The transition towards electrification of homes in Canada represents a significant opportunity to mitigate climate change, enhance energy security, and stimulate economic growth. A transition away from fossil fuels towards electricity brings about numerous benefits – for the environment, economy, and the health and safety of residents.

Here, we explore the top 5 benefits of electrifying your home in Canada, substantiating each point with compelling arguments and evidence.

1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A primary advantage of home electrification is its significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Government of Canada, buildings accounted for 17% of Canada’s GHG emissions in 2019, largely due to burning fossil fuels for heating and cooling. Shifting towards electricity can help curb this.

Moreover, Canada’s electrical grid is becoming increasingly greener. In 2019, 82% of Canada’s electricity came from non-emission sources, including hydro, nuclear, and renewable energy. As the grid continues to decarbonize, the environmental benefit of home electrification increases, reducing our carbon footprint and helping Canada meet its international climate commitments.

Heat pumps, which transfer heat instead of generating it, are instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They can operate entirely on renewable electricity, eliminating on-site emissions that occur from burning fossil fuels for heating and cooling.

2. Improving Indoor Air Quality and Health

Electrifying homes can significantly improve indoor air quality by eliminating on-site combustion from gas stoves and fossil fuel-based heating systems, which produce harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

The Canadian Medical Association reports that poor air quality contributes to thousands of deaths each year in Canada. By switching to electric appliances, such as induction cooktops and electric heat pumps, homeowners can reduce exposure to these pollutants and improve their health.

By replacing traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems, heat pumps eliminate the release of combustion by-products into your home, thereby significantly improving indoor air quality and contributing to better health.

3. Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Electric appliances are typically more energy-efficient than their gas counterparts. For instance, heat pumps used for heating and cooling are 3-4 times more efficient than conventional gas furnaces and air conditioners. Induction stovetops are also more energy-efficient than gas stoves, converting around 90% of their energy to cook food, compared to approximately 40% for gas stoves.

Higher energy efficiency translates to lower energy bills, providing economic benefits in the long run. The Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY Efficiency program has found that households can save up to 20% on energy bills through energy efficiency improvements.

Heat pumps are extraordinarily energy-efficient. They can provide up to three times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume, making them a key player in enhancing overall household energy efficiency and reducing energy bills.

4. Benefitting from Technological Advances and Falling Costs

The cost of electric appliances has been falling over the years due to technological advances and economies of scale. Furthermore, many provinces offer incentives to homeowners to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, further reducing the cost.

The Canadian Electrical Association has stated that by 2050, over half of residential heating could be electric due to falling costs and improved technology. These advances make the transition to home electrification increasingly affordable and accessible.

The technology behind heat pumps has advanced significantly, with systems now able to operate efficiently even in Canada’s harsh winters. Additionally, their costs have been declining, and many utility companies offer rebates that make them an affordable choice for home heating and cooling.

5. Increasing Energy Resiliency and Grid Flexibility

Home electrification, particularly when combined with renewable energy sources like solar panels and home batteries, can increase energy resiliency. This is especially relevant as extreme weather events become more common due to climate change.

Moreover, electrified homes can support grid flexibility. With smart meters and demand response programs, electricity use can be shifted to off-peak hours when demand is low, helping to balance the grid. This not only reduces strain on the grid but can also lower electricity bills.

Heat pumps, especially when combined with smart thermostats, can support grid flexibility. They can be programmed to operate primarily during off-peak hours when electricity demand is low, thereby reducing strain on the grid and lowering energy costs.

Electrifying homes in Canada offers multiple benefits – reducing GHG emissions, improving indoor air quality and health, enhancing energy efficiency, benefitting from technological advances and falling costs, and increasing energy resiliency and grid flexibility.

As Canada continues its path to a greener future, the transition away from fossil fuels towards home electrification will be a critical step. It is a change that not only positively impacts our environment and health but also presents a strategic opportunity to bolster our economy and enhance energy security.