{"id":3987,"date":"2023-03-22T12:01:59","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T16:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dandelionenergy.com\/?p=3987"},"modified":"2023-07-27T15:29:35","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T19:29:35","slug":"5-ways-to-electrify-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dandelionenergy.com\/5-ways-to-electrify-your-home","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Electrify Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2017, David Roberts, a climate and energy reporter for Vox, coined a <\/span>novel approach to tackling climate change<\/span><\/a>: electrify everything. <\/span><\/p>\n

Today, that strategy is still the basis for solving the climate crisis at scale. However, this simple premise isn\u2019t just a macro solution to an existential problem. It can be a tangible outcome for homeowners across the country and around the world. <\/span><\/p>\n

Electrifying our homes is the best way to capitalize on renewable energy solutions that lower costs, limit climate impact, and support long-term sustainability. Here are five ways homeowners can begin that process today.<\/span><\/p>\n

#1 Upgrade to a Geothermal Heat Pump<\/h2>\n

For most people, home heating and cooling systems are the most energy-intensive and costly portion of their utility bills. <\/span>More than 65 percent of total delivered residential energy<\/span><\/a> goes towards home heating and cooling, <\/span>accounting for more than one-third<\/span><\/a> of the average family\u2019s monthly utility costs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Because most newer homes already have natural-gas powered furnaces, and many older homes rely on heating oil or propane to keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer, making a change can seem daunting or even impossible. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not. <\/span><\/p>\n

Geothermal heating and cooling solutions have never been more available, affordable, efficient, and effective. <\/span><\/p>\n

Existing homes can be retrofitted with geothermal heating and cooling systems. In fact, getting Dandelion geothermal is simple, and the process is mostly virtual. Interested homeowners can <\/span>complete our 30-second survey<\/span><\/a> to find out if your home pre-qualifies for a Dandelion Energy home geothermal system.<\/span><\/p>\n

#2 Replace a Gas Stove with an Electric Range <\/strong><\/h2>\n

When homeowners rely on a natural gas-powered stove for their cooking, they are paying a premium for the privilege of eroding their air quality as combusting natural gas releases various pollutants into the home. <\/span><\/p>\n

Explaining the impact of natural gas stoves on in-home air quality, Josiah Kephart, an environmental epidemiologist at Drexel University, told <\/span>NPR<\/span><\/a>, \u201cWhen you have a gas stove, that combustion is actually occurring right in your kitchen \u2014 you can see the blue flame down there. There is no smoke-free combustion.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, natural gas stoves release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, at every phase of use. A 2022 study by <\/span>Stanford University<\/span><\/a> found that the collective impact of methane leaks from natural gas ranges is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions of 500,000 gas-powered cars. <\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, when homeowners switch to an electric range, they often procure a better product that delivers superior results. <\/span>Consumer Reports<\/span><\/a> says, \u201cIn most cases, electric stoves outperform their gas counterparts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Retailers regularly run sales on new ranges, and <\/span>The Wirecutter<\/span><\/a> recommends buying last year\u2019s models to save money without compromising significant feature upgrades, noting that new ovens and ranges typically arrive at the beginning of the year. <\/span><\/p>\n

#3 Buy an Electric or Heat Pump Dryer <\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the same way that burning natural gas in the kitchen is increasingly costly while releasing toxins into the home, gas-powered laundry dryers contribute to climate change without providing significantly better results. <\/span><\/p>\n

Homeowners can often save money by buying an electric dryer. However, electric-powered dryers aren\u2019t the only option for homeowners looking to electrify their homes. Heat pump dryers use air conditioning technology to extract water from clothes. They don\u2019t require venting or exhaust as no warm air is produced to dry the clothes. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to the Federal Energy Star program, heat pump dryers are <\/span>28 percent more efficient <\/span><\/a>than electric or gas dryers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Heat pump dryers are more expensive than electric or gas models, but their increased efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and other enhancements will help homeowners recoup the cost over time through lower overall energy bills.<\/span><\/p>\n

#4 Ditch Gas-powered Water Heaters<\/h2>\n

Reliable, sufficient warm water is a must-have for homeowners. However, gas-powered water heaters aren\u2019t the only way to deliver dependable results. This includes: <\/span><\/p>\n