We all know it’s there, and we all know that no one wants to talk about it. The all-electric “elephant” in the room (or more specifically, the home). We are about to rip off the band-aid and address the belief that it costs more to have all-electric home appliances than gas or duel-fuel appliances.
Reality: The savings of switching from mixed-fuel appliances to all-electric appliances is significant on both the cost of the appliances and the infrastructure.
Reality: It is often assumed that buyers won’t settle for an electric stove/range nor do they want a heat pump water heater, HVAC heat pump, or electric clothes dryer.
However, according to a recent study conducted by Meyers Research health and wellness features are the new premium elements desired in a new home, with the second most desired feature being indoor air quality (IAQ).
“Data analysis has identified indoor air quality as a major area of concern for both new and existing homeowners. Online discussions and commentary about indoor air quality finds that it’s one of the quality-of-life topics discussed most frequently, with the greatest ‘passion.’”
COGNITION Smart Data goes a step further and says IAQ is more than a premium, it’s a necessity. In the COGNITION report, Indoor Air Quality: A New Urgency, Green Builder magazine Editor-in-Chief Matt Power says, “Data analysis of consumer perceptions in real-time has identified indoor air quality as a major area of concern for both new and existing homeowners. Online discussions and commentary about indoor air quality finds that it’s one of the quality-of-life topics discussed most frequently, with the greatest ‘passion.’”
What does this have to do with making the switch to all-electric appliances?
Reality: Appliance manufacturers have done a great job keeping up with modern technology to design and develop safe, efficient, affordable, space-saving, smart, and environmentally responsible appliances, which account for more than 10 percent of the U.S. carbon emissions. The new electric induction cooktops are not your grandmother’s coil range tops.
Induction cooktops/ranges are safe, as there is no open flame. This kitchen appliance is efficient, “no other cooking technology that we’ve tested is faster than the fastest induction elements.” They also maintain a consistent and precise temperature unlike gas, which uses more energy (gas) to maintain a desired temperature.
Home heating is the largest direct use of fossil fuel. Using a heat pump versus a gas furnace, will significantly reduce carbon emissions, and is 2.2 to 4.5 more efficient than Energy Star gas furnace (even in cold climates), delivers two to four times more heating energy than the electricity it consumes, and lowers monthly utility bills.
Gas water heaters are another appliance affecting IAQ in homes. Using a heat pump water heater will have a positive impact on the environment and be more cost-effective for the consumer. It will also benefit developers and contractors through the rebates made available by electric utilities and governing bodies in an effort to achieve their carbon goals.
Maria Meeuwisse, senior vice president of Engage Marketing, is a leading marketing professional in the home building industry with more than 25 years of experience marketing for large-scale master-planned communities throughout the country. She has spent the last two years educating Southern California homebuilders about 2019 Title 24 code requirements as well as promoting the benefits of building all-electric homes.