The ecoMaster approach was developed when a family received an astronomical winter heating bill in their 'new home'. Their ranch style home had been built in the 1980s by a reputable Macedon Ranges builder. It was a large home and appeared to be well constructed, with a north-east facing outlook and large windows to take advantage of the views. There was central heating through-out as well as a large wood heater in the lounge room.

Having settled into their home, they had to find a way to make their home much warmer in winter and a lot more affordable. Moving was not an option. During their first winter they ran central heating on a low thermostat setting and the wood heater non-stop. But they were still cold and so was everyone who came to visit. Their first winter energy bill totalled $2,075; $500 on electricity (and they hadn't moved in until mid June!), burnt 13 metres of wood costing $975 and spent $600 in LPG gas central heating. They needed to add another $360 to the year's energy bill for LPG gas bottle rental - bringing the total to $2,435. Despite spending this huge sum, they had been cold and uncomfortable.

An ecoMaster energy rating was undertaken and a plan developed to covert this home to a 5 star energy rated home over a 4 year period. The cost of the makeover could then be spread over a few years and the energy savings would help to pay for each phase. The initial rating of the home showed a 1.5 star home which was pretty disappointing. However, the high heating bills and low comfort levels confirmed the accuracy of this rating. During the makeover, something unexpected happened on the way to 5 star. This family now has the energy bug!

First Phase
The first phase of their ecoComfort 5 star makeover was draught proofing. There were many aspects to this, including properly sealing all doors and windows, installing draught excluders on external doors, on internal utility doors and on all ceiling extractor fans as well as sealing all gaps and cracks. The family were much warmer and the big surprise was their winter energy bill. It was $983 - less than half of the previous year! Electricity was $533, 6 metres of wood was burnt at a total cost of $450 and LPG gas was $0 because they had turned it off! Their friends had started to visit again. The home was rated at 2 stars.

Second Phase
The family's next priority the following year was to make their bedrooms warmer. ecoGlaze and ecoWall was installed in the bedrooms and study. It took about two weeks to complete the work. Their next winter was cosy, even in the living room which had not been upgraded! Friends had trouble believing that it was the same home. Their total winter heating bill had dropped to $875 (electricity was $475 and wood $400). Their energy rating was then 3 stars.

Third Phase
The third phase included the replacement of all halogen down-lights with energy efficient lights and upgrading the ceiling insulation to R3.5 in the bedroom areas. Their next winter was cosy, even for 75 year old Nanna who came to visit but said "I'm going home when it gets cold!" She's still there and stayed snug right through the winter with the living area operating around 20 degrees and the bedrooms around 17degrees. Evacuated tube solar hot water panels in combination with a wet flue was also installed during the winter which has generated 100% of their hot water needs. Their home is now energy rated at 3.5 stars and their winter energy bill has reduced by 66% (electricity was $414 and wood $400).

This was when the energy bug really struck. They replaced their brown coal generated electricity with green energy, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity with one phone call! Replacing their peak / off peak meters with a smart meter has also allowed them to move to a more cost effective tariff. They are also undertaking a very inexpensive, but highly effective energy audit of all electrical appliances in the home. This is allowing them to identify and eliminate phantom loads and understand which appliances are using the most energy. They will then be able to make informed choices based on that knowledge. They are also planting 3,000 trees to sequester additional greenhouse gas emissions.

They are now committed to continuous improvement of their home until it is a "zero bill, zero emission" home; meaning that it will cost nothing to heat and cool - either financially or environmentally. At that point, this family will be completely energy self-sufficient and justifiably pleased with themselves and their commitment to the future.

Fourth Phase
The next step will see the home rated as 5 star energy efficient with R2 under-floor insulation and adding pelmets to the existing heavy drapes in the living area.

Fifth Phase
By adjusting the 2m wide northern facing verandah to allow solar penetration and completing the double glazing in the living area, the home will be rated at 6 stars.

Sixth Phase
A conservatory on the north side of the home (which would be a highly prized greenhouse) along with a clerestory will move the homes energy rating off the current star scale. The heat generated during the winter from the greenhouse will be filtered into the home's increasing the internal winter temperature without the need for wood heating. The greenhouse will be well ventilated during the summer and not adversely affect the internal temperature of the home.

Until now there has been a perception that in order to help the environment, you need to deprive yourself. This makeover proves that the opposite is the case - nobody living in this cosy home (that costs 69% less to run) feels the least bit deprived! This type of makeover works for the home owner and their wallet, as well as the environment.

The cost of converting to a 5+ star energy rated home will be around the same as the cost of stamp duty had they relocated. At the next stage of the makeover, the family will also receive their 5 star energy rating certificate adding real dollars to their home's valuation. This family now enjoys a cosy, snug home and reaps the financial benefits year round. But, the best thing of all for this family is that they are taking personal responsibility for their impact on the environment.

If you would like to be much more comfortable in your home and spend a lot less on energy whilst doing your bit for the environment, contact ecoMaster.

Contact ecoMaster to help you find the right solution for your home.


Find out how we can help you

Call 1300 326 627 or email ecoMaster