Contractors
The type of contractor you select will largely depend on the first appliance you intend to replace. Some contractors hold multiple license types and some have robust referral networks to help guide you along the way.
a. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and Building Performance Institute (BPI) are two credentials to look out for to verify whether staff have undergone additional technical training.
b. Online review sites can also be helpful, but keep in mind that some 5-star contractors may have limited heat pump experience. So, it’s helpful to read the reviews to see what types of systems others have installed.
c. Ask your contractors if they have participated in electrification training from your utility, TECH Clean California, or others.
Take charge of your electrification process with our powerful contractor finder tool. This tool empowers you to find the perfect contractor by filtering based on criteria such as zip code, services, certifications, rebates, property details, and business diversity. It’s designed to make your search easier and more efficient.
This means that the contractor’s primary business address is located in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC), defined as census tracts receiving the highest 25 percent of overall scores in Cal Enviroscreen for being disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution.
Finding a diverse contractor for your project is easy with our tool. Simply select the ‘business diversity’ category and choose from options like women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses. Contractors can self-report their diversity status, and you can also check if they’re listed on the CPUC Supplier Clearinghouse, which verifies their eligibility.
Cooking
An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat your cookware. It doesn’t actually generate heat itself but induces it in pots and pans. This allows for rapid and precise control of temperature, making it energy-efficient and safe.
If your electrical panel does not have either enough physical space or electrical capacity, you may need to upgrade it. This is more likely for older homes which tend to have smaller electrical panels.
Smart electric panels like SPAN.io can help you selectively turn off appliances when higher priotrity appliances are running, so you can keep your usage within a 100 amp service. This can prevent the need to upgrade your electric service immediately. However, your local utility will probably want to know that you are adding electric appliances to your home for the purposes of improving the electric grid and making better infrastructure investments.
Gas, electric, and induction cooktops and ranges are available at many different price points, from entry-level to luxury models. The least expensive entry-level gas ranges often start around $500 while an entry-level induction stove is just over $1,000, depending on sales available at time of purchase. Many mid-level products are between $1,800-$3,000 regardless of the fuel source.
An electric oven is essentially a metal box with resistive heating elements. These elements are coils that heat up when an electric current is passed through them. The more current you apply, the hotter the coils get, and thus the oven becomes hotter. Some electric ovens feature convection fans that circulate the air, providing more uniform heating.
In an induction range, induction cooktops and electric ovens are brought together in a single unit. The cooktop portion uses induction technology for rapid and controlled stovetop cooking, while the oven retains its traditional electric heating elements. Some models also feature a convection fan in the oven, offering the benefits of more even cooking—akin to an air fryer.
The controls for both the induction cooktop and the electric oven are usually integrated into a single interface, making it convenient to operate both. If you’re looking for a cooking appliance that offers the best of both worlds – rapid, energy-efficient stovetop cooking and versatile, reliable oven baking – an induction range could be an excellent choice.
Induction cooktops are more energy-efficient than traditional electric cooktops because they use electromagnetic energy to directly heat pots and pans, rather than heating the cooktop surface which then heats the cookware.
In addition, induction allows for more precise control of temperatures, and can heat up and cook food faster. And because induction heats pots and pans directly, the surface of the range stays relatively cool, making it safer and easier to clean after a spill.
Cost
When swapping from gas to electric-powered appliances, the exact impact on your utility bills will depend on a number of factors (including, but not limited to, cost of gas in your region, cost of electricity in your region, how efficient your appliances are, etc.). But using an efficient heat pump can often lower your heating bills dramatically, especially in climates like California where winters do not get too cold.
Over the long term, it is very likely that gas prices will continue to rise and electricity becomes cheaper as the price of renewable energy continues to drop.
Most highly-efficient electric appliances cost around the same price as their gas alternatives. However, installation costs may vary based on your contractor’s familiarity with the technology. This is why it is crucial to find contractors experienced in electrification. The exception is replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump. The heat pump will cost more than replacing the simple gas furnace but you get significant benefit from it in addition to replacing the furnace: cooling, potentially zonal control for different rooms and higher efficiency.
