With electrification building codes soon going into effect throughout California, many homeowners are starting to think about converting their homes to all-electric appliances. It’s a smart move, regardless of whether regulations demand it—home electrification is good for the environment as well as your home’s energy efficiency and health.
Electrifying your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to happen all at once. In fact, it’s often recommended to replace your gas and fossil fuel appliances when they’re nearing the end of their life rather than jumping to make upgrades immediately.
In this guide, we’ll cover the home electrification steps that can be completed at whatever pace works best for your specific needs and budget. We’ll also provide direct access to qualified electrification contractors throughout The Golden State with our high-performance contractor directory.
Electrification Upgrades to Consider
Electric Panel UpgradesThese are often not needed for California homes, but an inspection is advised as a starting point for planning to electrify. |
Insulation & Air SealingWhile these upgrades are not directly related to home electrification, they will drastically improve your home’s resistance to energy loss. |
Smart Home ControlsSmart and programmable thermostats will help you optimize your home’s energy efficiency, resulting in a greener home with lower utility bills. |
Heat Pumps: Ducted & DuctlessHeat pumps offer an electric alternative to heating and they also provide energy efficient air conditioning. |
Heat Pump Water HeatingHeat pump water heaters utilize all-electric technology to provide hot water when you need it. |
Heat Pump Clothes DryingHeat pump clothes dryers are more efficient than both standard electric models and gas dryers. |
Induction CookingIn addition to eliminating fossil fuels, induction cooking provides a more consistent and safer cooking experience. |
Solar + Battery StorageGenerating and storing your own electricity makes your switch to an all-electric home cleaner and more affordable. |
EV ChargingCharge your electric vehicle at home to avoid paying for public charges and fuel your car on 100% clean energy with solar. |
Designing Your Electrification Plan
Electrifying your home can be an overwhelming process, but having a plan will make it much easier to manage.
Assess Your Current Setup
Before diving into the electrification process, it's important to assess your current electrical setup. This involves analyzing your household’s energy needs, evaluating the condition of existing electrical infrastructure, and identifying any areas that require improvement or upgrading. Conducting a comprehensive assessment will help you create the most efficient plan for your electrification journey.
Define Your Electrification Goals
Clarifying your electrification goals is essential for shaping the direction of the project. Whether your objective is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy bills, or increase energy independence, clearly defining your goals will help prioritize efforts and allocate resources effectively.
Prioritize Upgrades
With a clear understanding of your current setup and electrification goals, it's time to prioritize upgrades. In most cases, you should start with the most critical upgrades, like replacing dying appliances. But your priority list can also be a matter of preference. If you want to get rid of your gas stove, for example, because you’re worried about its impact on your indoor air quality, you might put an induction stove at the top of your list.
Research Incentives
Before finalizing your plan, take some time to research the available incentives. Many home electrification upgrades are eligible for tax credits and incentives to make your project more affordable and speed up your electrification journey. Some of the current tax credits and rebates available include:
- IRA tax credits for high-efficiency heat pump installation and many other home upgrades.
- The Solar Tax Credit, which saves 30% on solar and battery installation.
- TECH Clean California rebates, which vary throughout the year
Find a Contractor
Now, you’re ready to hire a contractor. You will likely work with several contractors throughout your electrification journey as you make various upgrades to your home, so it’s important to learn how to evaluate contractors and ensure they’re qualified for the job. Collaborating with reputable contractors for every step of the process will ensure it’s carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Find a Qualified Contractor with Clean Energy Connection
Every contractor featured in our free online directory has passed an extensive vetting process and offers high-quality clean energy services. You can easily sort through contractors by the services they provide, location, and other attributes, giving you peace of mind when making home electrification upgrades. The Clean Energy Connection makes it easy to find reputable clean energy contractors to support you through your electrification journey.
Start electrifying your home today.