HEAT PUMP HOT WATER WITH SOLAR: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR ADELAIDE & MELBOURNE
Tired of high energy bills? Discover why thousands of Australian homeowners in Adelaide and Melbourne are switching to Heat Pump Hot Water Systems — the smarter, more sustainable choice when paired with solar power.
Heat pump hot water systems are quickly becoming the go-to solution for efficient, eco-friendly hot water – especially when paired with solar energy. In the last year alone, installations of heat pump hot water systems in Australia jumped by 70%, thanks to improved performance and generous rebates.
Homeowners and facility managers (from suburban Adelaide to metropolitan Melbourne) are eyeing these systems as a replacement for ageing electric or gas heaters. This guide breaks down everything you need to know – how heat pumps work, why they're ideal with solar, what incentives are available, and how Jousto's smart Energy Hub can amplify your savings.
WHY HEAT PUMPS ARE THE FUTURE OF HOT WATER
MASSIVE ENERGY SAVINGS
Modern heat pump water heaters use up to 70% less electricity than traditional electric resistance systems. Instead of generating heat from scratch, they harvest ambient heat from the air to warm your water.
This high efficiency means lower energy bills – often reducing water heating costs by 50–70% compared to old electric or gas units. In real terms, many households see hundreds of dollars in annual savings.
STRONG ROI
Thanks to energy savings and rebates, a quality heat pump can pay for itself in as little as 3–5 years. Melbourne's climate, for instance, allows year-round efficient operation, and rebates can cut upfront costs by $1,000–$2,000.
Homeowners typically recoup their investment within a few winters of lower bills. In South Australia, bill reductions of ~18–30% are common when replacing old systems.
ECO-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Every heat pump installed helps cut greenhouse emissions. By using renewable heat from the air, heat pumps slash carbon output versus gas burners or coal-powered electric tanks.
For environmentally conscious consumers – including community housing projects and NDIS facilities aiming for sustainability – this is a big win. Heat pumps also avoid gas combustion entirely, eliminating risks of gas leaks or toxic emissions.
WIDE ADOPTION & RELIABILITY
The technology is proven – over 150,000 units are installed across Australia, from homes to aged care centres, with that number growing fast. Premium brands offer long warranties (often 10–15 years on tanks).
Well-maintained units can last over a decade. Users on forums often ask if heat pumps last; the answer is yes – a lifespan of 10–15 years is typical, rivalling traditional heaters.
PERFECT FOR ELECTRIFICATION
As Australia moves towards full home electrification, heat pumps are a crucial component. They allow homeowners to eliminate gas connections entirely, creating an all-electric home that can be powered by renewable energy.
This transition is supported by government policies and rebates, making it financially attractive to switch from gas to electric heat pump systems as part of a broader sustainability strategy.
SMART INTEGRATION
Modern heat pumps can be integrated with home energy management systems like Jousto's Energy Hub. This allows for intelligent operation based on solar production, electricity prices, and household usage patterns.
The ability to time operation during periods of excess solar production or low grid prices maximises savings and minimises environmental impact, making heat pumps a smart choice for the connected home.
HOW HEAT PUMP HOT WATER SYSTEMS WORK
A heat pump hot water system works like "a reverse refrigerator." Instead of cooling air, it extracts heat from the air and pumps that heat into water:
- Evaporation: A fan draws in outside air over refrigerant coils. Even if the air is cool, the refrigerant absorbs its heat (heat pumps can pull useful energy from air as cold as -10°C in premium models).
- Compression: The refrigerant (now a warm gas) is compressed, raising its temperature significantly.
- Heat transfer: The hot refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger around the water tank, transferring heat to the water. The refrigerant cools and turns back into liquid, ready to repeat the cycle.
- Result: The water in the insulated tank heats up to the set temperature (typically ~60°C). This process is powered by electricity, but for every 1 kWh of electricity, a heat pump can deliver 3–5 kWh of heat to your water.
This Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3–5 means free heat from the environment provides the majority of the energy.