Besides the labor and appliance cost there may be costs to upgrade your home’s electrical system, depending on its age and condition. Fortunately, California has introduced a number of rebates and incentives that make electrifying your home more affordable than ever. Check out our incentives page to learn more.
That certainly depends on your home and your energy usage! While heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) are often the biggest energy consumers in our homes, everyone’s personal use case differs. Speak to an energy expert today to find out more.
Electric Power Grid
If there is a power outage and you do not have a generator, battery or an electric vehicle that can power your home, you will not be able to use your electrical appliances. But since all modern gas appliances use an electric ignition for fire safety, they won’t be able to ignite during a power outage either. You still could light your gas stove manually but would not be able to turn on the vent over it to get all of the pollutants from the stove out of your kitchen.
When power goes out, it is important to note that the United States has one of the most reliable power grids in the world. It is reasonable to be prepared for such situations by having a backup plan, especially in areas prone to events like high winds, heatwaves, and droughts that may lead to public service power shut offs. People who require continuous power may consider investing in backup options like generators home batteries, or solar power systems. It is worth mentioning that relying on portable fuel options like generators or propane during outages can be a more efficient use of infrastructure compared to maintaining a complex power grid for rare occurrences. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve grid stability and manage peak demand through demand response programs and the integration of smart appliances that can shift electricity use. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including utility companies, generators, and individuals, to collaborate and work towards addressing climate change and ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future.
Yes. Electric homes can help support the grid during peak summer times, since heat pumps are extremely efficient electricity users. Home electrification may add load during the winter, but our current grid will be able to absorb the additional electricity demand from an all-electric building sector.
The grid is constantly being updated to address expanding needs for electrification of homes and vehicles. The added benefit of controls that optimize the charging of cars, heat pump water heaters, and load sharing devices can all help the total peak electricity on the grid.
Will connecting more appliances to the electric grid lead to more outages?
Power outages have many different causes, including:
– Humans (accidents like cars running into power poles or vandalism)
– Severe weather (wind, rain and snow)
– Extreme heat (leading to air conditioning use that over-taxes the system)
– Natural disasters (earthquakes, lightning, wildfire)
– Utility maintenance and construction (updates on infrastructure)
As mentioned above, new technology can lead to better opportunities to help control demand on the grid. While some appliances may occasionally put a minor burden on the electric grid, utility companies and other agencies are actively working together to improve existing infrastructure and increase grid capacity for building electrification.
Making sure that the grid can support all-electric homes is a critical part of the clean energy transition and requires a multifaceted approach.
Modernizing the grid to make it smarter and more flexible through advanced metering, smart devices, demand response, smart electric vehicle charging, and other methods for balancing and shift loads away from peak times will be critical. Upgrading physical grid hardware to support a net-zero future and increased electrification demands will also be important.
The good news is that all of these things are already happening. To play your part, consider incorporating energy efficiency measures into your electrification journey. Where available, signing up for demand response program is an easy way to earn cash for reducing your energy consumption at times when the grid is stressed.
The US Grid is one of the most reliable in the world with an average uptime of 99.9% with just seven hours cumulative downtime. The outages of electricity also limits the ability of most gas fired appliances with electronic ignition, supplemental fans, and safety features that all require electricity.
Yes, there are backup heating sources available for power outages. Some common options include:
Portable generators: These can power electric heaters or other heating devices. However, it’s important to use them safely and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Propane or kerosene heaters: These are standalone heaters that don’t require electricity. They use propane or kerosene as fuel and can provide heat during power outages.
Fireplaces or wood-burning stoves: If you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, they can be used as a backup heating source. Make sure you have enough firewood or fuel to last through the outage.
Battery-powered space heaters: There are also battery-powered space heaters available that can provide temporary heat during power outages. However, they may have limited heating capacity and battery life.
It’s important to note that when using any backup heating source, safety should be the top priority. Follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by the manufacturer to prevent accidents or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay warm and safe during power outages!
