Our Energy Efficient Retrofit

Transitioning away from gas is vital for the environment, our future and our hip pockets.

In October 2022, we began our journey to full electrification and energy efficiency. We achieved this with the installation of solar, a hot water heat pump, induction stove, wall splits, draught proofing and insulation. After getting our home assessed by a Residential Efficiency Scorecard Assessor, we took our home from 2.9 stars to an incredible 10 stars in only two months, and now use one quarter of the electricity we used to. Best of all? No gas bill.

Although upfront investment and adjustments are necessary, the long-term benefits are undeniable for both the environment and our well-being. We aim to inspire our community to join us in this worthwhile endeavour, creating a more sustainable and resilient energy future. This journey proves it is possible to turn a cold and draughty 115 year old house into a 10 star energy efficient home.

Now is the time. Climate change is here.

In January 2024 I appeared on the podcast Watts Under The Bonnet to chat about the EV Community and lack of public charging in inner city neighbourhoods.

In June 2023, I appeared on ABC News when The Grattan Institute released their report about the need to electrify our homes and get off gas.

“Cooking with gas should be ditched entirely by 2050, according to a new plan from a public policy think tank. The Grattan Institute says the 5 million homes using gas need to make the switch to all-electric power if Australia is to have any hope of meeting its net zero target.”

In July 2023, I was interviewed by Renew Magazine where I gave a detailed account of our electrification journey.

In August 2023, I gave a talk at Inner West Council's Footprints Ecofestival about electrification and getting off gas.

Hot Water Heat Pumps

Recently I’ve been volunteering for the not for profit group Inner West Community Energy. I was assigned the task of researching the different heat pumps on the market.

What the hell is a hot water heat pump? Well because I’m not a plumber or electrician I found this info at Everyday Plumbing and Gas:

A heat pump works in the same way as a reverse-cycle air conditioner. Instead of heating the room, it heats the water.

So without much ado, here are the simple steps on how a heat pump works:

• Heat pump systems work by moving heat from the air in the room to water in the tank.

• The fan draws the air onto fins called an evaporator.

• The heat in the air is absorbed by a refrigerant which flows through the evaporator.

• The refrigerant is then compressed into a vapour which raises the temperature and pressure.

• The hot vapour then flows through the heat exchanger which heats the water and cools the refrigerant.

• Once the vapoured refrigerant has given all of its heat it then transforms into its liquid state and is cycled up to start again at the evaporator.

Things to consider:

1. The GWP or Global Warming Potentials of each Heat Pump. This is based on the refrigerants used. C02 is ideal, R290 is still ok, but try to stick to those.

2. Standalone all-in-one tanks vs a tank with a separate compressor.

3. Cost and warranty

4. Noise

5. How efficient is it? What is its CoP or Coefficient of performance? The higher the CoP the cheaper and more efficient it is to run.

   According to Climate Choices ACT HWHPs typically have a higher upfront cost to other water heating systems, but their lower running costs can quickly offset this and can become cost neutral within five years. A high- quality HWHP can cost around $5,500 installed, while a standard electric or gas hot water system costs about $1,800. If you consider running costs over time, a HWHP system can pay itself off in about 4-6 years.

So even though heat pumps are more expensive up front, over time they’re the cheaper choice and FAR better for the environment. They’re also WAY more efficient.

Here’s an example of an All In One tank.

Award Winner: Commendation for Sustainability

Our home was recently awarded a Commendation for Sustainability in the Inner West Council’s Built Environment Awards. You can listen to one of the judges discussing our home and others. From big dollars spent to very modest renovations (that’s us) this is about Heritage, Conservation Sustainability and practicing “enoughness”.

Listen here