Cost-conscious Aussies upgrade homes against rising energy costs

HANDY Australians facing soaring energy costs did not wait for rebates and weather-proofed their homes during the past year, new data suggests.

And many of the projects undertaken over the past 12 months have been against the cold, according to tradie-finder website hipages.

“This winter has highlighted just how unequipped Australian homes are for the cold,” said company’s Nicholas Ellery. 

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for various winter-proofing jobs, as our poorly insulated houses struggle to keep the heat in.

“Year on year, we’ve seen a 60% increase in roof insulation jobs, while inquiries for floor insulation are up by 24%.

“Hot water unit repairs have surged by 63% while window tinting jobs are also up 17%.

“These numbers tell us that homeowners are not just posting jobs to address immediate heating issues.”

But it also shows they are investing in long-term solutions to improve energy efficiency and comfort, according to Mr Ellery.

Residential energy customers had faced 40 per cent electricity price increases before the rebates – even though wholesale prices were down during 2023-24.

“We’re seeing that creating warmth is a challenge too. Air conditioner-related jobs have increased by 56%, while heater-related jobs have also risen by 20%. We’ve also seen a 35% rise in fireplace installations.

“The data shows that Aussies are proactively seeking ways to make their homes warmer and more resilient to cold weather.

“It’s fascinating to see how these trends are shaping the types of services in demand, providing opportunities for Australian tradies to tap into.” Homeowners also clearly value their privacy – with window tinting up by 17%.