The outcome? Lots of hot water for a fraction of the energy. For example, 1 kW of input can yield ~5 kW of heating – a 500% output – in top models. This efficiency holds especially well in mild climates like Adelaide and Melbourne, making heat pumps an excellent fit for both regions.
BENEFITS OF PAIRING HEAT PUMPS WITH SOLAR
One of the biggest advantages of heat pump systems is how seamlessly they integrate with solar PV panels. If you have solar (or plan to add it), a heat pump maximises your solar investment:
- Use solar power you'd otherwise export: Rather than send excess midday solar generation to the grid for a low feed-in tariff, you can run your heat pump to store that solar energy as hot water. Essentially, your water tank becomes a thermal battery – you're bottling sunshine to use for your evening shower.
- Reduce grid reliance: Running the heat pump during peak solar hours or when wholesale prices are low means you draw little to no electricity from the grid for water heating. This can drive your bills down further, especially in summer when solar output is high.
- Smart scheduling: Heat pumps can be set on timers or controlled via smart systems to operate when solar is available. Jousto's Energy Hub takes this to the next level by automating your heat pump to run at optimal times – for instance, when your solar is at peak or even during negative-price events on the grid.
- Eliminate gas entirely: For homes switching from gas, combining solar PV with a heat pump means you've now fully electrified hot water with zero on-site emissions. No more gas bills or the daily gas supply charge – just free or cheap solar-heated water.
MISCONCEPTION CLEARED
"I already have solar hot water, do I need a heat pump?"
Traditional solar thermal hot water systems use roof collectors and often have electric/gas boosters. They save energy, but heat pumps can actually be more efficient and flexible.
A heat pump doesn't require clear roof space or plumbing to the roof, and it works day or night (storing energy when it's cheapest). Many homeowners are now replacing old solar thermal systems with heat pumps for greater year-round savings, simplicity, and better integration with home energy management.
ADELAIDE VS. MELBOURNE: CLIMATE AND INCENTIVES
Both Adelaide and Melbourne see strong interest in heat pump hot water, but there are local nuances:
ADELAIDE (SOUTH AUSTRALIA)
Adelaide's Mediterranean climate (warm summers, mild winters) is ideal for heat pumps. Even in cooler months, daytime highs are usually sufficient for efficient operation. Quality heat pumps in SA operate effectively down to -10°C – and Adelaide rarely gets that cold.
South Australians also enjoy robust incentives: under the REPS (Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme) (formerly REES) and federal programs, you can get big discounts. The City of Adelaide, for example, offers rebates up to $1,000 for solar hot water heat pumps.
Combined with federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), total incentives can reach $2,000+ for eligible installations. The result? Many Adelaide homeowners replace old electric tanks for little out-of-pocket cost.
MELBOURNE (VICTORIA)
Melbourne's temperate climate includes colder winters, but modern heat pumps handle this well. It's true that cheap models struggle below ~5°C, kicking in an electric booster and losing efficiency. However, high-COP units (and CO₂ refrigerant models) thrive even in chilly conditions.
For Melbourne residents, the economic case is boosted by generous rebates: You can combine three different incentives – federal STCs (worth ~$600–$800), Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEEC, $420–$780), and Solar Victoria's heat pump rebate ($1,000) – for a total of up to $2,600 off.
This "double-dip" rebate opportunity in VIC is a major reason heat pumps are booming. With the rebates, many Victorians find a quality 250L–315L heat pump costs under $1,500 out-of-pocket.
INCENTIVES SNAPSHOT
In summary, both SA and VIC offer strong support:
- South Australia: Federal STC (~$700), SA state programs (up to ~$1,000 or more via REPS), plus City of Adelaide bonus ($500–$1,000) – combining to potentially $1,500–$2,000+ in aid.
- Victoria: Federal STC (~$700), VEEC (~$400–$800), Solar Victoria $1,000 – totalling up to $2,600 off your system. This often covers 40–60% of a mid-range system's cost.
Both regions also allow interest-free loans or financing on solar/energy upgrades in certain cases, which can further ease the upfront cost. Always check the latest local programs, as these incentives can update year to year.
