This blog post was accurate at the time of publishing. However, programs, policies and rebates may have changed since then. We recommend checking our website or contacting us directly for the most current information on 1300 430 917.
A home that is drafty, damp, or hard to heat and cool doesn’t just feel uncomfortable; it can lead to health problems. Cold, poorly insulated homes are linked to higher rates of respiratory illness, stress and poor sleep quality. Studies show that keeping indoor temperatures between 18 – 20°C improves cardiovascular and respiratory health, especially for children, older adults and people with chronic conditions.
The good news is that small efficiency upgrades often bring significant wellbeing benefits along with savings on bills.
Start with the building shell:
Your home’s shell, which includes insulation, windows, doors and walls, affects how easily heat moves in or out. Ceiling insulation is one of the most effective upgrades. It can reduce winter heat loss by up to 25 – 35% and help keep homes cooler in summer.
Sealing gaps around skirting boards, doors and service penetrations can stop cold drafts that make rooms feel uncomfortable even when the heater is on.
For windows, thicker curtains or snug blinds (ideally with pelmets to minimise air movement behind them) can reduce heat loss by around 40 – 60% on cold nights and help block glare or heat gain during hot days.
Smarter heating and cooling:
Efficient systems not only use less energy but also provide consistent comfort.
Reverse-cycle air conditioners are about three to five times more efficient than portable heaters because they move heat instead of generating it. This means every dollar spent gives you more warmth or cooling. They also keep temperatures steadier and air drier, which reduces the risk of condensation and mould.
Set sensible temperature goals: around 20°C in winter and 25°C in summer and use room zoning by closing doors to unused areas. You’ll notice improvements in comfort and in your bills.
Healthy cooking:
It’s not just your heater that affects indoor air quality; your stove does too. Gas cooktops release nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and small particles (PM2.5) directly into the air of your kitchen. These pollutants can irritate lungs and worsen asthma, especially in children. Research shows that kids living in homes with gas cooking have about a 40% higher risk of asthma symptoms compared to those in all-electric homes.
Even when not in use, some gas stoves can leak small amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Induction cooktops, on the other hand, don’t produce combustion gases at all. They heat pots and pans directly using magnetic fields, leading to less wasted heat, faster boiling times and a cooler, cleaner kitchen.
• Induction is typically 20–30% more energy-efficient than gas.
• It’s safer too as there’s no open flame or hot metal grates and it switches off automatically when the pan is removed.
• Use it with your rangehood that vents outside for the best results in keeping air fresh and reducing cooking odours.
• If you’re renting or not ready for a complete kitchen upgrade, portable induction units plug into a standard power point and can replace most gas stovetop usage affordably.
Breathe easy: managing air and moisture
Air quality is often overlooked in home comfort, but it’s just as important as temperature.
• Use extraction fans that vent outside (not into the roof space), especially in bathrooms and laundries.
• Run your rangehood when cooking and open windows briefly during sunny periods to reduce indoor pollutants and excess humidity.
• Keep filters in air conditioners and rangehoods clean to maintain airflow and energy efficiency.
Even small changes, like drying clothes outside, when possible, can help prevent mould and dampness.
The bigger picture
Efficient, comfortable homes are easier on both wallets and bodies. Over time, steady temperatures, cleaner air and lower energy bills add up to calmer, healthier living with far fewer moments of “it’s freezing in here.”
Quick checklist
• Add or top up ceiling insulation; seal any visible gaps.
• Use thick curtains or blinds; consider adding pelmets or window films.
• Heat and cool with reverse-cycle systems; clean filters regularly and stick to sensible settings.
• Properly ventilate kitchens and bathrooms; manage moisture levels.
• Zone rooms by closing doors; warm or cool only where you are.
• Cook on induction where possible; always use your rangehood.
Check rebates and upgrade smarter
Before you invest, find out if you qualify for federal, state, or local energy efficiency rebates. Many programs offer rebates for installing reverse cycle air conditioning, heat pump hot water systems or induction cooktops, making upgrades more affordable than you might expect.
