Natural gas, propane, and other fossil fuels that have to be transported to homes have a number of problems, from carbon emissions to creating dangerous gas byproducts in the home. Through a more efficient use of electrical energy, homeowners can save money, increase comfort, improve home safety and indoor air quality, and reduce environmental impact when compared to natural gas, propane, and oil.
Building Electrification or “Beneficial Electrification” means replacing gas combustion appliances inside of buildings with high-efficiency electric equipment.
Heating & Cooling Equipment
Despite its name, heat pumps offer an energy efficient way to heat AND cool homes. Heat pumps run on electricity but move heat rather than generate it. As they are efficient at temperatures down to -20F, a new generation of cold-climate heat pumps has made this technology an appropriate choice for our colder, mountain regions. The cost to operate a heat pump in the winter is much less than oil, propane, or electric resistance heating. In fact, the operating cost is similar to heating with natural gas. However, unlike natural gas, heat pumps do not require transporting fossil fuels and only need an electrical connection to operate.
Combined with a cleaner grid (depending on the electric utility and its energy portfolio) and renewable-energy systems, heat pump systems are a key part of beneficial electrification.
Water Heating Equipment
Heat pump water heaters store heated water in a tank for later use and require a fraction of the energy of a conventional water heater or boiler.
Consider a heat pump water heater
Cooking Equipment
Replace a gas stove with an induction cooktop
Clothes Dryers
Heat pump clothes dryers are 50% more efficient than typical gas dryers. Additional advantages include:
Learn more about heat pump clothes dryers
Several Energy Smart partners provide advice and increased incentives for residents to reduce carbon emissions through electrification. Click on your Energy Smart Partner to connect:
Learn More, Find an Installer, Identify Rebates
LoveElectric.org
Watch a Recent Webinar
View recent webinars on WMSC’s YouTube page
Read Up
Sooner or later, we will be replacing all the fossil-fuel burning equipment in our homes with electric ones. As a result, homes will become climate-friendly, healthier, more comfortable and cheaper to operate. In fact, switching homes from fossil fuel-burning equipment to efficient electric alternatives will be a critical step toward mitigating the climate crisis. READ MORE »
Earn Tax Credits
Starting January 1, 2023, tax credits include:
With the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, rebate programs for low – and moderate – income households (up to 150% of area median income) will be established by state energy offices. These will cover 50% of cost with a cap of $8,000 for ENERGY STAR heat pumps (up to 80% of cost for households under 80% of the area median income)
Energy Smart Colorado transforms the local energy efficiency market and stimulates home and business energy improvements through access to information, capital and a skilled workforce.
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1.833.372.4372
EMAIL:
info@energysmartcolorado.org
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PO Box 4842
Frisco, Colorado 80443