Home Electrification

Electrification is the process of converting energy-consuming systems from fossil fuels like gas or propane to electric options. The primary goal of electrification is to benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a more resilient power grid. But there are other equally beneficial reasons to switch, including saving money, improved product quality and enhanced quality of life. Watch our video to learn more about electrification.

There are a lot of benefits and advantages to making the switch to electrification, including:

• Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: Heat pumps transfer heat instead of generating it, which means that they don't produce any direct emissions. This makes them instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They can operate entirely on renewable electricity, eliminating on-site emissions that occur from burning fossil fuels for heating and cooling.
• Improves 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.
• Enhances energy efficiency: Electric appliances are typically more energy-efficient than their gas counterparts. 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.
• Benefits 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.
• Increases 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.

You can make your home more sustainable by electrifying it, replacing fossil fuel systems with high-efficiency electric technologies like heat pumps, electric water heaters, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Pairing electrification with renewable energy sources reduces emissions, lowers energy costs over time, and future-proofs your home.

There are a few key reasons why an electric furnace is better for your home than gas.

• Easier to install: Because electricity is readily available and electric furnaces are generally smaller, it makes them much easier to install compared to gas furnaces.
• Lower upfront cost: Since they’re already so widely used, electric furnaces are much cheaper to buy and install than gas options.
• Efficient & eco-friendly: Electric furnaces are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home. By eliminating the use of fossil fuels, they help reduce your carbon footprint.
• Safer: Electricity eliminates the risk of harmful byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, since there are no gases being burned that can result in their production.

There are a few reasons why switching to an electric water heater is better than gas. Gas water heaters are typically more expensive than electric ones, use more energy, and don’t last as long. In comparison, electric water heaters are generally cheaper, use less energy, and last longer. Win-win-win! Thought natural gas was the cheapest fuel source? Think again. Watch our video to find out why natural gas is not as cheap as you think.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an electric vehicle charger:

• Compatibility with your vehicle: This may seem like a no-brainer, but double check that the charger you’re looking to purchase will work with your electric vehicle.
• Location of charge point: You’ll need to make sure you can meet all of the requirements for the charger you choose. This could include mounting requirements, the distance between the meter and your charger point, and dedicated parking space for your vehicle.
• Availability of smart options: Many chargers offer the convenience of an app and have smart load management and monitoring – just make sure you’ve got a strong wifi signal to take full advantage of these features.

The price for installing an EV charger is based on various factors, including your home’s electrical system, the type of charger you choose, and any upgrades which might be necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation. For example, a Level 1 charger typically requires minimal work, while a Level 2 charger may require an electrical panel upgrade.

Although installation costs vary, consider the long-term savings from electric mobility and the potential government incentives available in your province, which can help offset some of the costs.