Induction cooktops require electricity to function. They use an electromagnetic field to heat the cookware directly, so they won’t work when the power is out. There are new products such as Channing Copper which offer 120V induction cooktops which are battery powered. So you can still cook when the power goes out!
California Specific
Yes. California has built our grid for the hottest days of the year when all the air conditioners will be on full blast. Electric homes can help support the grid during peak summer times, since heat pumps are extremely efficient electricity users. Home electrification may add load during the winter, but our current grid will be able to absorb the additional electricity demand from an all-electric building sector.
When power goes out it is important to note that the United States, including California, has one of the most reliable power grids in the world. While there are occasional disruptions, on average, people experience a loss of power for 2-3 hours per year (131 minutes) in California for example. It is reasonable to be prepared for such situations by having a backup plan, especially in areas prone to events like high winds, heatwaves, and droughts that may lead to public service power shut offs. People who require continuous power may consider investing in backup options like generators home batteries, or solar power systems. It is worth mentioning that relying on portable fuel options like generators or propane during outages can be a more efficient use of infrastructure compared to maintaining a complex power grid for rare occurrences. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve grid stability and manage peak demand through demand response programs and the integration of smart appliances that can shift electricity use. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including utility companies, generators, and individuals, to collaborate and work towards addressing climate change and ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future.
Electrification Basics
Electric appliances are powered by electricity from a variety of sources, while gas appliances rely on a single, unsustainable fuel. The energy mix of the grid produces fewer emissions than ever before and is only getting cleaner. Today’s heat pump and induction technologies are both far more efficient than their gas counterparts and can take advantage of an ever-cleaner electrical grid.
A gas furnace or water heater installed today will never be more efficient or produce fewer greenhouse emissions than it does right now. An electric heat pump, on the other hand, will draw a greater and greater percentage of its energy from clean, renewable sources over time.
Using less energy is a good goal, but we will always need to power our lives. In order to reach our emissions goals, there must be a path towards the complete elimination of fossil fuels.
Today’s heat pump and induction technologies are both far more efficient than their gas counterparts and can take advantage of an ever-cleaner electrical grid. In addition, every new grid-connected electric appliance adds a new opportunity to control energy demand and manage the grid through responsive technology.
Power outages have many different causes, including:
- Humans (accidents like cars running into power poles or vandalism)
- Severe weather (wind, rain and snow)
- Extreme heat (leading to air conditioning use that over-taxes the system)
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, lightening, wildfire)
- Utility maintenance and construction (updates on infrastructure)
As mentioned above, new technology can lead to better opportunities to help control demand on the grid. While some appliances may occasionally put a minor burden on the electric grid, utility companies and other agencies are actively working together to improve existing infrastructure and increase grid capacity for building electrification.
Maybe, depending on your home and where you live. There are many reasons why upgrading an old panel might be a good idea (such as for electrical safety), even if you aren’t electrifying all of your appliances. That said, many people can electrify one or more appliances without requiring an upgrade to their electric panel.
Every home and situation is different. The best way to find out if you will need a panel upgrade is to speak with an electrician or an energy expert.
If you rent, your property owner likely makes decisions about the appliances/equipment in your home. You can let your landlord know that you are interested in using all-electric appliances in your home, and share resources about benefits and rebates with them. You can write a letter to your landlord as a starting place.
Every appliance is different, but here are some clues:
Water Heater: If you have a gas water heater you will have an access panel to be able to see the flames that heat the water. Find the access panel on the side of your hot water heater, and see if there is a blue flame when you open it. If so, you have a fossil fuel gas water heater.
Space Heater: Heat pump space heaters and gas-powered space heaters look fundamentally different. One clue that your system may be gas-powered is if the heating unit(s) has a small window with a blue flame when it is turned on.
Dryer: Pull your dryer away from the wall, If it is connected to a gas valve, then you have a gas-powered dryer.
Range/Oven/Stove: Gas-powered ranges look fundamentally different from electric coil or induction ranges. One hint that you have a gas-powered range/oven/stove is if you see a blue flame when it is on. Also, you will see a gas valve where it’s connected to the wall.
