It’s 2024, and the world is buzzing about sustainability and energy efficiency. Australia is leading the charge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2022, the country recorded 463.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, which is 2 million tonnes lower than last year. As we zoom into the ‘20s, the idea of switching from gas to all-electric homes is picking up steam. It isn’t just a trendy move; it’s a smart, eco-friendly decision that can save you money and help the planet.

Imagine a home where everything from your stove to your heating runs on electricity, ideally sourced from renewable energy. This means no more gas bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a cleaner, greener future. Plus, with advancements in technology, electric appliances are now more efficient and cost-effective than ever before.

Read along, as we examine all the reasons why making the switch to an all-electric home is a bright idea for Australians this year, and how solar energy offers you a sustainable and pocket-friendly solution when making the switch.

Why Switch from Gas to All-Electric?

But wait – gas is cheaper than electricity, right? Then why bother making the switch at all? Two reasons:

1. Gas isn’t ‘cheap’; its prices are rising by the minute – in 2022 the average price of wholesale gas was $28.40 AUD in the East Coast markets, which is 246% higher than 2021.
2. From 1^st January 2024, the Government is phasing out gas connections for new homes in Victoria requiring a planning permit. This means those planning to buy new homes will have to inevitably shift to an all-electric system. New South Wales and Queensland are taking similar steps to ban gas connections by 2025.

Switching from gas to all-electric might seem daunting at first. However, with the skyrocketing gas prices, it’s clear that the future is electric. So, let’s explore the benefits of all-electric homes. From cost savings to environmental impact, there’s a lot to gain by making the switch.

Benefits of All-Electric Homes

Save Money and Reduce Gas Reliance

• Save Big on Bills: One of the most compelling reasons to switch to an all-electric home is the savings on utility bills. By replacing gas appliances with energy-efficient electric ones, households can save up to $1,000 annually. If you have solar panels, those savings can skyrocket to $2,200 a year. Who wouldn’t want to keep more money in their pocket?
• Independence from Conventional Appliances: Water heating accounts for 15%–30% of an Australian household’s energy use, making it the second-largest energy consumer after home heating and cooling. Switching to a solar or heat pump hot water system can make a big difference. Heat pump hot water systems are much more efficient than traditional electric ones and cost less to run long-term than gas heaters.

Rebates and Incentives

The switch to all-electric homes is not just about saving on bills; it’s also about taking advantage of the rebates, incentives, and loans available in Australia. Energy-efficient electric alternatives often qualify for various rebates and financial incentives.

• Government Rebates: Governments are engaging in partnerships, such as the Energy Bill Relief Fund, to offer rebates and relieve homeowners of hefty electricity bills.
• Green Loans: These are special loans offered to help you pay for energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as solar panels, solar batteries, and EV home chargers, as well as appliances like heat pump hot water systems. The Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, Bendigo Bank, and Bank Australia are some organisations that offer discounted rates and low fees for green home upgrades.
• Energy Upgrades Programs: These initiatives offer discounts on energy-efficient electric appliances, such as clothes dryers, fridges, freezers, air conditioners, and more for eligible households. For instance, the Victoria Energy Upgrades Program provides incentives that make the transition to all-electric smoother and more affordable.

Environmental Benefits

Switching to an all-electric home also has environmental benefits. An all-electric home built today has 16% lower emissions than a new dual-fuel home. Over the decade from 2024–2034, this increases to 29% lower emissions for the new all-electric home compared to a new dual-fuel home. Going all-electric is a step towards a greener future.

Healthier Living Environment

Cooking with gas is estimated to be responsible for up to 12% of the childhood asthma burden in Australia. According to Asthma Australia, indoor air pollution from gas cooking and heating can trigger asthma flare-ups or contribute to new asthma diagnoses. Gas pollutants include nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Nearly half of Australians use gas cooktops that expose them to these toxic emissions daily.

All-electric appliances improve indoor air quality, making homes safer and healthier, especially for children and those with respiratory conditions.

How Solar Energy Helps You Make Your Home All-Electric

Now that you’re on the move to make the big leap towards a sustainable future, why not maximise your savings through solar energy? Here’s how harnessing the sun can make your all-electric dreams come true while keeping things light on your wallet and the planet.

