Which Home Energy Upgrades are included in the program?
- Reverse cycle heating and cooling: Room heating is typically the largest energy user in the home. A reverse cycle air conditioner (or split system) is around four times more efficient than using gas. Gas heating is no longer a cheap heating source.
- Electric hot water heat pump: The second largest energy user is usually hot water heating. Hot water heat pump systems are much more efficient than other systems and work well in Melbourne.
- Rooftop solar: A typical Victorian household can save more than $1,000 a year on electricity bills by installing rooftop solar, with the largest savings enjoyed in homes with all electric appliances.
- Ceiling, wall and underfloor insulation: Thick, continuous insulation provides year-round comfort by keeping warm air in during winter and excluding heat in summer. Our vetted supplier can install in homes without insulation or top up existing insulation.
- Draught proofing: Gaps and cracks, such as around windows, doors and exhaust fans can account for up to 25% of heat loss in winter, and allow hot air to enter in summer. Sealing gaps prevents air leakage and improves comfort.
- Induction cooktops: These cooktops heat up quickly while leaving surrounding surfaces cool to touch. They avoid the health risks of emissions from gas stoves, providing a safe, efficient way to cook.
Why upgrade your home’s energy efficiency?
- Save money: By making your home more energy efficient you can reduce your energy bills. The less energy you use, the more money you save.
- Increase comfort: Well insulated, weatherproof homes stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This makes your home more comfortable to live in all year round and means you don’t have to use as much energy for heating and cooling.
- Improve health: Switching from gas to efficient, electric appliances can reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, making your home healthier. Plus, good insulation in conjunction with effective ventilation, moderates indoor temperature conditions which can help prevent dampness and mould, improving the air you breathe.
- Benefit the environment: Generating your own solar energy, using more energy-efficient appliances and reducing your overall energy use are all ways you can reduce your carbon emissions and help our environment.
- Increase property value: Energy-efficient upgrades can increase the value of your home or make it more comfortable and attractive to renters.
The Hume Home Energy Upgrades program aims to provide you with the information and support you need to choose the right energy upgrades for your home. You can use the Hume Go Electric Plan to plan out replacing existing hot water systems, heating, cooling and cooktops with efficient electric options.
Hume City Council have partnered with Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF), a not-for-profit working to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy. YEF’s energy experts have vetted suppliers and products, ensuring that Hume residents have access to reliable suppliers and good quality products at affordable prices. YEF can also provide free advice on priorities to save energy and improve home comfort or help you review quotes.