COSTS AND SAVINGS: WHAT TO EXPECT
UPFRONT COST
Without any rebates, heat pump hot water systems typically range from about $2,000 to $5,000 for the unit itself (smaller 170L–200L units on the lower end, premium 300L ones on the higher end). Installation costs can add $600 to $1,400, depending on complexity.
- Swapping a similar electric tank in the same spot is straightforward, keeping install costs around the low end (~$700).
- Converting from gas to electric heat pump is more involved – it needs a new circuit from the switchboard and safe decommissioning of gas lines. This scenario may hit the higher install range (~$1,200 or more).
- Additional factors like difficult access, moving the unit's location, or upgrading old plumbing can add cost.
After federal STC rebates (which nearly everyone gets instantly as a discount), the average price for a heat pump upgrade in Australia is around $4,150 including basic installation. In SA and VIC, applying state rebates brings typical out-of-pocket costs to ~$1,500–$2,500 for many homeowners.
RUNNING COSTS
Here's where heat pumps shine. A family of four with a traditional electric water heater might spend $800+ a year on water heating. A heat pump could slash that by around 2/3.
In fact, data from Sustainability Victoria comparing water heater types showed heat pumps as the cheapest to run annually. By consuming ~70% less energy, many users save $300–$500 per year on energy bills just from hot water.
If you have solar and run the heat pump mostly on solar power, your effective hot water energy cost could drop to nearly zero on sunny days.
Example: One Reddit user in Melbourne noted their heat pump cut their peak electricity use dramatically, and with rebates the system cost was nominal. Similarly, a Whirlpool forum member in Perth calculated that even with conservative settings, a heat pump paid for itself in about 4 years via bill savings – making it absolutely "worth it."
MAINTENANCE AND LIFESPAN
Heat pumps are low-maintenance. They have a fan and compressor (like an AC unit) which should be kept clear of debris. Many have sacrificial anodes in the tank to check every few years (like any storage tank).
In general, they don't require frequent servicing. Warranties often cover 5+ years on the compressor and 10+ on the tank, indicating manufacturer confidence.
Over 10–15 years, you might replace a fan or sensor, but those costs are minor compared to the savings reaped.
FEATURED HEAT PUMP BRANDS
We supply and install premium heat pump hot water systems from leading manufacturers:
Compare models, check rebates, and find the perfect system for your home in just minutes.
🛒 Browse the full rangeJOUSTO'S SMART ENERGY HUB: THE GAME-CHANGER
All heat pump systems will save you money – but Jousto takes it further. Our Energy Hub technology acts as the intelligent brain of your home's energy. Here's how it amplifies the value of a heat pump hot water system:
- Automation for maximum savings: The Energy Hub connects to your heat pump and monitors your solar production and even the wholesale electricity market. It can automatically run your heat pump during times of cheapest power – for instance, when your rooftop solar is exporting or when grid prices drop mid-day.
- Wholesale energy integration: Unlike standard setups, Jousto leverages dynamic energy pricing. If you're on a plan like Amber Electric or similar, prices change half-hourly. Jousto's system will schedule your heat pump to run during negative or low-price periods.
- Holistic energy management: The Energy Hub isn't just for hot water. It also coordinates EV chargers, batteries, and other appliances. For a homeowner, this means your entire energy ecosystem is optimised.
- Monitoring & control: You get a user-friendly app/interface to see what's happening. You can set preferences – say, "always have water at 60°C by 6am" – and the system will work out the best times to run.
EXPERT INSTALLATION & SUPPORT
Jousto is not just selling a product; we deliver a service. Our team includes licensed plumbers and electricians (we do installations across SA, VIC, and beyond).
We ensure your old system is safely removed, the new heat pump is set up to code, and the smart controls are configured perfectly. Post-installation, we remain on call for support, and the Energy Hub can even enable remote troubleshooting or performance tweaks.
Why does this matter to you? It means when you choose Jousto, you're not only getting hot water – you're getting peace of mind that your hot water system is always running in the most cost-effective way possible. No other provider offers this bundle of top-tier hardware plus intelligent optimisation.
Imagine waking up knowing your hot water was heated with solar you'd otherwise waste, or with 3¢/kWh overnight wind power. That's Jousto's promise: hot water, smartly delivered.
