One family’s budget-friendly transition to an all-electric home

On a tight budget, Michael Copsey and his family have been able to retrofit their family home in Macleod to all-electric and solar powered. They say it's not perfect and they're not quite at zero energy bills yet but it’s close! Every improvement helps.

Switching to electric appliances is also a great way to help reduce carbon emissions. Michael’s hot water system is a Sanden, a heat pump hot water system, which is set to run between 11am to 2pm. To help with the initial expenses, the Victorian State Government Solar Homes scheme offers a 50 per cent rebate of up to $1,000.

An induction stovetop is another fantastic investment. Induction stovetops are found to be twice as efficient in energy use as traditional gas and electric stovetops. Michael says they try to do all their cooking whilst the sun is shining, although it’s not always possible.

In the garden, Michael has also gone all-electric with an electric Ryobi lawnmower and electric BBQ. The lawnmower costs the same as a petrol lawnmower, and comes without the fumes. To further save on energy, the batteries are charged while the sun is shining.

If you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home, contact us for free advice - our team of volunteers supports residents, schools and businesses in the City of Banyule to make a difference for our future.