Why Energy Efficiency Is a Must in Modern Homes

Energy efficiency is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for today’s homeowners. With energy prices climbing and climate concerns growing, reducing your home’s energy consumption is one of the smartest investments you can make. A high energy rating doesn’t just lower your power bills—it boosts your property’s value, enhances comfort, and shrinks your carbon footprint.

Whether you’re buying, selling, renovating, or simply looking to cut costs, understanding your home’s energy performance is the first step. And improving it? That’s where long-term savings and sustainability begin.

What Is a Home Energy Rating—and Why Does It Matter?

A home energy rating provides a benchmark of how efficiently your home uses energy. In Australia, one of the most comprehensive tools available is the Residential Efficiency Scorecard, often referred to as the "Residential Scorecard." This system assesses how much energy your home uses for heating, cooling, lighting, appliances, and hot water. The score ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most efficient.

For new builds or major renovations, a NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) rating is typically required to ensure compliance with building codes. Meanwhile, existing homes can be assessed through scorecards or energy audits to guide future upgrades.

A high score means lower running costs, a smaller environmental impact, and better year-round comfort.

How Home Energy Ratings Benefit You

Here’s why a high energy rating is more than just a number:

• Lower energy bills through reduced heating, cooling, and appliance usage

• Improved comfort with consistent indoor temperatures and fewer draughts

• Increased property value, especially as buyers become more energy-conscious

• Eligibility for rebates or government incentives

• Long-term sustainability, contributing to Australia’s net-zero goals

If you want a home that’s future-ready, your energy rating is where to start.

Understanding the Residential Efficiency Scorecard

In Victoria and expanding across other Australian states, the Residential Efficiency Scorecard provides homeowners with a comprehensive view of their home's energy performance.

At Jousto, we’re certified to deliver Scorecard Assessments, helping you understand:

• Where energy is being lost or wasted

• How much you’re spending on heating, cooling, and appliances

• Which upgrades will deliver the biggest improvements and savings

You’ll receive a personalised report, complete with a star rating and tailored recommendations.

Explore more about our energy assessments here:
👉 https://jousto.com.au/do-it-for-me

Step 1: Seal Air Leaks and Boost Insulation

One of the fastest ways to boost your energy score is to reduce air leakage and ensure your home is properly insulated. Leaks can waste up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy.

Focus Areas Include:

• Windows and Doors: Apply weatherstripping or sealant around edges. Consider upgrading to double- or triple-glazed ENERGY STAR-rated windows.

• Attic and Roof Spaces: Adding roof insulation can significantly improve both winter and summer performance.

• Walls and Underfloor: Install insulation batts or foam panels to maintain thermal consistency.

• Ductwork: Seal and insulate ducts to avoid heat loss in unconditioned areas.

Sealing and insulating are foundational steps that improve comfort and reduce HVAC system stress.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling typically account for around 40–50% of a home’s energy use. Optimizing these systems can have a major impact on your energy score and your utility bills.

Strategies Include:

• Annual HVAC Maintenance: Keep systems running efficiently with professional servicing.

• Smart Thermostats: Devices like Google Nest or Ecobee adjust temperatures automatically, saving energy based on usage patterns.

• Replace Old Units: If your system is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump—an efficient solution for both heating and cooling.

• Zoning Systems: These allow you to heat or cool only occupied areas, significantly reducing waste.

Our Scorecard Assessments include an evaluation of your current heating and cooling systems—and actionable advice on upgrades that matter most.

Step 3: Improve Appliance and Lighting Efficiency

Outdated appliances and lighting systems can silently drain energy—and cash. Upgrading these not only improves your home's efficiency but also contributes to your energy rating.

Energy-Saving Tips:

• Switch to LEDs: They use up to 80% less electricity and last 25x longer than incandescent bulbs.

• Opt for ENERGY STAR Appliances: Fridges, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers with the ENERGY STAR label use less power and water.

• Unplug Phantom Loads: Electronics in standby mode still use power. Plug them into power boards you can switch off easily.

