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Is the high cost of gas making you question your comfort? If you’re a Victorian homeowner, you’re likely feeling the pinch of volatile energy prices and wondering if there’s a smarter way to run your home. The good news is that the future is electric, and it’s already here.
The secret to lower bills and total year-round comfort is called Whole-Home Electrification, and it’s simpler and more affordable than you might think. By replacing old, high-cost gas appliances with modern, highly efficient electric systems, you take control of your energy and lock in massive savings—especially when paired with solar. Experts estimate that an existing Victorian home with solar could save over $1,000 every year by making the switch.
Here is the simple, practical roadmap to an all-electric home, and how Plum Trade Services can make the entire transition easy.
1. Winning the Comfort War: The Reverse-Cycle Revolution
When most Victorians think of winter heating, they think of ducted gas. It’s time to change that mindset. Modern reverse-cycle heating and cooling systems (ducted or split systems) are the absolute best choice for comfort and efficiency.
Unlike gas, which burns fuel, a reverse-cycle system simply moves heat. In winter, it pulls heat from the cold outside air and pumps it into your home. This means it delivers up to five times more energy as heat than it consumes in electricity, making it the cheapest way to heat and cool your home. It’s also the system that keeps you cool in summer.
2. The Silent Energy Saver: Heat Pump Hot Water
After heating, your hot water system is typically the next biggest energy drain. If you’re running a traditional gas hot water system, you are missing out on major savings and generous government support.
Heat pump hot water systems are a game-changer. Just like your reverse-cycle air conditioner, they use ambient air—not a heating element—to create hot water. This makes them incredibly energy efficient and far cheaper to run than traditional electric or gas storage.
The best part for Victorian homeowners? You can often access substantial discounts through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebates, drastically reducing the upfront cost of your new heat pump. This makes the switch from high-cost gas hot water to an efficient electric heat pump a financial no-brainer.
3. Kitchen Upgrade: Safer, Faster, Smarter Cooking
The final piece of the electrification puzzle is the kitchen. While many people have an emotional attachment to gas burners, modern induction cooktops are superior in almost every way:
- Speed: Boil water in a fraction of the time.
- Precision: Instant, accurate temperature control that rivals the best gas burners.
- Safety & Health: No open flames, and no gas fumes or indoor air pollutants released into your kitchen.
It’s the simplest swap you can make, and it completely eliminates your reliance on gas plumbing inside your home.
4. The Power Play: Locking In Savings with Solar & Batteries
Now that all your major appliances run on electricity, you can leverage the abundant Australian sun to power them for free. By installing a solar power system and adding a home battery, you maximise your self-sufficiency and drastically cut your evening electricity bills.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program (Federal Rebate)
This national initiative is already available and is designed to make home energy storage systems significantly more affordable by applying an upfront discount.
- Upfront Discount: The program is expected to reduce the total cost of eligible solar battery systems by approximately 30% in the first year of the program.
- Rebate Value: The discount is based on the battery’s usable capacity, delivered through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). For a typical 10 kWh battery, this translates to savings of up to $3,720 in the program’s early stages (approx. $372 per kWh).
- Key Catch: The rebate value is set to gradually decrease each year until 2030. To lock in the highest possible saving, early installation is key.
- Eligibility: The battery must be installed with a new or existing solar PV system and have a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh. The rebate is capped at the first 50 kWh of usable capacity and is only available once per property.
5. Making the Switch Simple and Affordable with Smart Finance
We understand that replacing multiple systems can feel like a major financial undertaking. That’s why Plum Trade Services partners with Brighte to offer easy, flexible financing solutions for your entire project—from the heat pump to the solar and the electrical upgrades.
Brighte 0% Interest Payment Plan
Brighte’s popular payment plan allows you to start saving immediately without the burden of high upfront costs or interest.
- 0% Interest: The plan features a 0% interest rate for the entire term.
- Flexible Terms: Finance is typically available from $1,000 up to $55,000, with flexible repayment terms that can extend up to 10 years.
- Simple Fees: The only fees are a low, one-off $75 establishment fee (paid on your first repayment) and a weekly account keeping fee (approx. $2.30/week, included in your repayments). There are no fees for early repayment or payout.
When your new electric systems are saving you money on your bills every month, the installation essentially pays for itself!
Your Whole-Home Electrification Starts with One Call
Ditching gas is about saving your money and creating a safer, more comfortable home. But coordinating a plumber, an HVAC specialist, and an electrician for your switchboard and solar can be a headache.
That’s where Plum Trade Services comes in. We are your one-stop, trusted expert for all three trade services (Heat & Cool, Electrical, and Solar). We handle the entire project, from design and accessing rebates to installation and finance, giving you one point of contact and a seamless experience.
Ready to see how much you can save?
Book your free, no-obligation home assessment with Plum Trade Services today.
