By Hepburn Energy
Across the country, Australians are replacing ageing gas appliances with electric alternatives — heat pump hot water systems, reverse-cycle air conditioning, induction cooktops, rooftop solar. For many households, electrification is now the most straightforward way to reduce energy costs over the long term.
Hepburn Energy has set up a free electrification support service, supported by the State Government, to help local residents work through the decisions involved, what to upgrade, which installers to use, when, what it should cost, and what subsidies and finance options are available.
The case for getting off gas
Around 65% of Victorian households use gas for cooking, heating, or hot water. It’s familiar, but it’s also increasingly expensive and modern electric appliances have overtaken gas on efficiency by a significant margin.
Induction cooktops are now more than twice as efficient as gas cooktops. Reverse-cycle air conditioners are over three times more efficient than gas heaters. Heat pump hot water systems are four to five times as efficient as gas water heaters. That difference in efficiency means lower running costs, and the gap is expected to widen as gas prices continue to rise.
A typical Australian household spends around $2,000 a year on energy. All-electric homes with solar consistently have the lowest bills. Households that make the full switch can cut energy costs by around 75%. For many, the savings over time will more than cover the upfront cost.
There is also a health consideration worth being aware of. Gas stoves and heaters can pollute indoor air at up to five times the concentration of outdoor air, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Children are particularly vulnerable. It’s a less-discussed reason to make the switch, but a real one.
What to prioritise, and what’s available
The sensible approach is to electrify as appliances reach the end of their life rather than replacing things prematurely. Heating and cooling, hot water, and cooking are the three areas with the most to gain and all three currently attract government subsidies in Victoria.
Hot water is often the most compelling starting point. Heat pump systems are highly efficient, and Victorian households can access a rebate of up to $1,000 through Solar Victoria for switching from gas, plus an additional $400 for Australian-made units. Further discounts are available through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, bringing total rebates to as much as $2,300. Given that hot water systems typically last 8–10 years, it’s worth planning ahead rather than waiting for one to fail.
For heating and cooling, the VEU program offers subsidies on split systems and ducted reverse-cycle air conditioners. On solar, eligible households can access a rebate of up to $1,400 on panels, with an optional interest-free government loan to match, and a separate battery rebate of up to $3,500. The Federal Government is also offering around 30% off battery systems between 5 and 100 kWh. Subsidies are generally applied at the point of installation through accredited providers.
Free support from Hepburn Energy
Knowing what’s available in theory is one thing. Working out what makes sense for a specific home, budget, and household is another. Hepburn Energy’s free electrification support service is designed to help with exactly that.
The service covers heating and cooling, hot water, cooking, solar and battery, weatherproofing, electric vehicles and charging, energy bills, and finance options. Whether you’re comparing appliances, figuring out what rebates you qualify for, or just starting to think through the process the service is available online or in person at the Daylesford office every Thursday.
There’s no cost and no obligation. It’s a practical resource for anyone who wants independent, reliable information to help make better decisions about their home. There is also a number of pre-recorded webinars available on the Hepburn Energy YouTube channel on various topics.
HEPBURN ENERGY — FREE ELECTRIFICATION SUPPORT
• hepburnenergy.com.au/electrify to book consultations
• In person or virtual, Daylesford office, every Thursday
• Free, independent, no obligation
Join Taryn Lane from Hepburn Energy to discuss how to electrify your life at the next Daylesford Conversation on Thursday the 21 May, 6 pm, Community Bank Meeting Room, 113 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs. This is a free event but bookings are essential.