SERVING ADELAIDE & MELBOURNE
We supply and install Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Adelaide and Melbourne, with fast delivery and expert support across:
ADELAIDE AREAS
- Glenelg
- Norwood
- Prospect
- Morphett Vale
- Burnside
- And all surrounding suburbs
MELBOURNE AREAS
- Brighton
- Brunswick
- Dandenong
- Essendon
- Footscray
- And all surrounding suburbs
Wherever you are — we'll help you reduce bills, shrink your carbon footprint, and upgrade your hot water.
TOP 10 FAQ ABOUT HEAT PUMP HOT WATER
Here are ten frequently asked questions we often hear from Adelaide and Melbourne customers regarding heat pump hot water systems – along with concise answers:
Yes – thanks to big energy savings and rebates, heat pump systems are absolutely worth it. They use ~70% less power than old electric heaters, so you save on bills. Both SA and VIC offer incentives (up to $2k–$2.6k) that cut purchase costs.
In Adelaide's mild climate and Melbourne's well-supported market, a quality heat pump often pays for itself within 3–5 years. After that, it's money in your pocket every year.
They work by extracting heat from the air. A fan pulls in outside air, a refrigerant absorbs the air's heat, then a compressor concentrates that heat and transfers it to the water in the tank. It's the reverse of how a fridge cools.
Because they move heat rather than make it, they're super efficient – 1 unit of electricity can generate 3–5 units of heat in your water. Even in cold weather, there's enough ambient heat for the system to work (down to around -10°C for good models).
Yes, absolutely. In fact, pairing with solar is ideal. You can set the heat pump to run during the day to use your solar PV's excess energy. This means your hot water is heated "for free" by the sun.
Jousto's Energy Hub can automate this, turning on the heat pump exactly when your solar output is highest. With solar, many customers find their electric bill for hot water drops to near zero on average. It's a perfect combination for reducing grid usage and maximising solar self-consumption.
There are generous rebates in Australia:
- Federal STC incentive: Worth roughly $600–$800 off upfront (applied as a discount by installers in most cases).
- South Australia: Under REPS, many households qualify for additional discounts (often $500–$1,000 value), and City of Adelaide residents get up to $1,000 rebate.
- Victoria: You can stack three incentives – STC, Victorian Energy Upgrade (VEEC ~$500), and Solar Victoria's $1,000 rebate – totalling up to $2,600 in rebates.
These significantly lower the cost of a heat pump system. Check local eligibility (often if replacing an electric unit, you qualify; replacing gas has slightly different rules). Jousto helps clients navigate and claim all applicable rebates.
After rebates, most people pay around $1,500 to $3,000 out-of-pocket for a good system, including installation. The exact cost depends on the unit size/brand and installation complexity.
For example, a 250L unit might be $2,500 for the system and $800 for install = $3,300, minus say $1,500 in rebates → ~$1,800 net cost. Without any rebates, a high-end system plus install could be around $5,000.
The average national installed cost is ~$4,157 before state rebates. It's higher than a basic electric heater, but remember the running costs are far lower – so the investment pays back over time. Jousto provides upfront quotes showing the full price and then any rebates you're entitled to, so you see the final cost clearly.
Yes, modern heat pumps are designed to work year-round. In winter, they do run longer and a bit less efficiently (because the air is colder), but they will still heat your water.
For instance, many units that have a COP of 4 in summer might drop to COP 2–3 in cold winter nights – meaning they're still 200–300% efficient (2–3 times more efficient than a traditional heater).
In places like Melbourne where winter nights can approach 0°C, it's important to get a unit with good low-temp performance. Some models have a built-in electric booster that kicks in only if needed on the chilliest nights, so you never go without hot water.
As long as your unit is sized right, you won't notice any difference in availability of hot water in winter – just possibly a slight uptick in electricity use compared to summer (still much less than an electric tank would use).
They're pretty quiet. The sound comes from a fan and compressor, similar to a small air conditioner. Typically, noise levels range from 37 dB to 50 dB. 37 dB is very quiet – like a whisper or a refrigerator humming in the next room. 50 dB is a bit louder, like moderate rainfall.
