My Efficient Electric Home Handbook: How to slash your energy bills, protect your health & save the planet

by Tim Forcey

Everything you need to know to transform your home – old, new or rented – for an efficient, comfortable, cheaper electric future.

'This great little book will be a very practical guide for so many of us.' Dr Saul Griffith, Co-founder Rewiring Australia

'At the national level there may have been the wasted years of the climate wars; at the household level it's a different story, and Tim Forcey is shining a (clean, green) light on how we can all act local and think global.' Zoe Daniel, Independent Member for Goldstein 

'I'm convinced that 'power to the people' was a phrase devised specifically for this book.' Damon Gameau, director and producer

Do you want to …
* Make your home healthier and more comfortable in all seasons?
* Shrink your home's total energy costs?
* Make your gas bill disappear completely?
* Reduce your climate and environmental impacts?
* Make the change to renewable energy by going 'all electric'?

My Efficient Electric Home Handbook is an essential first-of-its kind resource for homeowners and renters. It provides tips and strategies on how to convert your home into an efficient, healthy and comfortable space suitable for our all-electric future. Sharing insights from working with thousands of Australians in their homes, as well as from hands-on experience modifying his own home, Tim Forcey explains best-practice heating and cooling, hot water heat pumps, induction cooktops, draught-proofing, insulation, solar energy and much more.

Genres: Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2024

Reviews

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for Australians looking to improve energy efficiency and comfort of their homes - it's specific to Australian home designs, climate, and energy pricing. Householders will get a lot from this, but there is plenty for renters too, including a dedicated chapter that brings the best tips for renters together. I thought I knew quite a lot about this topic, but I still learned a lot.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! I now know why my small apartment is so expensive to run, and while I now feel very motivated to make my home more energy efficient - I also feel slightly overwhelmed by all that I need /could do! I will likely take advantage of Tim being based in Melbourne and get a home energy audit from him so I know where to focus my priorities.

Highly recommend this to anyone living in Australia, where we have traditionally had highly inefficient homes, particularly if you feel your only option is expensive solar panels. It turns out, you can do so much more before needing to invest in solar panels, so much so that the solar panels chapter is almost the last chapter in the book for that very reason.

[Sarah Peters · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t dislike this book, but I’d expected a little bit more than “We did this with our home, you should do the same too”. Whilst his points might be valid, it felt it lacked data or graphs that might’ve helped convince me further.

[Matthew Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and simple. Caters to different audiences including renters and simple home energy efficiency improvements on a budget. Have learned and applied great information from Tim Forcey. Thanks!

[Grace Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic handbook for achievable ways to keep warm without spending too much.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, readable, a necessary and timely update on the topic. Everyone should have the chance to live in a home that maximises comfort and health for minimal energy expenditure and having already done many of the things listed in the book I can attest that its advice is good.

[Ronald Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great starting point for those taking their first steps towards an energy-efficient home. Tim Forcey lays out a clear path to savings with a strong emphasis on electrification. He hammers home the key points: ditch gas, embrace reverse-cycle air conditioning and heat pump technology, maximize insulation, and consider solar. While repetitive at times, this reinforces the core message for beginners.

However, those seeking in-depth technical explanations or advanced strategies will be left wanting. The book skims over details and lacks comprehensive data. Forcey's advice on home batteries – to hold off until prices drop or explore vehicle-to-grid options – is a highlight, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach.

Overall, "My Efficient Electric Home Handbook" serves as a practical, albeit basic, guide for homeowners and renters seeking to reduce energy consumption and costs. If you're new to the world of energy efficiency, this book provides a solid foundation. Just don't expect a deep dive into the technicalities.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple, readable and practical guide on home electrification. The book draws on Forcey's background and personal experience to outline simple steps and options for homeowners to transition off use of fossil fuels and make their home thermally comfortable. While I knew many of the things in the book, having it all together in one place makes it a useful resource. Highly recommended.

[Pastelsparkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good tips in here. Very accessible and I think generally, a lot of people can find a lot of use from this book!

My only gripe is that at times the tone feels a bit like a Facebook post, which is funny given the origin of this book, but I’m sure others won’t find the extremely conversational tone as grating as I did.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great starter guide. Easy to read and I'll be referring back to it.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digestible, actionable advice in an accessible format. Can't wait to start my electrification journey!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily accessible how-to guide for home owners and renters alike. Highly recommended!