Practical Strategies to Electrify Your Home
Electricity is the only power that can be produced by clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal. There are a growing number of products, systems and technologies that you can employ to begin your migration to an all-electric home.
Gas appliances like stoves and water heaters can release toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases into the environment, and into your home. Heat pump water heaters, heat pump dryers, HVAC heat pumps and electric induction cooktops are highly energy efficient and do not involve burning fossil fuels. You can also find electric ovens and other modern cooking/baking appliances that make your time in the kitchen easy on you, and the planet.
If you—and your budget—are not quite ready for a home energy retrofit or building a new house, you can begin by looking at your current appliances and mechanical systems. When it’s time to replace an appliance, water heater or furnace, make sure to explore and consider the options powered by electricity. Slow, steady movement enables you to make progress and manage your household budget.
The overriding goal is to replace mechanical systems and appliances that involve combustion and related harmful emissions with those powered by electricity. Innovations in the technologies that support electric options and the growing availability of electricity provided by clean, renewable sources make going all-electric a viable alternative. As more of us move to all-electric options, we should see a reduction in the cost of the systems and appliances, as well as the associated carbon emissions and their contribution to unhealthy indoor air and global warming.
Regardless of how you currently power your home, it’s important to look for ways to reduce your overall energy consumption. Simple things like switching to LED lighting, turning off lights and electronics when not in use and weatherizing can help you scale back on the amount of energy you use. We’ll talk more about those and other strategies in our Think Big. Start Small. series.
As our electricity sources continue to move away from fossil fuels and toward renewable sources and battery storage, the benefits of home electrification, like better indoor air quality, will continue to increase.
Check out PG&E for helpful information on home electrification. If you have questions, send an email to info@carmelbuilding.com.