Most units will be closer to the 45 dB mark. In practice, customers rarely complain about noise. If the unit is outside or in a garage, you might not hear it at all indoors. If near a bedroom window, you might hear a faint hum when it's running – but remember, it doesn't run constantly; once the water's heated, it turns off.
If noise is a concern, Jousto can recommend ultra-quiet models and placement that minimises any disturbance.
On average about 10 to 15 years, which is similar to or a bit longer than a conventional electric or gas tank. The tank portion is like any other hot water tank (glass-lined steel) and often comes with a 10-year warranty. The heat pump mechanism (compressor, etc.) might have a 5-year warranty on parts.
With proper maintenance (flushing the tank if needed, replacing anodes every few years in hard water areas), some heat pumps have been known to last 15+ years. It's good to check warranty terms of the brand you choose: e.g., Sanden offers 15 years on the tank and 6 years on the compressor, which indicates the expected longevity for high-end systems.
Jousto only installs reputable brands with solid support, so you're covered long-term.
Yes, definitely. Converting from gas to a heat pump is a common upgrade, especially as homes move towards all-electric setups. The installer will safely cap off the gas line and you might even be able to remove the gas meter eventually (saving on supply charges).
The main difference for install is running an electrical circuit to power the heat pump – Jousto handles the necessary electrical work with licensed electricians. Once installed, you'll enjoy not just lower energy bills but also the elimination of gas appliance maintenance and the improved safety of having no gas combustion in the home.
Plus, many state rebates (like in VIC) apply a bonus when switching from gas to efficient electric, because it helps reduce emissions. So you get help with the cost. In short, gas to heat pump is a wise switch that many are doing in Adelaide and Melbourne.
Jousto combines expert installation with smart technology that others don't offer. When you get a heat pump hot water system from Jousto, we don't just set and forget it – we integrate it with the Jousto Energy Hub, which intelligently controls when the heat pump runs to maximise use of solar or off-peak power.
No other provider in SA or VIC is currently offering this level of automation for hot water. Essentially, with Jousto you get:
- Top-quality heat pump unit (we'll help choose the right brand/model for you).
- Professional installation by our team (plumbing and electrical included, no fuss).
- Smart Energy Hub controller that links your heat pump to your solar system or tariff data, optimising your energy use in real-time.
- Ongoing support and monitoring – we ensure your system runs smoothly and you get the savings promised.
This means a Jousto-installed system could save you more money over its life than a standard install, due to the smart scheduling. We turn your hot water system into an active part of your energy-saving toolkit, not a passive appliance. That's the Jousto difference – we marry efficiency with intelligence for unbeatable results.
READY TO UPGRADE YOUR HOT WATER SYSTEM?
Join thousands of satisfied customers in Adelaide and Melbourne who are saving money and reducing their carbon footprint.
By covering all these aspects – from technical know-how to financial incentives and smart integration – this guide equips you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on heat pump hot water in Adelaide or Melbourne.
Heat pump hot water systems are the future of efficient home energy, and with Jousto's help, you can make that future a reality today. Here's to endless hot showers, dramatically lower bills, and a more sustainable home!
Scorecard Insights for Aussie Homes Year-Round
Introduction
As energy prices climb and climate variability intensifies, Australian homeowners are becoming increasingly focused on achieving both comfort and cost-efficiency in their living environments. In a country as climatically diverse as Australia, where residents contend with both chilly winters and scorching summers, managing seasonal comfort effectively can be both a financial and practical challenge.
To assist households in navigating these issues, the Australian government has introduced the Residential Efficiency Scorecard—a tool designed to assess and improve the energy performance of existing homes. Unlike generalised advice or high-tech automation platforms such as Jousto, the Scorecard offers tailored, in-person assessments and data-driven insights into how a home performs thermally and where improvements can be made.
This blog explores the unique strengths of the Residential Efficiency Scorecard in addressing both winter warmth and summer savings, highlighting how it compares to online advice and automated energy tools. The goal is to help homeowners better understand which energy efficiency strategies deliver the greatest comfort and return on investment throughout the year.
