Getting Off Gas
Gas is a polluting fossil fuel. Although it has been marketed for decades as a clean power source for our homes, in reality, it produces harmful CO2 emissions.
This is often the biggest source of emissions for a household. This graph from Sustainability Victoria shows that the largest areas of household energy consumption are space heating and water heating. If your household uses gas or fuel for this then this is an important thing to think about.
Getting off gas is a great way to cut your household’s power bills while also cutting the emissions produced. With the price of gas spiking during 2022 and higher prices forecast in the years ahead, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.
If appliances and equipment are nearing end of life, that is the perfect time to replace them with low emission, cheaper to run alternatives.
Space Heating
For most Victorians, electric reverse cycle split systems are the most energy efficient, lowest cost heating option available that generates the lowest greenhouse emissions. If your house has a rooftop solar PV system, the benefits of heating with electric reverse cycle systems can be even greater.
More info on choosing the right heating system for your home… yourhome.gov.au
Some local providers to consider:
https://www.heatingplus.com.au/about/social-impact-and-sustainability
Water Heating
Hot water accounts for around 15% of the average Victorian household’s energy costs. The simplest ways to reduce the cost of water heating are to reduce your hot water use, ensuring your system is operating efficiently, and replacing gas or older electric hot water systems.
Replacing older hot water systems
Switching your old systems with new heat pumps or solar heating systems can save a lot of money in the long run.
Contact your local plumber for a quote there is a rebate of up to $1000 offered by the State Government.
Here’s some local providers to consider:
https://www.heatingplus.com.au/about/social-impact-and-sustainability
Tips for hot water energy saving (thanks to Sustainability Victoria)
sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/save-energy-in-the-home/water-heating
Cooking
Cooking accounts for about 5% of the total energy bill in a typical Victorian household, and, if you have gas cooktops or ovens then this is a larger source of household emissions.
Electric induction cooktops
Induction stovetops use electromagnetic technology to heat the cookware and its contents without wasting energy heating the cooking surface. Energy is delivered directly to the pot or pan, making it twice as efficient as gas and electric stovetops where the energy must first be converted into heat.
Induction cooktops also provide a number of benefits including accurate control over heat and ease of cleaning. These links provide a nice video on the benefits of Induction cooktops and a buyers guide.
youtube.com/watch?v=-48GGzBW_08
renew.org.au/renew-magazine/buyers-guides/induction-cooktop-guide/
Tips for energy efficient cooking (thanks to Sustainability Victoria)
sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/save-energy-in-the-home/reduce-cooking-appliance-costs-at-home
Cars
By now most of us have seen silent and efficient electric vehicles on the road. With many brands now selling electric vehicles, and many planning to launch new cars, we truly are spoiled for choice. This site provides a comprehensive summary of vehicles that are currently available in Australia: thedriven.io/ev-models
The size, styling and costs of different vehicle options are largely a personal choice. Importantly though you will want to consider the economics and practicality of electric vehicle ownership, including:
Potential cost and tax savings. According to Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council EV’s evse.com.au/blog/how-much-would-you-save-if-you-own-an-electric-car/ can provide cost benefits in relation to fuel costs, servicing costs and potential tax savings. Powering an EV is about 70 per cent cheaper than a fossil fuel powered ca ($0.04 per km for EV’s vs $0.14 per km. As the motor is simpler, servicing costs are estimated to be on average $0.02 vs $0.07 per km). So overall the average EV owner is roughly $1,600 better off per year if they drive about 15,000KM per year. Some EV’s also benefit with a lift in the Luxury Car Tax Threshold (from $68,740 to $77, 565) due to their efficiency.
Driving range. The driving range of vehicles is increasing all the time and at present cars typically vary between 250 and 500km driven on a full charge.
Electric charging points. While some charging can be done in an hour, often it takes up to 8 hours to fully charge a vehicle. As a result many will install charging at home to allow overnight charging. Significant cost savings can result from combining home charging with domestic solar and battery. Charging while out and about is a consideration at present and you should consider whether charging points are available at the workplace and other locations that are likely to drive through.
