Are you going to need a new furnace in the next ten years? A new water heater? When you do, think “electric”. Cutting long-term energy costs AND cutting greenhouse gases is fairly simple conceptually: (1) upgrade to electric-powered appliances and (2) convert the electric grid (and potentially your home) to renewable solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Over the next 10 years, as your gas-fired furnace and appliances (hot water heaters,stoves, etc) and gasoline-burning cars wear out, replace them with efficient electrically-powered models rather than fossil fuel-combustion models.
The federal government is jump-starting this transition with tax credits and cash rebates for high efficiency electric models. To get a quick estimate of how much you can save in upfront expenses (not counting the decades of lower operating costs that high-efficiency models promise) check out Rewiring America’s simple calculator. And check out JCED’s webpage on energy efficiency measures you can take.
Read the entire Good Energy Newsletter, Spring 2024