Thinking about replacing your fuel-burning appliances with all-electric versions? This process, called home electrification, is one of the best decisions you can make as a homeowner.
All-electric houses are safer, healthier, and better for the environment. They can also significantly lower your monthly energy bills.
In California, electrification is becoming the standard, with the state set to ban new gas furnaces and water heaters by 2030. Rebates are available now to help you make the switch and can take thousands off your installation costs.
These rebates won’t last forever, which makes this the perfect time to electrify. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
What Is Home Electrification?
Home electrification is the process of replacing fossil-fuel-burning appliances with all-electric alternatives. It usually involves replacing gas furnaces, water heaters, and stoves with heat pump HVAC systems, heat pump water heaters, and induction cooktops.
Why Should You Electrify Your Home?
Reduced Fossil Fuel Consumption
By replacing fossil-fuel-burning appliances with all-electric versions, you can significantly reduce your impact on the environment.
Lower Energy Costs
Replacing old gas and oil appliances with modern electric versions can save you money on your energy bills.
Improved Health & Safety
Electric appliances are safer than gas because they don’t burn fuel inside your house. There’s no risk of carbon monoxide leaks, and harmful combustion byproducts are kept out of your home, leading to healthier indoor air quality.
Save on Upgrades with Rebates
Many electrification upgrades, like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, are eligible for rebates and incentives that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on installation costs.
Energy Independence
All-electric homes can be powered exclusively by solar panels, significantly reducing your reliance on the electric grid.
What You Need to Go All Electric
There are a few key appliances you’ll need to replace when electrifying your home, including:
Heating & Cooling
Your HVAC system is usually the best place to start when electrifying your home. Because heating and cooling account for over half of most households’ energy use, switching to an all-electric system has the biggest impact.
How to Electrify: Replace gas, oil, propane, or wood heating systems with a heat pump. Heat pumps provide energy-efficient, all-electric heating and air conditioning in one.
Water Heating
Your water heater is another key appliance to electrify. Water heating is the second-highest energy user in most homes, right behind space heating and cooling.
How to Electrify: Replace your gas, propane, oil, or standard electric water heater with a heat pump water heater.
Cooking
Next, consider replacing your gas stove with an induction cooktop. In addition to being all-electric, it’s also faster, more energy efficient, and safer, since there are no open flames or combustion byproducts.
How to Electrify: Replace your gas or propane range with an induction cooktop.
Optional: Solar Panels
To maximize the benefits of home electrification, consider adding solar panels. Solar panels generate renewable electricity that can be used to power an all-electric home, reducing your reliance on the utility company and saving you money on your electric bills.
Steps to Electrify Your Home
The home electrification process looks a little different for everyone, but here’s a general roadmap to guide you:
1. Assess Your Home
Start by taking inventory of your appliances and noting their age and condition. This helps you understand what’s needed so you can plan upgrades over time.
2. Make Weatherization Improvements
Improvements like air sealing and insulation reduce energy loss and allow electric appliances—especially heat pumps—to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.
3. Replace Appliances as Needed
You don’t have to replace everything at once! Plan to replace gas appliances with electric ones as they reach the end of their life. It’s helpful to think a year or two ahead so you aren’t left in an emergency, but if your equipment has many years left in it, you don’t have to rush.
4. Consider Time-Sensitive Rebates
That said, you don’t want to miss out on rebates. There are excellent rebates available for heat pump and heat pump water heater installation, but they won’t last forever. If your furnace or water heater is getting old, replacing it now could be the most cost-effective way to go.
Ready to Get Started? A-1 Guaranteed Is Here to Help!
With the right partner, electrifying your home is easy, and the benefits are more than worth it. A-1 Guaranteed specializes in electrification upgrades for California homes. We can help you plan your journey, prioritize upgrades, and claim incentives to reduce your costs.
