Why Upgrade Your Home to Electricity? The Benefits of Making the Switch 

There’s a lot of buzz about electrification in New York State. In early 2023, Governor Hochul proposed prohibiting the installation of any fossil fuel equipment in the state. In May 2023, the mandate for all-electric new construction passed. These initiatives are all part of New York State’s efforts to achieve a 40% reduction in statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.  

You may find yourself wondering how this applies to you, particularly if you live in a home that doesn’t currently fall under the electrification mandate. In truth, the Electrification Initiative will likely expand to a wider population. More importantly, converting to electricity from oil and gas has several compelling benefits.  

As experts in the field, Standard has spent years providing upgrades to businesses and homes alike. From increasing home energy efficiency to improving indoor air quality, making the switch offers numerous advantages. 

Home Energy Upgrade 

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 51% of the energy use in U.S. homes is a result of heating and air conditioning alone. Additionally, across the United States, 70 million businesses and homes rely on oil, gas, and propane for cooking and heating water and interior spaces. In turn, this use of oil and gas creates approximately 600 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. That equates to approximately 13% of the country’s carbon emissions.  

Making the switch to electricity can transform communities and result in lower building costs. Research from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) shows that building all-electric single-family homes is less expensive than building homes that rely on mixed fuel sources. It allows owners to use a single heat pump system for heating and cooling, and it reduces the number of necessary connections. It also creates jobs across the country as more people make the switch, and equipment and material needs increase. 

Currently, more than 40% of electricity used in the U.S. is generated using renewable energy sources and other zero-carbon fuels. The use of renewable sources is continuing to grow, further supporting the ability of electrification to reduce emissions. 

Upgrading your home to electricity does more than just reduce your carbon footprint. It truly offers a home energy upgrade, with the ability to enjoy more precision and control over the temperature of your home. You can also experience quieter operation, lower maintenance costs, and greater energy efficiency.  

Comfortable Living Environment 

Electrification can lower building costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Another compelling reason to embrace electricity is its ability to enhance in-home comfort.  

It all starts with a home energy performance assessment. At Standard, we provide this assessment free of charge. Energy audits allow our Building Performance Institute (BPI)-certified technicians to perform a combination of visual inspections and specialized testing. The results help us tailor a plan to not only support electrification, but also seal off drafts and ensure adequate insulation. Doing so yields the greatest overall energy efficiency and a more comfortable indoor climate.  

Electrification also improves indoor air quality. While burning gas, propane, and heating oil can release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into indoor spaces, electricity does not carry this risk. Exposure to indoor air pollutants can trigger allergies and asthma and contribute to possible adverse effects on residents’ health.  

Fossil Fuel Conversion 

The overarching goal is for all businesses and homes to operate entirely using clean power sources by 2050. This requires conversion from fossil fuel burning heat sources and appliances to electricity-powered equivalents.  

Converting your home from burning fossil fuels to electricity requires an investment. However, it’s an excellent time to make the switch, with many tax credits and other incentives available to make the necessary upgrades more financially accessible. Standard offers multiple grants and rebates to make cleaner energy consumption not only possible, but also affordable.  

Alternative Energy Resource 

The adoption of alternative energy sources, often referred to as “clean” energy, is ramping up quickly. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that 1.7 dollars is invested in clean energy for every dollar invested in fossil fuels. That ratio was 1:1 just five years ago, and it’s expected to continue to increase as electrification and other initiatives continue to spread. 

Renewable energy sources can be used for generating electricity. Depending on where your electricity provider sources their energy, every time you plug in, you could be using alternative energies such as: 

• Wind 
• Solar 
• Hydropower 
• Bioenergy 
• Geothermal 

Reduce Home Energy Costs 

Modern electric HVAC equipment, such as water heaters and heat pumps, offers incredible energy efficiency. Compared to those that use gas, electric appliances offer three to five times more efficiency. This allows you to live more comfortably while saving money. Over time, you’ll see a reduction in your energy bills, which makes electrification a win-win.  

Professional Energy Installer 

Choosing to upgrade your home to electricity is a significant endeavor. It’s a decision best made in partnership with skilled professionals. The experts at Standard have nearly a century of experience serving the needs of Upstate New Yorkers and can guide you throughout the process. Our trained technicians can ensure that you make the upgrades that will yield the home energy benefits you need. 

Contact Standard Today to Learn More 

Our primary goal is to help you save money. We can connect you with incentives to make electrification more affordable and create a plan to implement the changes gradually, according to your needs and budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.