Thanks for joining us for the second installment in MCE’s Empowering Electrification series, where we explore the challenges and opportunities of electrification.
This series covers valuable insights into the current state of electrification efforts and the technological advancements driving the transition to clean energy. By the end of this series, you’ll have a better understanding of our electrifying world and feel empowered to make changes to help achieve a carbon-free future.
Electrifying your home means replacing fossil-fuel appliances and systems with electric alternatives. From the way you cook food to the way you heat your home, our homes offer opportunities to reduce emissions by switching to electric. This blog covers how you can approach electrifying your home, from smaller DIY energy-efficient upgrades to larger appliance and system upgrades.
Start with energy efficiency upgrades.
Before making major upgrades, you should start with smaller energy efficiency projects to get your home ready. Energy-efficient home upgrades include easy projects that you can do yourself, such as switching to LED light bulbs, using smart power strips, and installing weather stripping.
MCE’s Home Energy Savings Program offers eligible participants a free home-energy assessment, and no-cost upgrades that may increase your home value and lower your energy bill. These upgrades can make your home worth more and help you save on your energy bill. If you join the program, you will also get free energy-saving gifts, including low-flow showerheads and home insulation kits.
After you finish the smaller energy upgrades, you might be ready for bigger changes— like new appliances and home energy systems.
Add major electrification upgrades.
The following table displays common household appliances and systems with electric alternatives:
Fossil-fuel appliances and systems | Electric alternatives |
Gas cooktops and ovens | Induction cooktop and electric oven |
Gas water heater | Heat pump water heater or tankless water heater |
Gas heating | Electric heat pumps Bonus: These heat pumps replace your AC system, so you only have one unit to maintain! |
Gas clothes dryer | Electric clothes dryer |
Gas-powered vehicles | EVs |
Try starting your home electrification journey with medium-size upgrades, like replacing your stove, oven, and water heater with electric alternatives. Next, replace larger appliances and systems, like your clothes dryer, heating and cooling systems, and vehicles.
Before embarking on a home electrification journey, see if programs in your area can help you find a prequalified contractor.
Be a part of the electrification movement.
Electrification upgrades can be expensive and require thoughtful planning. In addition, your electric bill may go up when making the switch to electric appliances because you’re using electricity instead of gas. But many electric appliances, like heat pumps and induction stoves, use less energy than gas appliances, which can help balance out the cost over time. Electric appliances also often increase the comfort of your home, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature.
You can also switch to MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable service for about $5 more a month. This way, your home runs on clean power without any extra upgrades.
Connect with your community.
Electrification upgrades can be expensive and require thoughtful planning. In addition, your electric bill may go up when making the switch to electric appliances because you’re using electricity instead of gas. But many electric appliances, like heat pumps and induction stoves, use less energy than gas appliances, which can help balance out the cost over time. Electric appliances also often increase the comfort of your home, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature.
You can also switch to MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable service for about $5 more a month. This way, your home runs on clean power without any extra upgrades.
Blog by Madeline Sarvey
