Kristian’s no longer a gas consumer
Kristian is a researcher in the renewable energy industry. So - in late 2023, when he was fortunate to be able to purchase a late 1970’s house in Clifton Hill, he got straight to work on improving its sustainability.
Where did your electrification journey start?
When I settled on the house, it was already part of the way down the efficiency track - there was an induction cooktop, insulation in the roof space, ceiling fans in the bedrooms and a split system heat pump heater/air conditioner installed in the kitchen/dining area. Also, being brick, there is some good thermal mass, which helps. But there was more I could do - the house had a gas instant hot water service and a gas space heater in the living room.
I started with the simple steps while searching for installers for the bigger things; gap sealing and draft proofing as well as replacing a few of the lights that weren’t already LEDs.
Tell us about the work to get to an all electric home
The gas space heater was the first bigger thing to go; it didn’t seem terribly old, but was an older style with a glowing ceramic element at the centre. Given I already had the split system nearby, I felt I didn’t need to replace this gas unit with an extra heater in the room.
Then there was the instantaneous gas hot water service, which was not only the last remaining gas appliance but also in an awkward spot that interfered with future home improvements. This gas unit was replaced in a new location with a Sanden heat pump hot water system and I was able to fully disconnect the gas - no more monthly gas supply charges!
I also intended to add solar to the roof but here I struck a big unexpected issue - the roof was not constructed with tiles but was rather a pressed metal tile “decramastic” roof. After some inquiries I was a little shocked to learn that solar installations are not permitted on this kind of roof because of its low strength.
In the end, I used my remaining budget to install a stronger (and smarter looking) Colorbond corrugated iron roof that resolved some old guttering and roof issues, while also getting the roof solar-ready at the same time. The downside is that the unexpected cost of the new roof means that the solar system will just have to wait.
What’s on your electrification wish list?
Well, those solar panels are still on my wishlist. Now I have a good structure to put them on, and half the roof faces north, so when I can afford them, they will be top of my to-do list.
I don’t currently have any double glazing but I think that can wait a little - I might tackle the louvre windows in the laundry and bathroom which aren’t very airtight when closed.
I’m looking at domestic batteries, but they are a significant expense upfront. I’m also researching trading opportunities - ways to sell the excess solar when demand is high. Like the solar panels, this will have to wait a bit.