Any common home appliance that heats or requires heat can be powered by electricity, such as hot water heaters, space heaters/furnaces, stoves/ranges/ovens, and dryers. Once you convert all your gas-powered appliances to electric-powered appliances and disconnect your gas service, your home is electrified!
Environment and Climate Change
Electric appliances are powered by electricity from a variety of sources, while gas appliances rely on a single, unsustainable fuel. The energy mix of the grid produces fewer emissions than ever before and is only getting cleaner. Today’s heat pump and induction technologies are both far more efficient than their gas counterparts and can take advantage of an ever-cleaner electrical grid.
A gas furnace or water heater installed today will never be more efficient or produce fewer greenhouse emissions than it does right now. An electric heat pump, on the other hand, will draw a greater and greater percentage of its energy from clean, renewable sources over time.
Clean energy refers to energy generated by renewable sources that create no emissions, including solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. You can see what’s in your energy mix.
Unfortunately, no. Natural gas is a fossil fuel, created deep underground by decomposing organic matter in a way similar to crude oil and coal. Burning natural gas still spews large amounts of heat-trapping carbon into the atmosphere. Even worse, unburnt natural gas (in the form of methane) is more than 25 times as potent a greenhouse gas as carbon dioxide when it leaks into the atmosphere. We have a very leaky gas supply chain in America.
It is not typical for refrigerants in a heat pump to leak. In the rare situation where refrigerants leak from a heat pump, the emissions from direct space or water heating (burning gas or other fossil fuels in the home) are still significantly greater than the emissions from refrigerants. Refrigerant management is regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, learn more about these regulations here.
Using less energy is a good goal, but we will always need to power our lives. In order to reach our emissions goals, there must be a path towards the complete elimination of fossil fuels.
Today’s heat pump and induction technologies are both far more efficient than their gas counterparts and can take advantage of an ever-cleaner electrical grid. In addition, every new grid-connected electric appliance adds a new opportunity to control energy demand and manage the grid through responsive technology.
California Specific
They all can be recycled. With California’s waste fees, contractors who remove your appliances are financially incentivized to recycle them. You can ask your contractor to make sure that is what they plan to do, or ask for proof of recycling before you finalize payment.
Health and Safety
Indoor appliances impact the quality of our indoor air, among other concerns. Natural gas and propane stoves release carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other harmful pollutants that can be toxic to people and pets. Using a wood stove or fireplace to cook can result in high levels of indoor air pollution as well.
Heat Pump HVACs
Most incentive programs are only available for replacements. However, incentives are available for a wide range of scenarios. Please refer to: www.incentives.switchison.org to find incentives for your project.
Incentive programs often require fuel switching, such as upgrading a gas furnace with an electric heat pump. In some cases, fuel switching is not a requirement, but there is a requirement to upgrade to an appliance that meets minimum efficiency standards. In any case, incentives are available for a wide range of scenarios. Please check www.incentives.switchison.org to find incentives for your project.
Heat pumps are an efficient and effective source of heat even in extremely cold climates. In fact, air-source heat pumps can work as a home’s main heating system in almost any climate (1). However, Not all heat pumps are designed for extreme cold – there are certain efficiency criteria cold climate heat pumps must meet. Generally, cold climate heat pumps are an efficient source of heat down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit (3).
Heat pumps work by absorbing free heat from the air outside your home and transferring it inside. While some standard air heat pumps can operate as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit, they will have to work extremely hard to pull heat from outside into your home if the external temperature is below 35- to 40- degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it’s important to choose a heat pump that is specifically designed for cold climates if you live in an area with harsh winters (2).
So, yes, heat pumps do work in cold climates and can be an excellent choice for heating your home efficiently and effectively.
Heat pumps are an advancing heating technology that uses electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. They are more energy-efficient than older electric resistance technology (1). However, it’s important to note that heat pumps require electricity to operate, and if you use them frequently, they can increase your electricity consumption and subsequently your bills (2).
If you notice that your heat pump runs 24/7 or if you receive a high electric bill in the winter, it might be worth calling a heating contractor to check if your heat pump is working properly (3). Additionally, poorly insulated houses may experience lower efficiency ratings, which can lead to higher energy consumption (1).