The Australian Residential Efficiency Scorecard: An Overview
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard is a government-supported initiative available across several Australian states and territories. Its primary aim is to provide homeowners with a clear, evidence-based understanding of how their home uses energy and how efficiently it retains comfort.
How it Works
A certified Scorecard assessor visits the property and collects data on a wide range of factors, including:
Construction materials
Roof, wall, and floor insulation
Windows and shading features
Fixed appliances such as heaters, air conditioners, and hot water systems
Onsite solar PV systems
Lighting efficiency
This assessment results in:
An Energy Star Rating (out of 10), which estimates the running costs of fixed appliances
Hot and Cold Weather Comfort Ratings (out of 5 bars), indicating how well the home naturally maintains comfortable indoor temperatures
A detailed report with tailored recommendations
A Scorecard Certificate, useful for green loans and resale purposes
What sets the Scorecard apart is its focus on existing homes and the way it combines both building envelope data and appliance efficiency to form a complete energy picture.
Scorecard Insights into Winter Comfort
Cold-weather comfort is a major concern for Australian households, particularly in southern states where winter nights are long and temperatures can fall below freezing.
Key Winter Metrics
The Scorecard assigns a Cold Weather Comfort Rating based on:
Insulation quality and coverage
Window type (e.g. single or double glazing) and treatments (e.g. pelmets, curtains)
Draught sealing and air leakage
Heating type and efficiency
Room sizes and layout
Thermal mass and material responsiveness
This detailed analysis determines how well the home holds heat without relying on mechanical heating, making it more cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable.
General Advice vs. Scorecard Insights
Online winter tips—such as setting thermostats to 20°C or using door snakes—are useful but not home-specific. They don’t tell you whether your ceiling insulation is working effectively or whether your heating system is oversized, inefficient, or outdated.
By contrast, the Scorecard offers a diagnostic approach. For example, it might recommend:
Adding R4 ceiling insulation
Upgrading from gas ducted heating to a reverse-cycle heat pump
Installing pelmets to reduce window heat loss
These improvements are backed by estimated cost savings, providing a clear path to smarter, warmer living during winter.
Scorecard Insights into Summer Savings
While winters are a comfort concern, Australian summers pose the opposite problem: excessive heat and high cooling costs. Here too, the Scorecard provides targeted advice that can reduce a home’s reliance on air conditioning.
Factors That Influence Hot Weather Comfort
The Scorecard calculates a Hot Weather Comfort Rating, considering:
Roof and wall insulation effectiveness
Window orientation and shading
Glazing type and solar heat gain
Cooling system efficiency
Opportunities for natural ventilation
Roof colour and thermal reflectivity
A home with good summer performance may stay naturally cooler during heatwaves, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems.
Going Beyond Standard Summer Tips
Most online advice recommends:
Using ceiling fans
Setting the aircon to 26°C
Closing blinds during the day
Ventilating at night
These tips are sound but don’t diagnose why your home overheats in the first place. The Scorecard’s in-depth analysis might reveal, for instance, that:
You’re lacking shading on west-facing windows
Your air conditioner is inefficient or too small
You’re missing cross-ventilation pathways
With this insight, homeowners can invest in upgrades that provide lasting summer savings.
Unique Value Proposition: What Sets the Scorecard Apart?
What makes the Residential Efficiency Scorecard more than just another energy advice tool?
1. Whole-Home Evaluation
While many resources focus on either appliances or building shell, the Scorecard covers both, offering an integrated view that mirrors real-world energy use.
2. Customised Recommendations
Unlike websites and brochures, the Scorecard delivers bespoke advice, such as:
"Install a heat pump hot water system to reduce water heating costs by $300/year"
"Replace single-glazed windows on the northern side to improve winter retention"
These are actionable, home-specific upgrades with estimated benefits—not just tips.
3. Quantifiable Ratings
Scorecard results are measurable, allowing you to track progress. The star rating and comfort bars make it easy to:
Compare homes
Apply for green loans or rebates
Set improvement targets over time
Cost Implications and Improvement Pathways
The Scorecard doesn’t just highlight problems—it helps prioritise solutions based on cost-effectiveness.
