Living Electric
There are many ways to cut your use of fossil fuels and transition to a better way of living.
Creating a plan is key to making the changes you want at your pace and in your budget.
The first step is to discover all the ways you can Live Electric!
Heating Water
Making hot water is the second largest use of fossil gas in most homes. Heat pump water heaters are three to five times more energy efficient than either resistive-electric or gas water heaters.
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If your plan is to switch to a heat pump model when your gas water heater fails, then it's a good idea to get the electrical wiring done in advance so you won't be without hot water for long when the time comes for replacement.
Induction Cooking
Cooking with electricity isn’t what it used to be! With induction, there's no more waiting for the burner to get hot or to change temperature. You can adjust the heat instantly and precisely. Clean-up is easier, too.
Induction cooking is also safer and healthier than using natural gas because there’s no flame and you won’t have combustion gases to vent.
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Want to try induction? You can get a basic countertop model for as little as $65 (or a premium model for $115) and plug it into a kitchen outlet. Be sure to test your pots and pans first with a magnet to make sure they'll work with induction.
Space Heating and Cooling
Heating with a gas furnace is by far the largest use of fossil fuels in most homes in California.
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Electric heat pump HVAC systems are a great alternative for space heating and cooling. Think of it as having an air conditioner that can run backwards on cold days to heat your home.
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Heat pump HVAC systems are more efficient, quiet, and flexible than gas furnaces. A heat pump will also make it easier to establish zones inside your home and maintain the same (or different) temperature in each zone.
Drying Clothes
This is another place where the magic of heat pumps can change how you live for the better. A clothes dryer that uses a heat pump doesn't waste energy by blowing hot, moist air out a vent duct. Instead, it circulates air in a closed loop to retain heat, removes the moisture, and empties the water down the same drain as your washing machine.
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Planning to replace your clothes dryer on failure with a heat pump model? The change will be easy if your current dryer is electric and plugs into a 240-volt outlet. Otherwise, plan ahead and have a new electrical circuit installed before your gas clothes dryer fails.
Cycling
Thinking about going electric with your transportation? Consider buying an electric bicycle.
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They're great for shopping, commuting, and just riding for fun. Cargo models are perfect for taking gear and children along for the ride.
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You can get as much exercise as you want and let the electric motor do the hardest work. It's a good way to improve your health and give Mother Nature a rest!
Electric Vehicles
"Getting off the gas" is easier than ever in central California. The public charging infrastructure is growing, there are plenty of EV models to choose from, with more coming all the time. Also, the tax credits and rebates are great!
Being able to "fuel up" at home is one of the nicest things about owning an electric vehicle. Most homeowners with an EV install a Level 2 charger on a dedicated 240-volt circuit so they can get a full charge in just a few hours.
It's a good idea to get a thorough evaluation of a home's electrical system—service, panels, and a load calculation—as part of your EV purchase planning to determine whether a charger can be installed.
