California cities like Berkley, San Luis Obispo, and Menlo Park are moving towards all-electric buildings and banning gas hook-ups for new construction. Electrification is a trend that will likely continue as the clean energy economy evolves. Here are the top five benefits of switching from the conventional electric-gas utility mix to an all-electric building.
- Reducing Carbon Emissions and Driving ROI
Space and water heating using natural gas, oil, or propane contributes to one-tenth of the total US carbon dioxide emissions. As the grid’s renewable energy share increases, the environmental benefit of going electric increases as well. Furthermore, an all-electric building has the potential to reduce 100% of its emissions by installing solar photovoltaics and battery storage.
- Reducing Infrastructure Costs
Gas mains, services, and meters can be avoided in areas lacking natural gas service.
- Reducing System Costs
Conventional systems need separate heating and cooling systems. In an all-electric building, one system can provide both heating and cooling by using a heat pump.
- Improving Indoor Air Quality
Natural gas ranges introduce air pollutants in living spaces that affect indoor air quality and pose health risks to occupants. These pollutants include nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and formaldehyde (HCHO).
- Increasing Thermal Comfort
Electric heat pumps can deliver an amount of heat needed based on the demand of the space, meaning that they can run more frequently at lower outputs. Gas furnaces typically run in short bursts at higher outputs, which can be uncomfortable to occupants and wasteful in nature.
All-electric buildings are becoming more commonplace as costs inevitably decrease and environmental preferences become more necessary. For more information on how to optimize your building for all-electric purposes, contact VCA Green below:
Moe Fakih, Principal
714-363-4700
Contributing Writer: Mahmoud Harb, LEED AP (BD+C, Homes)