And why your hot water, heating and cooking choices could make or break your compliance
If you’re building a home in Queensland in 2025, you’re already subject to new energy efficiency standards that came into effect in May 2024. Known as the “7-Star Rule,” these updates to the National Construction Code are designed to reduce household energy use and bring homes into line with modern expectations around comfort, sustainability and affordability.
But here’s the catch:
These new rules change how you design and fit out a home — and your choice of appliances, especially gas vs electric, now matters more than ever.
At RJT Plumbing and Gas, we’ve broken down what this means, where gas fits (and where it doesn’t), and how to avoid costly surprises down the line.
What is the 7-Star Rule
Queensland adopted the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 on 1 May 2024. For new Class 1 builds (detached homes, townhouses etc.), you now need to meet two key standards:
1. 7-Star Thermal Performance
This assesses how well your home keeps warm in winter and cool in summer — based on design, materials, insulation, orientation, shading, and glazing.
You can’t buy your way out of it with better appliances. It’s about the building shell.
2. Whole-of-Home Energy Use
This is where it gets interesting. It scores your home’s total annual energy use across:
- Hot water
- Space heating and cooling
- Lighting
- Pool/spa pumps
- Cooking appliances
- On-site renewables (e.g. solar PV)
You get a numeric score. The lower the better. Gas appliances count against you here — even high-efficiency ones — because they still consume fossil fuel and cannot be powered by rooftop solar.
Is Gas Still Allowed?
Yes, for now.
There’s no ban on gas in Queensland. You can still install:
- Instant gas hot water systems
- Gas cooktops
- Gas heating (ducted or space)
But if you do, your builder will need to work harder elsewhere — better insulation, more solar panels, higher efficiency lighting — just to keep the whole-of-home score within the required limits.
That’s why many builders are quietly advising clients to go all-electric. It simplifies compliance and opens up access to rebates.
What We’re Seeing on the Ground
At RJT Plumbing and Gas, we’re already seeing the shift:
- Heat pumps are replacing instant gas in new builds — especially when paired with solar.
- Induction cooktops are growing in popularity for their speed, safety and energy profile.
It’s important to work with qualified builders and plumbers to ensure plumbing and appliance choices meet the new rules without budget blowouts or last-minute changes.
Why Electric Might Make More Sense No
Electric appliances have come a long way. In many cases, they’re now the better choice — even on performance and cost.
- Heat pump hot water systems are up to 70% more efficient than gas
- Induction cooktops are faster, safer, and easier to clean
- Ducted reverse cycle systems provide both heating and cooling in one
- Electric appliances can be offset by rooftop solar
Plus, unlike gas, electric systems position your home for a net-zero future.
Factor in the Rebates
The Queensland Government is backing this shift with serious cash.
Through the Climate Smart Energy Savers Program, households can access:
- $800 rebates for standard-income households
- $1,000 rebates for low-income households (income under $66,667)
This applies to high-efficiency electric appliances, including solar or heat pump hot water systems.
The systems must be installed and then claimed through the official process, and funding is limited — so it pays to move early.
You can download the full rebate fact sheet here (PDF).
What This Means For You
If you’re building in 2025 or beyond, here’s what we recommend:
- Get your plumber involved early. Don’t let energy compliance become a last-minute problem.
- Ask your builder how they’re calculating the Whole-of-Home score. Make sure you’re not over-relying on gas.
- Think about long-term running costs, not just install cost.
- Take advantage of rebates. There’s money on the table for early movers.
- Don’t assume gas is cheaper. We can help you compare actual running costs across different system types.
RJT Plumbing and Gas: Helping Builders and Homeowners Comply with Confidence
We help homeowners and builders:
- Choose appliance setups that balance performance, efficiency, and compliance
- Access rebates through eligible system installs
- Replace older hot water systems with heat pumps or solar-ready options
- Install and maintain safe, compliant gas systems where appropriate
Whether you’re building your dream home or managing multiple projects, we’ll help you stay compliant, on budget, and ready for the future.
Contact Us
Let’s talk early and get your home or development running smarter from the start.
