Photo from The National Renewable Energy Laboratory Website
We can't confront the climate crisis as long as we power our homes, businesses, and appliances with fossil fuels pollution like oil, coal, and natural gas -- it's time to electrify everything.
"Electrification" simply means replacing technology powered by fossil fuels with technology that is powered by electricity. This transformation is vital to ditching pollution as a power source because clean energy like solar and wind provides electricity without the damage to our environment, climate, and communities. The benefits of electrification extend beyond securing a livable future. Advances in technology coupled with good public policy have made electrified structures and appliances like heaters and air conditioners more affordable than fossil fuels while also reducing pollution and electric bills.
Why Electrification Matters
Electrifying the future will benefit our planet, economy, and health.
- Electrification is key to combating climate change and forging a livable future. Burning natural gas and other fossil fuels for furnace systems, air conditioning, cooking, and water heating represent 10% of all climate pollution in the United States.
- Switching to electric power saves people money now and in the future. Electrified buildings and homes are more efficient with energy than those connected to fossil fuels. Energy efficiency equals lower electric bills. Additionally, many states are moving towards 100% clean energy generation which will make fossil fuel appliances like gas stoves outdated.
- Natural gas appliances can release pollution inside our homes and harm our health. Gas stoves and furnaces release toxic chemicals that damage air quality. Multiple studies have found that natural gas powered appliances have generated indoor pollution levels that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's standard of "clean air".
FAQs
| Are electric appliances as efficient as natural gas one likes stoves and furnaces? | Electric appliances are largely more efficient than traditional, fossil fuel appliances. For example, an electric heat pump can do the same job as a gas furnace with 3-5 times less energy. |
| Is it expensive to replace the fossil fuel powered parts of my home with electric infrastructure? | Cost can vary depending on different components of your house or building, but going electric is more affordable than ever because of the Inflation Reduction Act. When to electrify your home is up to you, but you should be cautious about buying new gas appliances because you could be missing out on thousands of savings from tax credits and rebates to go electric. This calculator will show you how much savings purchasing new electric powered appliances can bring. |