It’s always a good idea to ensure that your home is well-insulated and that you’re using your heat pump efficiently. Regular maintenance and proper usage can help optimize its performance and minimize energy consumption.
Please note that these are general factors that could contribute to increased energy bills with heat pumps. For specific cases or concerns about your own heat pump system, it’s best to consult with a professional who can assess your situation accurately.
Keep in mind that heat pumps are designed to both heat and cool your home. This requires additional components and engineering. This dual functionality contributes to their higher upfront cost compared to single-purpose systems like furnaces or AC units. This also means that you can replace two units (gas furnace and AC) with one heat pump.
Note that the cost of an HP system can vary depending on factors such as the size of the unit, installation requirements, and any additional features or technology included.
If you’re interested in a more detailed cost comparison between heat pumps, furnaces, and AC units, you should consult with a professional HVAC dealer who can provide personalized insights based on your specific needs and requirements.
More information:
Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioning
Heat Pump Vs. AC: Which Is Best for Your Home?
Heat pump customers have a variety of choices to suit their specific needs. You’ll want to decide both how you’d like the air to be distributed (ducted, ductless, or hybrid) and what kind of compressor technology best suits your needs (single-stage, dual-stage, or modulating inverter). Each choice has implications for installation complexity, energy efficiency, and overall cost. In addition, it’s important not only to consider rated efficiencies but also metrics like the Coefficient of Performance (COP) along with other efficiency indicators such as SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 ratings.
Ultimately, it’s best to consult with an HVAC professional to discuss your options and what system would work best for your home.
Yes, manufacturers have developed quieter models of heat pumps. When shopping for a new heat pump, look for the decibel (dB) rating in the product specifications, and compare different models.
Modern heat pumps use refrigerants with low global warming potential and are designed to minimize leaks. Their overall efficiency and reduced fossil fuel usage make them an environmentally friendly option in spite of any refrigerant use.
HP mini splits can be more efficient for small to medium-sized homes as they do not require ductwork and can be used for zoned heating and cooling for example, when you spend more time in one room at certain times of day. For larger homes, a central HP HVAC may be more efficient.
The choice between a mini-spilt and a heat-pump HVAC system will depend on a number of factors. Mini-splits are available in a wide range of capacities, from as low as 6,000 BTU to as high as 48,000 BTU.
For homes larger than 2,500 square feet, it may be worth considering an HVAC system.
As always, talk to your certified contractor about your specific home and what options might be right for you.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Information about qualifying rebates and their qualifiers can be found here.
It depends on the installation and type of heat pump selected, the location, electrical service, and other factors can change the installation costs in retrofit situations. For instance, the plug in 120V HPWH’s can save significantly on electrical infrastructure vs. hard wiring 240V machines.
Both Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) and tankless water heaters are more efficient than traditional electric water heaters.
Tankless, or “on-demand” water heaters heat water only when you switch them on. This means you can heat water right when you need it. They typically take up less space, have a long lifespan, and are quiet to operate. However, they are often more expensive than heat pump water heaters and may not be eligible for the same incentives.
Heat Pump Water Heaters use electricity to transfer heat from the air into the water tank. One big advantage to this is that they can heat water at times of the day when electricity is cheap and clean (like the middle of the day when there is a lot of solar power on the grid) and save it for later.
Heat Pumps
It is not typical for refrigerants in a heat pump to leak. In the rare situation where refrigerants leak from a heat pump, the emissions from direct space or water heating (burning gas or other fossil fuels in the home) are still significantly greater than the emissions from refrigerants. Refrigerant management is regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, learn more about these regulations here.
Incentives
Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) earmarks $500 billion in spending and tax incentives toward healthcare, domestic manufacturing, and clean energy. Among other objectives, the IRA provides $400 billion to significantly reduce the nation’s carbon emissions over the next decade.
For homeowners, the IRA represents a historic opportunity to invest in clean energy, efficiency, and electrification by making electric appliances, rooftop solar panels, and home batteries more affordable through tax credits and rebates.
