The 1930s house that is going electric

Quimby said that "going electric is a decision you can feel good about."

Quimby, her partner and three children live in an Edwardian era home dating back to 1935. They bought it in 2014 and although they didn’t change the footprint they did undertake some renovations in 2016, gutting and redesigning the main living area and a granny flat. The renovation included double glazed windows, and a 5kW solar panel system, obtained through Darebin Council’s Solar Saver program.

As renovators, Quimby said "the focus was on getting energy efficient appliances in their home. The builders were not focused at the time on the source of energy for those appliances." However, as Quimby says, "back when we were doing this renovation getting off gas wasn’t a thing, now we feel it very much."

"The experience with Darebin Council Solar Saver Program was a really good one, supported by knowledgeable and helpful staff."

The family is taking a step-by-step approach to electrification. Quimby started with the installation of a free PowerPal monitor a couple of years ago to better understand the family’s energy use.

"In 2021 we put in an electric oven with an induction cooktop because we wanted to change from gas. We resold the old oven. We felt strongly about removing gas because of the health issues associated with gas in the home, and because it is a fossil fuel while cooking it just feels wrong! We love the new cooktop. Choosing pots was easy enough and cooking and cleaning is so much easier and safer; pots are not as hot to touch."

The family is now starting to consider switching their hot water and heating to electric.

"Put in a larger solar system if you can because it gives you more options as you move towards increased electrification."

A step-by-step approach to electrification allows time for planning, and it also connects to Quimby’s values. As she learned from watching Saul Griffith on ABC’s Australian Story, "we can connect all the smaller actions we take in our homes to the bigger picture. Going electric is a decision you can feel good about."

Find out more

Follow the six steps to an all-electric home.