• Use Energy Monitors: These help you identify which devices consume the most electricity.

Replacing just a few key appliances can lift your rating significantly and start saving you money instantly.

Step 4: Maximize Water Heating Efficiency

Water heating is often the second-largest energy user in a household. Making your system more efficient is one of the simplest ways to cut energy use.

Key Improvements:

• Install a Heat Pump Water Heater: This is up to 3x more efficient than a standard electric system and is often eligible for rebates.

• Wrap Pipes: Insulated pipes lose less heat, saving energy over time.

• Low-Flow Fixtures: Reduce hot water use in showers and taps.

• Cold Water Washing: Most modern detergents work well in cold water, saving hot water for when it’s truly needed.

Our assessors evaluate your hot water system as part of the Scorecard and can recommend cost-effective upgrades with fast payback periods.

Step 5: Consider Solar and Renewable Energy

Once your home is running efficiently, it makes even more sense to generate your own energy. Solar systems can dramatically lower your power bills and carbon footprint.

Renewable Options:

• Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Systems: Capture free power from the sun to run your home.

• Solar Hot Water Systems: Use thermal energy to heat your water directly.

• Battery Storage: Store solar energy for use at night or during grid outages.

• Feed-in Tariffs: Earn money for exporting surplus power back to the grid.

At Jousto, we’re specialists in smart solar systems, automation, and solar curtailment technology—ensuring you get the most value from every ray of sunshine.

We also guide homeowners through available state and federal solar rebates, helping you reduce upfront costs.

Step 6: Conduct a Professional Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit is the best way to identify where your home is underperforming and what you can do about it.

There are two types:

• DIY Audits: Use checklists to inspect for drafts, appliance inefficiencies, and insulation issues.

• Professional Scorecard Assessments: Certified experts provide detailed analysis, energy use modeling, and recommendations.

Why Choose Jousto?

Our team provides accredited Residential Efficiency Scorecard Assessments backed by the Department of Energy. You’ll get:

• A complete home energy profile

• A 1-to-10 efficiency score

• Prioritized upgrades based on cost-effectiveness

• Guidance on rebates and financial incentives

• Advice tailored to your home's size, layout, and climate zone

Book your assessment here:
👉 https://jousto.com.au/do-it-for-me

What to Expect After Improving Your Energy Rating

Once you’ve implemented changes based on your Scorecard, you’ll notice benefits immediately and over time:

• Lower bills: Optimized systems and insulation reduce demand for electricity and gas.

• Better comfort: Even indoor temperatures, fewer drafts, and quieter systems.

• Increased property value: A high-efficiency rating is attractive to future buyers.

• Environmental impact: Reducing your household’s carbon footprint contributes to a cleaner planet.

• Incentive eligibility: Many rebates are tied to energy assessments or improvements.

Government Rebates and Incentives to Help You Save

Improving your home’s energy rating doesn’t have to break the bank. Across Australia, a range of state and federal programs can offset upgrade costs, including:

• Victoria Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program

• Solar Victoria rebates

• Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)

• Home Energy Upgrade loans and grants

Our team will help you navigate available rebates, so you can maximize savings and minimize hassle.

Energy Rating Is the New Property Value Indicator

As buyers become more energy-conscious, homes with higher energy ratings are standing out in the market. Energy-efficient homes often sell faster and for higher prices—not to mention they’re more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run.

If you're planning to sell or refinance, boosting your energy score is a smart way to increase equity and appeal.

Take Control of Your Home’s Energy Future

Energy efficiency isn’t just about technology—it’s about making informed, strategic decisions. Whether you’re starting with insulation or ready for solar, every step moves you closer to a home that’s cheaper to run, more sustainable, and future-ready.

Ready to Boost Your Home’s Energy Rating?

Jousto is here to help. As certified providers of Residential Scorecard Assessments, we’ll assess your home, identify improvements, and guide you toward smarter energy choices.

👉 Book your Residential Scorecard Assessment with Jousto

Let’s build a home that works better for your wallet—and the planet.