The Inflation Reduction Act is not to be confused an Individual Retirement Account, which is a savings or investment account that allows you to save for retirement in a tax-advantaged way.
A federal tax credit for qualified home improvements directly reduces the amount of taxes you owe when you file your tax return. For example, if you spent $900 on energy-efficient windows and are eligible for a 30% tax credit, you could reduce your tax liability by nearly $300. That means that you would pay $900 at the time of purchase, and owe almost $300 less on your taxes.
Tax credits are available now but please make sure that you check the eligibility requirements before applying. Check out our Federal Tax Credits page to learn more about the different available tax incentives for heat pumps, efficiency upgrades, and more.
The IRA earmarks $8.8 billion for two rebate programs to be administered by states. The Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole House Rebates (HOMES) program allocates $4.3 billion in rebates for homeowners who conduct whole-house energy saving retrofits.
The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEEHRA) – also Referred to as Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates – allocates $4.3 billion to states and tribal entities to provide rebates for moderate and low-income households to purchase and install high-efficiency electric home appliances.
The Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole House Rebates (HOMES) program gives rebates for whole-house energy saving retrofits. The program provides different rebate amounts based on the type of residence, the level of energy savings achieved, and the occupants’ income.
For states that offer a “modeled” program, rebates are based on estimated or modeled savings. These programs provide up to $2,000 for projects that save 20 percent or more and up to $4,000 for projects that save 35% or more. Low and moderate income households (households earning less than 80% of the area’s median income) could receive up to $8,000.
For states that offer a “measured” program, rebates are based on actual savings calculated at the meter, which means that homeowners could receive even larger rebates. Your contractor will work with you to determine your rebate.
The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEERA) – also Referred to as Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates – allocates $4.3 billion to states and tribal entities to provide rebates for moderate and low-income households to purchase and install high-efficiency electric home appliances.
Households can receive up to $14,000 in rebates for electric heat-pumps and water heaters, electric stoves and cooktops, and dryers, in addition to upgrading insulation, air sealing, electric panels and wiring.
These rebates are limited to households earning below 150% of the area median income.
The IRA has earmarked up to $225 million to tribal governments and Alaska Native entities for rebates of up to $14,000 per tribal household for efficiency and electrification home upgrades.
Learn more on the Office of State and Energy Programs website.
A rebate gives you back a portion of the money you’ve spent on a product or service, usually after you make the purchase and submit required paperwork. For example, if you buy an appliance for $500 and there’s a $100 rebate offer, you’ll get $100 back, making the effective cost $400.
Federal rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act will be available at different timeframes in each state. Your State Energy Office keeps the most up-to-date information about the rollout of IRA rebates in your state. A list of the websites of all State Energy Offices can be found here: https://www.energy.gov/femp/state-energy-offices-and-organizations
Yes. In many cases, IRA incentives can be layered with state and/or local incentives to make a home energy upgrade even more affordable. See our our Federal Tax Credits page for more information.
Incentives and rebates under the IRA are accessible to families across all income brackets. However, if a household’s yearly earnings fall below 80% of the area’s median income (AMI), they may qualify for rebates that cover a greater portion of overall project expenses, up to 100% of a project costs for low-income households.
General
This depends on the rebate program you apply to. By clicking on the specific rebate in our Incentive Finder tool, you can get information directly from the rebate program. Most programs provide this information.
The Switch Is On has a comprehensive list of rebates that includes eligibility requirements and a useful link to apply for the rebate directly with the program that is offering it. You can find rebates by following this link: https://incentives.switchison.org/residents/incentives?f%5B0%5D=incentive_type%3A2645
Please ensure that you include your zip code in the search and check the application and eligibility requirements before applying.
We’re in the process of expanding our content to include information on solar panels. In the meantime, you can find comprehensive resources on electric appliances from induction cooktops to heat pumps and everything inbetween at https://switchison.org/electric-appliances/
Each incentive process is different, depending on the program that provides the incentive. It is important to review the guidelines specific to the incentive provider in your region. You can find all this information at incentives.switchison.org
Incentives are available until the incentive budgets run out. Please contact your incentive provider to confirm the availability period.
