By Karen Dougherty
Electric alternatives to gas-powered machines are springing up everywhere. From heating our homes to taking care of our lawns, it has never been easier to break away from gas and other fossil fuels. And to solve climate change, electrifying as many of these things as possible is important. But why?
Decarbonizing our energy grid
For most of human history, we have powered our lives by burning things. We now know fossil fuels come with a big downside: they release heat-trapping gases into our atmosphere. A buildup of these gases (primarily CO2) is causing air and ocean temperatures to heat up too fast. We’re beginning to see the consequences unfold, and they aren’t good.
The positive news is, the percentage of clean energy in our grid is growing. Coal has dropped dramatically and renewables are on the rise. Clean energy (renewables plus nuclear) now powers about 40% of our grid. The percentage of renewables is projected to grow as the costs of solar and wind continue to fall.
As the grid becomes cleaner, we can complement this with choices we make at home. Many heat sources, tools, and appliances run on gas, but there are now myriad options to swap these things to electric. Electrifying at home is one tangible thing individuals can do to reduce emissions and help solve climate change.
Some benefits of electric choices
- Cutting heat-trapping emissions
- Breathing cleaner air
- Improving our health
- Reducing noise and air pollution
- Saving money
- Bolstering our energy independence
Cutting costs while cutting carbon
In some cases, electric products are more expensive up front, but they make up that cost over time through higher efficiency and lower maintenance. Luckily, there are lots of federal and state tax incentives to help Americans buy electric options, along with any necessary electrical upgrades. One caveat is there are lots of variables, so research is key.
It’s tricky to make cost comparisons between electric and gas-fueled items on the aggregate. That said, here is a simple example using a lawn mower. A Consumer Reports analysis found that electric mowers are a bit more expensive up front, but they hit a break-even point at 2.1 years. Beyond that, owners of electric mowers save money for the life of the mower.
What can we electrify at home?
Home heating
Heat pumps do double duty – they both heat and cool. They are more efficient than furnaces and they don’t burn fuel. Because they replace two systems, they tend to be more expensive than either one on its own, but most people will save money in the long run. If your existing HVAC units are old, you may want to proactively explore options so you can make an informed decision when the time is right to replace them. This one change alone can cut a home’s annual carbon emissions by 36 to 64%!
Water heater
A heat pump water heater is an electric alternative to gas. This is another big-ticket item, so if your water heater is on the older side, why not research options now? That way, you are ready when the time comes for replacement.
Stove
Electric induction stoves are becoming popular alternatives to gas. They only get hot when the pan is on the burner, making them safe for families with young children. They have more temperature control than traditional electric stoves and they boil water lightning-fast. Another big benefit: they eliminate the release of toxins into your home.
Lawn equipment and tools
Along with the previously mentioned cost savings of electric lawn mowers, other lawn tools like leaf blowers and edgers come with the same benefits. Battery life has come a long way, and the electric alternatives are quieter and don’t spew smelly fumes. These tools tend to be smaller-ticket items, so they are a great way to try electric without a huge financial investment.
How can we get started?
- Educate ourselves about our options – Rewiring America provides excellent resources for both homeowners and renters
- When it’s time for a replacement, consider electric
- For big-ticket items, get multiple quotes and confirm eligibility for tax credits
- After making a swap, spread the word…the ripple effect is powerful!
Being the change
This information only scratches the surface on each of these categories. The point is, making electric swaps is a win-win in the vast majority of cases. Not only do they help solve climate change, but they make our lives healthier.
I’m not suggesting everyone run out today and make a wholesale change to a fully electric life. These can be costly, long-term purchases that require research and consideration – and some may not end up being the right fit for everyone. Still, now is a great time to start planning. Incremental change is a great approach and a meaningful way to be part of the solution.
Karen Dougherty left her full-time career in 2022 to focus on her passion – climate change. A trained climate leader, she started a website and writes a weekly blog to share information that is not alarmist or partisan, but is simple, pragmatic, and solutions-focused. You can follow her work at unheating.com.
