas Appliances to Replace
To go all-electric, the main gas-powered appliances you’ll be replacing are your heating, hot water system, and cooktop. You may also want to consider installing energy-efficient LED lighting, a solar power system, and even a smart charger for your electric vehicle.
- Heating and Cooling: An electric reverse-cycle split system powered by a heat pump can heat your home in winter and cool it in summer. These systems are highly efficient—converting one unit of electricity into three to six times as much heating or cooling energy—making them affordable and environmentally friendly, especially when paired with a solar setup.
- Hot Water Systems: Electric heat pump systems are among the most energy-efficient options available. These systems extract heat from the air and transfer it to an insulated water tank, using up to 75% less electricity than traditional electric water heaters.
- Induction Cooktops: Induction cooktops offer energy efficiency, speed, and precision, without the harmful emissions of gas cooktops. They heat faster, waste less energy, and are easier to clean.
Maximizing Savings with Solar
If you haven’t already installed a solar power system, this is the perfect opportunity. By powering your home with solar energy, you can run your electric appliances for free during daylight hours. Experts recommend investing in the largest solar system that fits your home for maximum savings. Anthony Kurta from Solar Run advises against undersizing your system, noting that the price difference between a 6.6kW and a 13kW system is negligible, yet the benefits are significant.
Additionally, incorporating a solar battery can help you store excess energy for use during the evening when electricity prices peak. This way, you can avoid selling your power back to the grid at low rates and instead use it when it benefits you most.
Upfront Costs and Return on Investment
The transition to an all-electric home does come with upfront costs, but the return on investment (ROI) can be surprisingly quick. For example:
- Heat pump hot water systems generally cost around $2,000.
- A reverse-cycle air-conditioning system costs about $5,000.
- Induction cooktops average around $3,000.
According to Kurta, the ROI for heat pumps is about two years, and three to four years for heating and cooling systems. Even cooktops, often overlooked for ROI, can save you around $365 annually just by eliminating daily gas connection fees.
Case Study: Robyn’s Electrification Journey
Take Robyn Paterson from Frankston, Victoria, who electrified her home in 2024. By replacing her gas ducted heating, water system, and cooktop with electric alternatives, including a solar system, Robyn reduced her annual energy costs from $3,800 to around $700. What surprised her most was how seamless the transition was, with installation taking just two days. The results? Not only did her energy bills plummet, but her home’s efficiency improved dramatically.
Available Grants, Rebates, and Loans
Several government rebates and green finance options are available to help reduce the upfront costs of electrifying your home. To explore these, visit energy.gov.au/rebates or inquire about the federal government’s Household Energy Upgrades Fund. This initiative, delivered in partnership with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, provides access to affordable loans for sustainable home upgrades, including solar systems and heat pumps.
Ready to make the switch? Explore more resources and get expert guidance to electrify your home while adding value to your property:
For more information, book a free consultation at ConradHyslop.com. Ready to chat now? Give me a call at 0427 674 262.
By making this switch, you could be living in a more sustainable, cost-efficient home sooner than you think!