The answers to common questions can be found on the SIO FAQ page, this page can be found at https://switchison.org/foreveryone/faqs/. After reviewing this page, if you have any lingering questions, please contact us at https://switchison.org/foreveryone/contact/
Incentives for fuel switching your fireplace may be available in your area. If so, you can find them at: incentives.switchison.org
Many incentive programs define income eligibility, minimum appliance efficiency, and other eligibility requirements. Please review the incentive requirements at incentives.switchison.org, and with the program that provides the incentive.
You can find rebates for thermostats by going to incentives.switchison.org, entering your zip code, and selecting “Smart Thermostat” in the Equipment Type filter.
Most programs require the appliance to be purchased before applying for the rebate, but each program has different rules and requirements. Please review the requirements specific to the rebate for which you are applying at incentives.switchison.org, and with the incentive provider.
Yes, many incentives can be stacked, or combined. Incentive programs sometimes have requirements that need to be met in order to stack incentives. Please review the requirements specific to the rebate for which you are applying at incentives.switchison.org, and with the incentive provider.
Yes, a triplex qualifies as a single family residential unit.
TECH Clean California Q&A’s
TECH Clean California is a statewide initiative to accelerate the adoption of clean space and water heating technology across California homes in order to help the state meet its goal of being carbon-neutral by 2045. The TECH Clean California program offers a number of incentives for homeowners who want to electrify their homes.
TECH Clean California incentives are paid directly to contractors, and then passed down to homeowners, either immediately or after the contractor receives the incentive from TECH Clean California. In ether case, the incentive must be listed on the invoice.
Information on all TECH incentives is available on the Switch Is On website, including eligibility requirements. Please ensure that you include your zip code in the search and check the application and eligibility requirements before applying.
No. Registered TECH Clean California contractors apply directly for TECH incentives on behalf of customers. This means that customers get the benefits of the program without having to worry about the paperwork. To apply, contractors must have a signed invoice and contract document, both dated on or after the program launch date. The contractor can reserve an incentive for up to 90 days. Information on all TECH incentives for contractors is available on the Switch Is On website, including eligibility requirements. Please ensure that you include your zip code in the search and check the application and eligibility requirements before applying.
a. Project must be a non-heat pump to heat pump installation
b. No new construction, these incentives are for retrofits only.
c. Equipment must be Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) matched systems.
d. Equipment must meet Title 24 code minimum standards.
It is your contractor’s responsibility to provide all the required documentation for the completion of the project (requirements
may vary depending on your location).
The contractor must be enrolled in TECH Clean California in order to apply for the TECH Clean California incentives.
General California Questions
Incentives are available until the incentive budgets run out. Please contact your incentive provider to confirm the availability period. For TECH Clean California incentives, you can view the latest budget here.
Other
Appliances
If your house is all electric and you don’t have a gas grill, you can still enjoy a barbecue by using an electric grill. Electric grills are designed to be used indoors or outdoors, and they can be a great alternative to traditional gas or charcoal grills. They are easy to use, convenient, and produce less smoke than other types of grills.
Note: If you’re looking for an outdoor grilling experience without a gas or charcoal grill, you might also consider using a portable electric smoker or an electric pellet grill. These options provide additional versatility and flavor options for your barbecue.
While electric grills are a sustainable alternative to propane, you can electrify your home and still use outdoor propane appliances, which usually use tanks and aren’t connected to your natural gas line.
Electric fireplaces are widely available as either fireplace inserts or freestanding models. They typically work by heating air internally using a heating coil or ceramic plate, and then gently blowing the warmed air into the room with a fan. Radiant (infrared) models are also available. These work like a radiant space heater.
It should be noted that electric fireplace don’t actually produce flames, but use lights to produce a realistic flame-like effect.
Converting a gas fireplace to electric typically involves removing the existing gas fixture, capping the gas line, and installing an electric unit into the space. Always consult an electrician to ensure that the conversion is done safely and in compliance with local codes.
