If you're a homeowner in Australia, you wield real power to reduce your household emissions and save hundreds or even thousands on energy bills each year. Below are practical tips to help you create a more efficient home without sacrificing comfort or style. Whether planning a renovation or just looking for simple swaps, every action you take can make a meaningful difference.
Start with a home energy assessment
Scheduling a Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment gives you a personalised energy rating and improvement plan tailored to your house. It identifies air leaks, insulation shortfalls and best‑value improvements. State or territory programs may subsidise or give discounts on these assessments, check out your state government website to find out
Seal and insulate for comfort and savings
Air leaks in older homes are a major source of power waste. Sealing gaps with caulk, adding door draught stoppers or window seals, and using heavy curtains can significantly improve your home's comfort and reduce unnecessary usage.
Ceiling insulation makes a huge impact, too. Adding standard thermal insulation can cut electricity use and improve comfort year‑round at a moderate cost.
Upgrade to energy‑efficient appliances
When appliances come near the end of their service lives, choose the most efficient models you can afford. Induction cooktops, heat pump hot water systems, and reverse‑cycle air conditioners deliver higher efficiency and lower carbon impact. Australian Energy Rating Label stars let you compare energy use before buying. Operating them during off‑peak hours can also reduce bills.
Consider solar and battery storage
Installing rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels combined with a battery can cut power bills dramatically and may even yield credits if you supply excess. A typical payback period of five to 10 years makes it a worthwhile long‑term investment. Government initiatives like the Household Energy Upgrades Fund offering discounted green loans support over 110,000 households in accessing solar, batteries and efficient appliances.
Go all‑electric to cut costs and emissions
Switching from gas to electric appliances has become easier and cheaper thanks to rebates and lower‑interest loans. Electric cooking, heating, and hot water systems are more efficient and cleaner when powered by renewable energy.
If your current heating system uses ductwork, consider that defective or leaky ducts can waste over 30% of heating energy. This loss does more than just increase your bills — it also undermines your comfort. Ductless mini-split heat pumps that work without ducts are often a better option for retrofitting older homes or improving efficiency in rooms that are hard to heat. Their quiet operation and zone control make them ideal for modern all-electric households.
Shift everyday habits for ongoing savings
Small changes in daily life keep waste at bay. Wash laundry in cold water, hang clothes to dry, run full loads and avoid standby power by switching off appliances entirely. Curtains drawn after dark in winter and closed during the heat of the day in summer add natural insulation.
Another quick and budget-friendly win is switching out old bulbs for Energy Star-rated LED lights. They use around 75% less electricity than conventional incandescent lighting and last much longer. Whether in living rooms, outdoor spaces or task-heavy zones like the kitchen, LEDs offer bright, efficient lighting that lowers energy bills with no daily effort.
Select smart technology for efficiency boost
Smart thermostats and electricity‑management devices learn your routine and optimise heating, cooling, and lighting. They push energy‑saving routines automatically and reduce mistakes. Integrating smart meters or apps helps you track usage and shift usage to off‑peak times.
Take advantage of available grants and finance
Federal and state governments offer rebates and low‑interest loans to help homeowners afford upgrades. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation's Household Energy Upgrades Fund supports replacements of appliances, insulation, solar and other energy-efficient systems. Furthermore, ACT residents can access zero‑interest loans with no upfront fees via the Sustainable Household Scheme.
Your home, your power
By acting on these practical, research‑backed steps, you empower yourself as a homeowner and woman at the forefront of climate action. By starting with an energy assessment, sealing and insulating your home, upgrading to efficient appliances, and adopting behavioural changes or smart tech, you can cut household emissions while saving hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.
Guest Blog written by Jane Marsh
Jane is the editor-in-chief at Environment.co, specializing in sustainability, climate change, and renewable energy. In her free time, she enjoys nature trails, eco-friendly DIY projects, and volunteering with environmental groups.