Older homes often have plenty of character and charm but they can also be expensive to heat and cool.
In cooler climates like Tasmania, many older properties lose warmth in winter and struggle to stay comfortable year-round. This could lead to higher power bills, uneven temperatures and heating systems working much harder than they need to.
The good news is that a few smart upgrades may make a noticeable difference.
It can be tempting to jump straight to solar panels or new appliances, but those upgrades often work best after improving the home’s insulation and efficiency first.
Improving the parts of your home that keep warm or cool air in can deliver some of the biggest gains when it comes to comfort, efficiency and long-term savings.
Here are three upgrades usually worth prioritising first.
1. Seal drafts and improve insulation
A surprising amount of heat can escape through gaps around doors, windows and timber floorboards in older homes. Chimneys, vents and exhaust fans can also be prone to drafts.
Even small gaps can make heating systems work harder, increasing energy costs.
A few improvements to consider include:
- upgrading ceiling insulation
- draught sealing around doors and windows
- underfloor and in-wall insulation where accessible
- sealing unused vents and gaps
- heavy curtains, pelmets can also help improve comfort in older homes where full window replacement isn’t practical.
Think of it this way: installing a powerful heater in a draughty home is a bit like trying to fill a bucket with holes in it.
Improving insulation and reducing drafts may help:
- lower heating and cooling costs
- create more even temperatures throughout the home
- reduce condensation
- make the home quieter and more comfortable
- help reduce dampness and mould, improving indoor air quality
2. Upgrade to efficient reverse-cycle heating and cooling
Once your home is better sealed, your heating and cooling systems can work much more efficiently.
If your home still relies on older electric heaters, portable heaters or evaporative cooling alone, then upgrading to a modern reverse-cycle split system may make a significant difference.
Today’s reverse-cycle systems are:
- highly energy efficient
- cheaper to run
- able to both heat and cool
- cleaner and safer than older gas systems
In Tasmania’s cooler climate, reverse-cycle air conditioning is often one of the most cost-effective all-round solutions for year-round comfort.
If upgrading gradually, many households start with the main living areas and add other rooms later.
Choosing the right-sized system for the space is also important to help maximise efficiency.
3. Improve your hot water system
Hot water is often one of the biggest energy users in an older home.
If your property has an older electric storage system or ageing gas hot water, it may be worth considering a more efficient alternative.
Options like heat pump hot water systems can significantly reduce running costs, especially when paired with solar power in the future.
Depending on your roof, location and budget, solar hot water may also be worth exploring.
Small changes can make a big difference
Improving energy efficiency doesn’t always mean doing everything at once.
Starting with the upgrades that reduce energy loss first can help make every future improvement more effective — while also making your home more comfortable to live in day to day.
Over time, these changes may help reduce bills, improve comfort and create a home that stays warm in winter and cool in summer.
A home energy audit- one you do yourself or with the help of a professional could also help identify the biggest opportunities for improvement.