Powering Your Home with Solar Electricity

• Soak Up the Sun to Cut Down on Bills: With rooftop solar panels, you can generate all the electricity your all-electric home needs, slashing those pesky energy bills. Australia is at the forefront of rooftop solar systems with over 3 million units installed and counting!
• Earn from Extra Solar Power: Got more solar power than you can use? No worries! Store it in a solar battery for nighttime use or heat your water. And if you’re swimming in extra energy, sell it back to the grid and pocket some cash with a feed-in tariff.
• Power Your House During Outages: A solar battery stores the excess energy your panels produce during the day. Use this power at night or during peak hours and say goodbye to blackouts. Since 2018, more than 17,000 solar battery systems have been installed in Victoria alone, helping households save up to $640 a year on energy bills.

Heating Water with Solar Power

• Use the Sun to Heat Water: Pair a smart hot water heat pump with your solar setup to use extra solar energy for heating water. This way, you’re not wasting any sunshine. Just make sure your heat pump is of good quality, eco-friendly, and performs well in cooler climates.
• Benefit from Savings in the Long Run: Gas heating systems are cheaper compared to electric systems without rebates ($1,500 vs $4,000, respectively). However, by switching from gas to electric you can drastically cut down on your heating bills from about $900 to $450 per year. So, make an informed choice today to save big in the long run.

Saving with Solar-Powered Smart Appliances

An all-electric home with smart appliances can save you a tonne on energy bills. Take a new all-electric Victorian home—it typically spends around $2,600 on energy each year, which is $1,200 less than a dual-fuel home. Switching from dual-fuel to all-electric can save about $1,250 annually, plus another $950 if you already have solar panels. Throw in a medium-sized battery, and you’re looking at an extra $520 in savings every year.

Case Study: How Switching to Solar Saved the Day (and a Lot of Money)

The Problem

Meet John, a savvy homeowner who recently invested in a shiny new solar system. He was excited about the potential savings and the eco-friendly benefits. However, just six weeks into his solar journey, John ran into a snag. He wanted to add a battery to his setup, but his original solar company wasn’t picking up the phone. Frustrated and needing help, John turned to us.

The Discovery

When we arrived at John’s place, we discovered a shocking problem. One of his inverters wasn’t even producing power! Essentially, John had paid for half a system that wasn’t working and had no idea. His dreams of solar savings were literally in the dark.

The Solution

We quickly rolled up our sleeves and got to work. First, we installed a battery to store the excess solar energy John’s system was supposed to produce. This would ensure he had power available during peak hours and at night. Then, we tackled the bigger issue: his gas heating.

John’s gas heating was not only costly but also less efficient compared to electric heating. By switching his gas heating to electric, we helped him save even more on his energy bills. Electric heating, especially when powered by solar energy, is far more efficient and cost-effective. Plus, it’s greener!

The Outcome

After swapping out his gas heating for an electric system and fixing his solar setup, John’s energy situation improved dramatically. Here’s how:

• Increased Efficiency: With the inverter working and a battery installed, John’s solar system was finally running at full capacity.
• Lower Bills: By switching from gas to electric heating, John saw a huge drop in his energy bills. Electric heating, powered by his now fully functional solar system, cost him less and provided consistent warmth.
• Eco-Friendly: John’s move to electric heating reduced his carbon footprint, making his home greener and more sustainable.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing his solar system was now fully operational and efficient, John could rest easy, enjoying the benefits he originally hoped for.

Conclusion

John’s experience highlights the importance of reliable service and the incredible benefits of switching from gas to electric heating. Switching to an all-electric home in 2024 is a no-brainer. It’s a move towards a more sustainable, cost-effective, and healthier future.  You’ll not only cut down on those dreaded utility bills but also do your part in reducing carbon emissions. It’s about embracing a future where your home is greener, smarter, and more efficient.

At Solar Run, we’re here to help you make that smart switch to electricity. We offer top-of-the-line solar panels, batteries, inverters, and hot water heat pumps designed to maximise your energy savings and efficiency. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your home is set up to harness the power of the sun. Whether you’re looking to install a new system or upgrade your existing one, we’ve got you covered. Join the solar revolution with Solar Run and enjoy the sunny side of life.