Transitioning to clean and electric appliances in your home can provide several benefits; and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – federal legislation passed in 2022 – can help you make the switch with a big discount. Whether it’s switching your furnace out for an electric heat pump, or your gas stove for an electric stove, here are some of the most significant benefits of clean appliances:
- Reduced environmental impact: Clean and electric appliances are much more energy-efficient and produce fewer harmful emissions compared to traditional appliances that use fossil fuels. By using clean and electric appliances, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
- Cost savings: Clean and electric appliances are more energy-efficient, meaning they use less electricity and can help you save money on your monthly utility bills. Additionally, through the IRA there are current tax credits available and forthcoming rebates for homeowners who install energy-efficient appliances in their homes.
- Improved air quality: Traditional appliances that use fossil fuels can release pollutants into the air, affecting the indoor air quality of your home. Clean and electric appliances, on the other hand, produce fewer emissions and help improve the air quality in your home.
- Increased safety: Clean and electric appliances do not produce carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas that can be released by traditional appliances that burn fossil fuels. By using clean and electric appliances, you can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and increase the safety of your home.
- Convenience: Clean and electric appliances can be more convenient to use, especially if you install smart appliances that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app. This allows you to easily monitor and control your appliances, even when you are away from home.
Here are some electric appliances that can take the place of gas-fired ones in your home.
Air Source Heat Pump
Air source heat pumps both heat and cool your home. Instead of relying on the combustion of fossil fuels like gas or oil to reach a desired temperature, air source heat pumps transfer hot air instead of actually heating or cooling the air. In the summer, the heat pump takes heat from inside your house and moves it outside; in the winter, the heat pump takes heat from outside and moves it in. Air source heat pumps work in even the most extreme temperatures.
According to RMI, heat pumps range from “2.2 to 4.5 times more efficient than an Energy Star gas furnace on an annual basis”. Additionally, RMI found that heat pumps are more energy efficient than gas furnaces in colder climates, like Minnesota. Depending on your current heating equipment at home, switching to a heat pump in your home can help you save big– not to mention cut down on your carbon footprint.
Electric Water Heaters
An electric water heater uses electricity to heat water in your home, instead of gas. In a conventional electric water heater, water is heated by electric heating elements inside a tank. The size of the tank determines how much hot water is available, and this water stays heated at all times. Other options, like the tankless electric water heater, use super-heated electric coils that heat water only when you need it. In a hybrid electric water heater, water is heated by drawing in concentrated heat from the air and ground, making it more energy efficient.
In general, electric water heaters are more energy efficient, safer, and cheaper than gas water heaters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household spends $400-600 on water heating each year. Water heating is the second largest expense for homes, accounting for 14-18% of your utility bills. Switching to an electric water heater is not only better for the environment, but for your pocketbook, too.
Electric Stoves
An electric stove uses electricity instead of “natural” or methane gas for heat. Electric stoves plug into an electrical outlet, making it easy to install in most kitchens. Electric stoves are also significantly safer than gas stoves.
A recent study found that nearly 13% of childhood asthma in the U.S. is caused by indoor gas stove use. Numerous other studies have found that gas stoves release harmful chemicals even when not in use that can trigger serious health effects such as reduced cognitive performance, especially in children. In addition to crucial health concerns, annual methane emissions from all U.S. gas stoves are approximately equal to the annual CO2 emissions of 500,000 cars.
How Can the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Help?
Signed by President Biden in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest investment ever in climate and clean energy in the United States. The IRA offers numerous incentives and rebates for Americans to lower their energy costs by switching to energy efficient appliances, such as electric stoves and ranges, heat pumps, water heaters, and more. These rebates cover 50-100% of the cost of installing these appliances.
Learn more about how electrifying your home can save you money (and the environment).