First home buyers energy retrofit 2025

First home buyers energy retrofit

Rosie and Matt purchased their first home in 2021 and have been taking steps to improve the energy efficiency and comfort. With a modest budget and a do-it-yourself attitude, they are pleased to report that in the last 12 months their all-electric home has cost a mere $187 in operating energy costs.

After renting cold, leaky and mold-ridden apartments in the city, it was important for their first home to be comfortable and have low operating costs. Rosie and Matt got lucky landing a charming weatherboard and tin roof, 90s built house in Wonthaggi Victoria; just a short drive from the beach.

Rosie and Matt knew they wanted to renovate but were operating on a modest budget and limited skillset as white collar workers. Matt’s renovation vision included an energy-efficient home, solar panels, biodiverse garden and rainwater catchment. Rosie’s renovation vision focused on a functional, eclectic designed home with vegetable garden and entertaining spaces.

The renovation is far from complete but the current state of the house is an example of what can be achieved if energy efficiency is prioritised from the start.

Existing features
– All-electric
– Building orientation for passive solar gain
– Small house 130m2
– Heat pump hot water system
– RCAC heating and cooling
– R3 ceiling insulation
– External shading on East and West facing windows

DIY Improvements
– Additional layer of ceiling insulation to achieve R6.0
– Underfloor insulation R2.5
– Exhaust fan draught stoppers
– Honeycomb blind window coverings
– External door sealing
– Selected internal door sealing to zone areas for heating/cooling
– Load shifting energy use with timers and delays

Technical improvements
– Ceiling fans
– 8.0 kw solar system
– Shortened eave over north facing windows