Electrifying homes: a guide for tradespeople
There is a notable increase in the amount of households interested in upgrading their homes to slash their domestic emissions and their energy bills. In response to this growing demand, thousands of new jobs and market opportunities are arising, particularly for tradespeople.
Local tradespeople are fast becoming crucial figures on this nationwide electrification journey, as their help and knowledge is required to support Australians navigating their first steps to going all electric at home. Plumbers, electricians, AC installers and other tradies are key to solving complex issues and tailoring solutions to families upgrading their appliances.
Who are the key tradespeople needed for household electrification?
According to studies conducted by Monash University, electrification is a significant job creator, with approximately 18,500 workers are already employed in the rooftop solar industry. With further household electrification across in Australia, around 13,500 additional job opportunities for tradies could become available.
Electrifying homes
Electricians: upgrading electrical panels, installing EV chargers, solar panels, battery storage, home wiring.
HVAC technicians: installing and maintaining heat pumps for heating/cooling.
Plumbers: installing heat pump water heaters, transitioning from gas appliances.
Insulation specialists: improving home efficiency for electric heating/cooling.
Solar installers: mounting and wiring solar panels, integrating with home systems.
Energy auditors: assessing homes for electrification upgrades.
Electrifying cars
ElEV mechanics/technicians: servicing electric vehicles
Auto electricians: specialising in EV electrical systems
Battery specialists: maintaining and replacing EV batteries
Charging station installers: public and commercial charging infrastructure
Industrial electricians: upgrading power infrastructure for charging stations
Electronics technicians: working on EV control systems and diagnostics
1. Space Heating
Heating and cooling an average Australian household uses up a significant amount of energy, accounting for 37% of a home’s energy use (which varies for colder states). Heat pumps/reverse cycle air conditioners are three to four times more efficient than gas heaters.
© Rewiring Australia
2. Water Heating
Water heating is another key appliance for electrification as it is significant household energy user, consuming an average of 24% of a home’s energy. An electric heat pump brings the most energy bill savings, using approximately 65-76% less energy than gas or electric resistance systems. Although the initial costs are high, they are cheap to run and result in grater long term savings. Many governments now offer generous rebates to encourage households to readily make the switch.
© Rewiring Australia
3. Cooking
Stove top cooking makes up about 6% of appliance energy use and has a direct impact on human health. Induction cooktops powered by electricity are more efficient, safer, clear, and faster than cooking with gas.
© Rewiring Australia
4. Vehicles
Petrol-powered vehicles are responsible for 16% of the country’s domestic emissions and 60% of a household’s energy costs. The average Australian household spends up to $2700 annually filling up their cars. Transitioning to an electric vehicle is the single biggest impact a household can make on both energy and emissions savings. It is predicted that EVs will become cheaper to purchase in 2030.
© Rewiring Australia
5. Rooftop Solar
Solar is a cheap and clean energy source for efficient electric power for household appliances and cars. Australia receives abundant solar power — the world’s cheapest source of energy provided to homes via rooftop solar. Over four million Australian households have installed solar, which collectively accounts for over 11% of the national electricity supply.
© Rewiring Australia
This article was produced using resources and information from the Rewiring Australia website.