The power shift: What is home electrification?

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Electricity prices in the United States have increased 3.6% in the last year, outpacing this year’s inflation rate of 3.2%. It’s no wonder that this increase has driven homeowners to seek out energy solutions that power homes more efficiently, independently, and sustainably. Home electrification is not just about adopting solar power; it encompasses a comprehensive shift to all-electric homes that utilize clean energy sources.

In this first blog in a three-blog series, we’ll look at how home electrification reduces utility bills, optimizes energy use, and significantly decreases the 20% of US carbon emissions generated by residential buildings.

So, what, exactly, is home electrification?

It’s converting fossil fuel-burning appliances and systems in our homes—natural gas, oil, or propane—to electric power:

• Heating systems: Electric heat pumps can replace gas furnaces for more efficient heating and cooling.
• Water heaters: Swap out water heaters for electric alternatives like heat pump water heaters.
• Stoves and ovens: Substitute gas stoves and cooktops with their electric counterparts, like induction cooktops, which are safer and more energy efficient.
• Clothes dryers: Use electric instead of gas-powered dryers, especially Energy Star-rated models.

Switching to electricity for cost-savings and cleaner air

Flipping the switch to an all-electric home is a nod to a greener future. Instead of burning fuels directly in our homes, electrifying can reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

For example, electric heat pumps are far more efficient and provide significant savings over their oil or gas counterparts. Swapping gas for electric appliances also clears the air of pollutants where we laugh, cook, and play. With over 60% of American homes still using fossil fuels for some appliances, each electric choice we make contributes to cleaner, safer air and better health for our loved ones.

Newer electrical appliances are designed to be more energy efficient. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can result in lower energy use and reduced utility bills. Smart electrical devices also allow homeowners to automate energy-saving strategies – turning lights off when not in use or even powering them with renewable sources like solar.

Your home’s turn to bask in the sunlight

Let’s also review the benefits of renewable energy. Think about the unlimited source of energy we can tap into for our homes: the sun. It’s clean and renewable, and there’s enough of it to power the earth many times over – we only need to capture it and put it to use. We can lessen our dependence on utility providers and take control of our energy bills.

But why stop there? Add a battery storage system to store excess solar power for later use, like at night or during a power outage. The lights stay on, the electric stove cooks dinner, and we’re not giving a dime to the power company.

A home that’s as smart as you are

Imagine your home as a state-of-the-art sustainable vessel. Appliances and home automation devices like smart thermostats and connected switches communicate and operate in harmony, each part of a fully integrated home energy management system. With smart energy solutions, you can monitor and control energy use from your smart phone to reduce energy costs and use electricity more efficiently, even taking advantage of time-of-use rates.

Having autonomy over your home and control over its energy use and costs is a smart financial move, dialing down cost and consumption. Yes, there are upfront costs, but the transition becomes more feasible with utility rebates, tax credits, or financing options. And your home continuously pays it forward with lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. If you’re like most homebuyers, you want your home to have green features, like a 5-kilowatt solar panel system that significantly offsets energy bills and can add $20,000 or more to your home’s value.

Home electrification: A brighter future, one home at a time

Home electrification is our ticket to a more energy efficient, cost-effective, and connected home. By swapping gas for electricity, tapping into solar power, and storing that energy when needed, we can enjoy the benefits of an all-electric home.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore home electrification or you’re already on your way to a fully electric household, Schneider Electric has a variety of solutions to help you take the next steps on this exciting adventure. We’re pioneers in sustainability; our innovations have powered homes for over a century. Visit Schneider Electric’s Connected Home page to learn more about taking your home to a brighter, cleaner future.