Investment vs. Savings
Typical Scorecard reports include cost estimates for each recommended upgrade and a return-on-investment timeline. For example:
This information is invaluable for homeowners deciding which upgrades to tackle first, especially when working with a renovation budget.
Metrics and Ratings Explained
The Scorecard offers a set of clear, visual metrics:
Energy Star Rating (1–10 Stars)
Reflects total energy cost from fixed appliances. A higher score = lower bills.
Comfort Ratings (Hot & Cold)
Measured in bars out of five. They assess passive comfort—how well the home stays warm or cool without artificial heating or cooling.
Appliance Efficiency Bars
These show which appliances (e.g. hot water systems, heaters) are underperforming and where savings could be made.
Together, these metrics offer a full spectrum picture of both current performance and future potential.
Integration with Jousto
Although Jousto and the Scorecard serve different purposes, they can be strategically combined for better results.
How They Differ
Scorecard = Evaluates the home's physical performance
Jousto = Optimises energy usage using smart automation
Scorecard tells you what to fix (e.g. upgrade insulation), while Jousto tells you how to run your home smarter (e.g. when to heat or cool based on solar availability or wholesale prices).
How They Complement Each Other
Step 1: Scorecard Assessment
→ Understand and improve your home's baseline energy efficiencyStep 2: Implement Upgrades
→ Seal draughts, improve insulation, replace inefficient systemsStep 3: Use Jousto for Smart Control
→ Automate heating, cooling, and appliance use for maximum savings
Together, they form a powerful energy performance + energy behaviour partnership.
Real-World Application: A Case Example
Let’s consider a typical Adelaide family:
4-bedroom 1980s brick veneer home
Gas ducted heating, no insulation
Single-glazed windows
Reverse-cycle split system in the living room
6.6kW rooftop solar
Before Scorecard:
High winter bills ($500/month)
Overheating in summer
Running aircon inefficiently during peak hours
After Scorecard Assessment:
Added R4 insulation
Replaced gas heating with electric heat pump
Installed external shading on north-west windows
Joined Jousto to automate cooling during low-price periods
Result: Energy bills dropped by 35%, and the home became significantly more comfortable year-round.
Best Use Cases for the Scorecard
Before a major renovation – integrate smart energy upgrades
When selling a home – improve star rating for added appeal
When switching to all-electric living – assess readiness
For first-home buyers – understand long-term energy costs
When seeking a green loan – use the Scorecard certificate as proof
Conclusion
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard provides unmatched insight into how Australian homes perform across both winter and summer. Where general tips stop, the Scorecard begins—with personalised assessments, practical upgrade suggestions, and clear metrics that guide long-term comfort and savings.
Unlike high-tech solutions like Jousto, which optimise energy usage through automation, the Scorecard focuses on the physical and structural energy profile of the home. But when used together, these tools can help homeowners achieve holistic, year-round efficiency—from construction to consumption.
For any homeowner seeking to create a comfortable, energy-efficient, and climate-ready home, the Scorecard is not just an option—it’s a foundation.
✅ Combine the Scorecard with Jousto for Maximum Results
Build a Better Energy Strategy—From Structure to Smart Control
Ready to take full control of your home's comfort and energy costs? Start with the Residential Efficiency Scorecard to uncover where your home could perform better—whether it’s insulation, heating, or cooling. Then, once your home is energy-fit, Jousto’s smart automation steps in to fine-tune your energy usage in real-time, using solar, battery, and price signals to save even more.
✅ Get your home assessed with a personalised Scorecard evaluation
✅ Implement targeted upgrades to improve comfort and reduce bills
✅ Let Jousto optimise usage with automation based on solar and price data
Together, the Scorecard and Jousto deliver a powerful one-two punch for year-round comfort and long-term energy savings.
👉 Learn more about the Residential Efficiency Scorecard
👉 Discover how Jousto can automate your energy smarter
Smart homes aren’t built overnight—but with the right insights and the right automation, yours can be.
