Electrify Your Home: How Families Will Drive The Next Era Of Green Transformation

Addressing climate change is an urgent issue. As if to hammer home its importance, the recent extreme weather across Australia has made it crystal clear; we all need to do our bit to help contribute to a greener planet.

There’s been a recent push for Aussies to ‘electrify our homes’, by choosing clean energy alternatives in order to reduce our domestic carbon emissions. Not only could the move to electrifying our homes make a big impact in transitioning to a green era, it might also save us some serious money; the average Aussie household could save $5000 annually on their energy and vehicle costs by 2030, and up to $6000 by 2035, by going totally electric, according to research.

Here’s how we can help drive the next era of green transformation at home:

Get rid of gas

Gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change. Gas-powered hot water, heating and cooking can carry a carbon monoxide risk, and are often more expensive than electric powered options, particularly if your gas appliances are old and inefficient. When you go all-electric, you can closely monitor your energy usage, and control the electricity in your home to operate on a regular schedule. Consider heat-pumps instead of gas heaters, which are up to four times more efficient than other types of electric heaters. Air source heat pumps and electric storage hot water systems are much more energy efficient than gas water heaters, and induction cooktops are more than twice as energy efficient as gas cookers. If you’re looking to change your gas appliances over slowly, aim to swap the appliance that uses the most gas first - for most homes, this is heating. There are several federal and state rebates available to help you upgrade appliances.

Choose an electric vehicle

Electric vehicles are the future. Zero emissions vehicles will be the “new normal” in Australia by 2030, with the government planning to spend $250million on building charging stations for heavy commercial vehicles, passenger cars and households.

Volvo Cars is one of the car manufacturers leading the charge when it comes to producing electric vehicles; in 2019 they took a step towards electrifying their entire model range, promising that every new car launched would be either partially or completely battery powered. Today, the new XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is leading the way in car electrification.

With reimagined design details and seamless experience connectivity, it lets you enjoy the power of a Volvo car alongside the knowledge you’re being environmentally responsible. Depending on how you drive and environmental conditions, its battery life has a maximum range of 418km, and can fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes.

Not only is Volvo producing electric vehicles, they’re also addressing emissions within their operations and supply chain, with the aim of making their whole business climate neutral by 2040.

Clean up your electric supply

Choosing renewable energy takes the electrification of your home to the next level, powering your home and creating zero emissions while you do so – saving up to 3-5 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

Switching a significant share of household electricity to rooftop solar with battery storage will dramatically reduce emissions, and also make big savings for households. Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity, which is then converted into power for use in the home. It can power appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and washing machines, so they no longer need to draw power from the electricity grid. Solar generation, consumption and export is tracked and recorded through a smart meter, providing the data for electricity billing. There are currently federal and state rebates available for solar installation.

Electrify your outdoor life too

You might not think your outdoor activities are doing any harm to the environment, but they could well be creating carbon emissions. Gas and propane barbecues produce emissions every time they’re used. Swap to an electric barbecue that never runs out of fuel – and is much easier to clean. You can also look after your backyard in a totally electric way; ditching gas lawnmowers and tools can reduce toxic waste. There’s a whole range of quiet, powerful and affordable battery-powered lawn tools – keeping your garden fresher and cleaner too.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is a fully electric car with zero tailpipe emissions. It comes with 3 years/100,00km servicing *, 5 years unlimited km warranty ^, and 8 years of roadside assistance - .

*^- For full terms and conditions, visit https://www.volvocars.com/au/v/cars/xc40-electric