Make Your Home More Energy Efficient 
Before switching appliances or installing solar, the most cost effective step you can take is to make your home more energy efficient. Many Australian homes are poorly insulated, and heating or cooling tends to leak out through ceilings, floors, walls, gaps and windows. Improving thermal efficiency means your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and appliances do not need to work as hard or as often.
Insulation
Start with insulation. Roof insulation is relatively simple to install if you have roof access, and should be checked even if it is already in place. If tradespeople have been in the roof recently, they may have moved insulation around and forgotten to put it back in place. For most homes, roof insulation with an R value of 4 to 6 is recommended. Wall insulation is more difficult to retrofit, but not impossible. Weatherboard walls can be removed and replaced, and insulation can be blown into wall cavities by a professional. Underfloor insulation is also worthwhile, particularly for homes with timber floors or that sit on stumps rather than a concrete slab.
Draught proofing
Next, look at windows, doors and other draughts. Small changes here can have a big impact. Window frames can be sealed with foam strips or rolled up tissues. Plastic film can be applied to the frame to create a thermal barrier. Bubble wrap can be used in areas like bathrooms where natural light is more important than the view. Even if you already have double glazing, these additions can improve thermal performance.
Curtains and blinds also matter. Heavy drapes, block-out blinds or layered coverings that trap air are particularly effective. The best setup is a blind that sits close to the glass, with a pelmet at the top, and a curtain that hangs outside the frame to trap airflow.
Doors and vents can let in draughts too. A rolled-up towel or door snake can stop cold air from coming through the gap under a door. In older homes, you might find gaps where the floor meets the skirting board, or vents that allow too much airflow. Try lighting a candle and watching for a flicker on a windy day to spot leaks.
To get a better idea of how heat moves through your home, you can borrow a thermal camera from Darebin Libraries. They also have energy efficiency kits and induction cooktops available for loan. These can help you test how well your home retains heat, and whether your cooking equipment is compatible with induction before you make the switch.
Talk to an expert
If you are not sure which improvements will give you the best return, or you would like help planning your approach, Graham Moore can help. Graham is a retired Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering and now volunteers with DCAN to help Darebin locals electrify their homes. He can meet with you at a café, library or over the phone to talk through your options.
Resources:
Darebin Libraries, borrow thermal efficiency tool kit
Quick Links
- Why Electrify? Understanding the Energy Market and Your Role in the Transition
- Getting Ready: What to Check Before You Begin
- Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
- Make the Switch: Heating, Hot Water and Cooking
- Solar, Batteries and EVs: Powering Your Future
- Renters: What You Can Do Now
Darebin Climate Action Now (DCAN) is run by volunteers who want to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. The information on this website, and provided by our volunteer expert Graham Moore, is general in nature. We recommend you seek independent advice applicable to your individual circumstances.