Home Electrification
You can submit a request for SIO support by visiting our events webpage and submitting a request at https://buildingdecarb.swoogo.com/ambassadorevents
An all-electric home relies solely on electricity for its energy needs, including heating, cooling, cooking, and other appliances. The goal of such a transition is to have zero-carbon emissions by shifting from fossil fuels to electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind.
Building an all-electric home can have several benefits, such as lower energy costs, reduced carbon footprint, and the ability to take advantage of energy-efficient appliances. It’s worth noting that all-electric homes have the potential to save money and reduce carbon pollution compared to homes connected to the gas system.
Any common home appliance that heats or requires heat can be powered by electricity, such as hot water heaters, space heaters/furnaces, stoves/ranges/ovens, and dryers. Once you convert all your gas-powered appliances to electric-powered appliances and disconnect your gas service, your home is electrified!
Every appliance is different, but here are some clues:
Water Heater: If you have a gas water heater you will have an access panel to be able to see the flames that heat the water. Find the access panel on the side of your hot water heater, and see if there is a blue flame when you open it. If so, you have a fossil fuel gas water heater.
Space Heater: Heat pump space heaters and gas-powered space heaters look fundamentally different. One clue that your system may be gas-powered is if the heating unit(s) has a small window with a blue flame when it is turned on.
Dryer: Pull your dryer away from the wall, If it is connected to a gas valve, then you have a gas-powered dryer.
Range/Oven/Stove: Gas-powered ranges look fundamentally different from electric coil or induction ranges. One hint that you have a gas-powered range/oven/stove is if you see a blue flame when it is on. Also, you will see a gas valve where it’s connected to the wall.
There is no specific list of appliances that you can or cannot use in electric houses. However, it is important to consider the electrical capacity of your house when using appliances. Some appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, require more power than others. It is recommended to consult an electrician to ensure that your electrical system can handle the power requirements of the appliances you plan to use. If you are looking for a comprehensive list of different types of appliances commonly found in homes, you can refer to our Product Finder here: https://switchison.org/electric-appliances/
Maybe, depending on your home and where you live. There are many reasons why upgrading an old panel might be a good idea (such as for electrical safety), even if you aren’t electrifying all of your appliances. That said, many people can electrify one or more appliances without requiring an upgrade to their electric panel.
Every home and situation is different. The best way to find out if you will need a panel upgrade is to speak with an electrician or an energy expert.
You can highlight the benefits of induction stoves, such as their better indoor air quality, safer, energy efficiency, lower carbon footprint, and modern features. Share these videos that explains these benefits.
If you rent, your property owner likely makes decisions about the appliances/equipment in your home. You can let your landlord know that you are interested in using all-electric appliances in your home, and share resources about benefits and rebates with them. You can write a letter to your landlord as a starting place.
Performance
No. In fact, a 2021 Consumer Reports assessment found that electric ranges out-performed gas ranges most of the time, when testing performance at high heat, low heat, baking and broiling.
Yes. A heat pump is the same technology as an air conditioner but can also run in reverse, heating a space rather than cooling it. A ducted heat pump can also use ducts to distribute heat around a house like a central HVAC system with a gas furnace, but does so with significantly more efficiency. Another type of heat pump, the mini-split, can distribute refrigerant to different rooms to heat and cool the rooms. This also allows for each room to be set to different temperatures.
Yes. Traditionally, air-source heat pumps have provided reliable heat even when temperatures drop into the 20s. Newer models are rated for temperatures down to negative 14 degrees fahrenheit, though efficiency does drop at those temperatures.
In a relatively mild climate like California, heat pumps are a no-brainer.
Gas stoves create heat by burning gas and are typically connected to both an electric outlet and gas pipe in the wall.
Electric coil stoves create heat in the coil/resistor by converting electricity to heat.
Induction stoves create an electric field that heats the cooking vessel itself. Induction is the superior form of cooking, as it is three times more powerful than gas and electric coil stoves and twice as responsive.
No. A tankless water heater does not have a water tank to hold the water once it’s been heated. Instead, water is heated in real time at the source when a faucet is turned on in the home. Heat pump water heaters have tanks and are more efficient than tankless heaters.
