What do I need to do to get an Energy Freedom Home?

An Energy Freedom Home is a desirable outcome, but it can be confusing and demoralising figuring out how to get one.

If you are unsure about what an Energy Freedom Home is. Check out this article.

In this article, we'll cover the different ways you can upgrade your home to achieve greater energy independence. By the time you're done, you should have a better understanding of what needs to be done to reach your Energy Freedom objective.

What are the key characteristics and components of an Energy Freedom Home?

There are three characteristics of an Energy Freedom Home: home generated power, good passive performance and energy efficient electric appliances. Each characteristic is linked to specific upgrades. In the below table, we have outlined these and included home requirements, so you can begin to build a picture of what could happen for your home.

Characteristic	Related upgrades	Requirements
Home generated power	Solar panels and inverter	Unshaded roof space
Good passive performance	Insulation (roof, underfloor, walls)	Roof and underfloor access space
Good passive performance	Draft proofing	None
Energy efficient electric appliances	Reverse cycle split system air conditioning	Sufficient mains supply Space for an outdoor unit
	Hot water heat pump	Outdoor space for a storage tank
	Induction cooktop and electric oven	Sufficient mains supply
	LED lights	None

When considering each of the upgrades for your home, these two questions may assist you in developing an initial picture:

Which of the upgrades are already completed in my home?
Of the upgrades not completed, does my home meet the requirements?

Are there other things you can do?

Yes, there are. The list of possible energy upgrades is lengthy and often nuanced to specific people and homes. The ones we have included above:

Have the biggest bang for your buck;
Are relatively easy retrofit upgrades;
Will immediately positively impact your bills, health and the environment.

Next steps

Now that you've got a sense of your version of an Energy Freedom Home, the next step is to figure out what to do first! Click here for our article, 'What is the next step to an Energy Freedom home?'

Want to fast-track home electrification? Join an Energy Freedom Homes Masterclass and learn to identify your needs, gain expert installation advice, and meet trustworthy tradespeople. Check your Masterclass readiness now!