Flipping the Switch: Benefits of Home Electrification and Heat Pump Installation
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is currently working to eliminate 100% of our region’s electricity emissions by moving completely to renewables – something we’ve already made significant strides toward. Together with a network of partners, CEC is using our local work to pull forward California’s goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2045. The quicker we get there, the greater chance we have of avoiding climate disasters that are becoming increasingly severe and commonplace.
The Central Coast and California are leading our nation toward a Zero Carbon future—the cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta were early adopters of 100% renewable electricity goals and 5 Ventura agencies were some of the first in the nation to achieve 100% renewable electricity. Now, over 170 cities and 8 states have made similar actions, and President Biden set a goal of 100% carbon free power for the entire nation by 2035. As part of our clean energy work, CEC advocates for all-electric building codes for new buildings, and energy upgrades to existing buildings. All-electric buildings are more affordable to build and operate, safer for occupants, and more sustainable as they use highly efficient heat pumps and can be powered by 100% renewable electricity.
New heat pump technology for space and water heating is being incentivized and many homeowners are choosing to switch away from natural gas. Most homes in California burn methane gas or propane for space heating, water heating, and cooking. These gasses—like crude oil or coal—are fossil fuels, which significantly contribute to climate change and local air pollution. Instead, using efficient electric appliances takes advantage of the increasing solar and wind power in the electrical system. This reduces our dependency on dirty energy sources, all while potentially lowering bills and increasing performance.
Al electric heat pump like this one can help save money, energy, and reduce carbon emissions.
Space heating is one of the largest generators of air pollution in California. The Solution? Heat Pump Technology. Instead of burning fuel, heat pumps use a refrigerant to move heat from one place to another, similar to your refrigerator. They are more efficient, more consistent, and offer more control. Plus, one heat pump can replace both your heating and air conditioning units.
Bottom line? Heat pumps are a win across the board.
CEC recently put out a call to our community asking residents who have installed heat pump technology and other energy upgrades to share their stories with us. In this blog, we interview Wayne Morgan, a resident of Ventura, who recently replaced all of the natural gas appliances and infrastructure in his home with electric and clean energy upgrades.
Here’s how Wayne made the switch:
CEC: What inspired you to switch to electric appliances in your home?
WM: My main motivation was to reduce greenhouse gasses. I also wanted to see how energy independent a person could be, so I undertook the step to eliminate gas appliances in my home. I also wanted to get rid of burning gas in my home. I always could tell when someone turned on the oven or stove as it bothered my nose and I knew it couldn't be good for me.
CEC: What heat pump system did you decide to install?
WM: We worked with West Coast Air Conditioning to install a 4 ton ducted central system. We received a Federal tax credit that helped cover the cost. Beforehand, I had the same contractor who installed my solar panels install breakers and junction boxes in anticipation of a heat pump/air conditioner and a heat pump water heater. I specified a breaker panel that had enough slots and enough capacity for those additions. This simplified the work that the air conditioner contractor needed to do. When the gas furnace needed replacing, I installed the heat pump system. The outside unit is about 31"x31"x31". The inside unit is in the garage and was easily swapped out for the furnace. The ducting lined up, and there is no hot gas exhaust venting necessary. I am happy with the unit and glad to now have air conditioning. I no longer have a gas bill, as we have installed an HPWH, induction stove/electric oven and an electric dryer.
CEC: What benefits have you seen by installing solar and going electric?
WM: My wife and I each drive an electric car, and our bill was typically around two $300 a month to charge them. After installing the solar panels (9.6 kilowatt array) and two Tesla batteries for a total of 27 kilowatt hours capacity, our net electric bill is zero. We actually get some money back, about $200 a year, for the excess electricity we generate. Also since we’ve gotten rid of the natural gas in the house we've saved about $15 to 20 a month on water heating, and in the winter months an additional $20 to 30 a month on gas usage, plus the billing charge we save every month. Also since we have electric vehicles we don't pay for gasoline, that's a huge savings right there. Basically we have no personal energy charges.
Aside from the cost savings and energy independence, we have increased reliability with the batteries. So during power outages, we can generate all the electricity we need to charge our cars and maintain our refrigerators. We have helped our neighbors during outages in keeping food cold for them and in one case during a power outage during Thanksgiving, we helped a neighbor continue to cook her Thanksgiving dinner!
CEC: What advice would you give someone looking to become energy independent?
WM: First and foremost is to design for future needs. It's better to initially install more solar than you need than to try to add more later. Also, be sure to add at least one battery to make sure that your home can actually use your solar power during outages -- this also increases your reliability substantially. In the future I expect vehicles to be able to supply our homes with electricity using the vehicle to grid technology that is now or will be available on many cars. What this means is that you won’t need to install large battery capacity in your home as you could also use your car as storage. Make sure to increase the capacity of your panel if necessary. Also consider getting smart breaker panels such as those offered by Leviton or Span. Hopefully the price of these managed breaker panels will come down in the future. I would also suggest having some southwest or west facing panels to generate power in the summertime late afternoons/evenings when the rates are the highest. Presently I have panels primarily in the southeast and I'm considering adding some panels in the west by northwest just so that I generate power in the evening, even though it's not optimal. Solar panels presently are cheaper than storage so that is why I anticipate doing that.
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We make it easier and more affordable for homeowners, nonprofits and businesses to install solar power and energy storage (battery) systems. We believe Santa Barbara County, along with solar-friendly Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties, can lead the nation in solar installations. To date, CEC has helped over 858 homeowners go solar by offering vetted installers, discounted pricing, and education. This has brought 3.5 megawatts of solar to the Central Coast. The success of CEC’s Solarize program has extended across the Central Coast, reaching the City of Irvine, 126 Highway Corridor, Carpinteria Valley, Kern County, Ojai Valley, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Ynez Valley, and Ventura County.
For more information on how to electrify your home or buildin, visit: cecsb.org/all-electric-buildings
