Make your home energy efficient

What Is an Energy-Efficient Home?

An energy-efficient home provides comfortable living conditions while using less energy than a comparable inefficient property. This can involve the building itself, how appliances operate and when electricity is consumed.

Energy efficiency and renewable energy are related but different. Insulation reduces the energy required to heat or cool a room. Solar panels generate electricity that may supply that heating or cooling system. Combining both approaches can deliver better results than relying on solar alone.

12 Practical Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

1. Improve ceiling and wall insulation

Insulation helps slow heat transfer, keeping indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Check existing insulation before adding more, and use qualified professionals where electrical wiring, moisture or access issues are involved. Appropriate insulation levels vary by climate and building design.

2. Seal draughts around doors and windows

Gaps around doors, windows and other openings can let conditioned air escape. Weather seals and appropriate draught-proofing can reduce unwanted airflow. Do not block ventilation required for safe operation of gas appliances or moisture control.

3. Use heating and cooling more efficiently

Heating and cooling can account for a substantial share of household energy use. Choose efficient equipment, clean filters, close doors to unused rooms and set moderate thermostat temperatures. Ceiling fans can improve comfort with relatively low electricity consumption.

4. Replace old lighting with LEDs

LED lights generally use much less electricity than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs for a similar light output. Focus first on frequently used rooms, outdoor lighting and older high-wattage fittings.

5. Choose energy-efficient appliances

When replacing a fridge, washing machine, dryer or air conditioner, compare the Australian Energy Rating Label and estimated annual energy consumption. A lower purchase price does not always mean a lower lifetime cost.

6. Reduce hot-water energy use

Hot water can be a major household energy expense. Fix leaking taps, consider water-efficient showerheads and compare efficient hot-water options such as heat-pump systems. Ask a licensed professional about safe temperature settings and system suitability.

7. Install a properly sized rooftop solar system

Solar panels can generate electricity during daylight hours and reduce electricity purchases from the grid. A suitable system size depends on your electricity bills, available roof space, shading, tariffs and future needs such as electric vehicles. Explore ADS Solar’s residential solar installation options for Australian homes.

8. Use more electricity during solar generation hours

If you have rooftop solar, running suitable appliances while the panels are generating can increase self-consumption. For example, schedule a dishwasher, washing machine or compatible hot-water system during daylight hours when practical and safe. Compare your feed-in tariff with your grid electricity rate to understand the value of using solar on site.

9. Consider solar battery storage where it makes financial sense

A home battery can store surplus solar electricity for later use. It may reduce evening grid imports, but savings depend on battery capacity, installed cost, tariffs, efficiency, usage and any applicable incentives. A battery is not automatically the best investment for every home.

10. Manage standby electricity consumption

Some electronics use electricity even when not actively in use. Switch off unnecessary devices at the wall where appropriate, and use power-management settings or smart plugs for suitable equipment. Keep essential devices such as medical equipment, refrigeration and security systems powered as required.

11. Improve shading and window performance

External blinds, awnings, suitable curtains and well-positioned shading can reduce unwanted summer heat gain. Window improvements should account for winter warmth, daylight and local climate rather than simply blocking all sunlight.

12. Monitor your energy use

Check your electricity bills, smart-meter data and solar monitoring app to identify when energy use is highest. Monitoring helps you assess whether upgrades are working and whether unexpected appliance or solar system issues need attention.

How Much Can an Energy-Efficient Home Save on Electricity?

There is no universal savings figure because electricity tariffs, climate, house size, occupancy and current efficiency vary widely. The most useful approach is to calculate the potential impact of individual changes using your own electricity bill.

For a more reliable estimate, compare at least 12 months of electricity use where available and account for seasonal changes, supply charges, tariff structure and any future appliance upgrades.

Solar Panels and Home Energy Efficiency: How They Work Together

Solar panels reduce the need to purchase electricity when sunlight is available, while energy-efficiency improvements reduce the amount of electricity your home needs in the first place. This distinction matters when planning system size.

What Size Solar System Is Suitable for an Australian Home?

The best size is not always the largest system that fits on your roof. A professional assessment should consider annual electricity consumption, daytime usage, roof orientation, shading, inverter capacity, local network requirements and potential future loads.

• 6.6kW solar system: Often considered by smaller to medium-sized households with suitable roof space.
• 10kW solar system: May suit larger households or homes planning additional electric appliances.
• 13.2kW to 15kW solar system: Can be considered for higher-consumption homes, subject to roof area and network approval.
• Solar plus battery: Worth evaluating when substantial solar energy is exported during the day and electricity is purchased in the evening.

Actual output varies with location, weather, panel orientation, shading and equipment performance. A site-specific design is more useful than relying on generic generation figures.

Are Solar Rebates Available for Energy-Efficient Homes?

Eligible rooftop solar systems in Australia may benefit from the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme through small-scale technology certificates (STCs). The value depends on factors including system size, installation date, location and eligibility. State and territory programs may also offer support for particular upgrades, but eligibility, funding and conditions can change.

Check the Australian Government energy website and relevant state government sources for current program details. Do not assume every property or battery qualifies for a rebate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Improving Home Energy Efficiency

• Installing solar before checking avoidable electricity waste or future energy needs.
• Choosing solar or battery capacity based only on a headline price.
• Ignoring roof shading, structural condition and local connection requirements.
• Assuming a battery guarantees blackout backup without the necessary backup configuration.
• Comparing solar savings without considering self-consumption and feed-in tariffs.
• Replacing working appliances prematurely without checking whether the lifetime savings justify the cost.
• Neglecting maintenance, ventilation and electrical safety requirements.

How to Plan Your Home Energy Efficiency Upgrade

1. Review your electricity bills: Look at consumption, rates and seasonal patterns.
2. Inspect the building: Identify insulation, draughts, shading and ventilation issues.
3. Prioritise affordable improvements: Start with high-value changes such as LED lighting, controls and sealing suitable gaps.
4. Review major appliances: Consider heating, cooling and hot water when equipment is due for replacement.
5. Assess rooftop solar: Compare system sizes using your actual electricity needs and roof conditions.
6. Evaluate battery storage separately: Review cost, expected use, tariff benefits and backup requirements.
7. Track results: Compare electricity use after each major change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Energy-Efficient Homes

Useful Australian Energy Efficiency Resources

For independent guidance, visit energy.gov.au for household energy information and Your Home for Australian building design and energy-efficiency principles.