Residential heating and cooling efficiency: Who should take charge?

Last month, I had the opportunity to participate in an insightful panel convened by the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC), exploring how Australia can deliver more affordable heating and cooling through home electrification paired with improved insulation.

Since then, I’ve been thinking about how we as an industry can approach this issue in the most effective, holistic way possible.

Complex challenges

There is little doubt about the benefits of such an integrated approach: healthier homes, lower energy bills, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, the practical reality – particularly for existing homes – is complex. There is no single, clear answer for how this integration should be delivered at scale.

In my view, the answer lies with energy assessors and auditors. But this is not enough on its own. These professionals must be equipped with a holistic understanding of how buildings work as integrated systems, not in isolation. They need to be trained to see the whole picture: thermal performance, appliance efficiency, renewable energy opportunities, and, critically, occupant behaviour.

The human element

For some homes, installing solar panels and batteries will deliver the greatest benefits. But this is not universally feasible. Many dwellings are unsuitable for rooftop solar due to shading, heritage constraints, or roof condition. In other cases, upgrading heating and cooling systems or improving insulation might be the most impactful investment.

Energy assessors can play a pivotal role in guiding Australians to more affordable, lower-emission heating and cooling. But to be effective, they must be trained to understand not only building physics, but also the interplay of design, technology, and human behaviour.

If we get this right, we will unlock healthier, more comfortable homes – and a more sustainable future.

---