Electrification for Homeowners

If you haven’t already, replace all your old incandescent light bulbs with efficient LED light bulbs. New LED bulbs use 75-90% less electricity than old ones, last much longer, and cost only $2-3 each. They come in different “temperatures,” or colors, to choose from.

Installing solar panels is a great way to go green and increase the value of your home. Solar works even better if you pair it with battery storage, which provides you with backup energy if there’s a power outage. Check if you are eligible for tax credits or incentives and read our handy guide for installing solar.

Induction makes cooking faster, safer, and easier. While gas stoves emit dangerous indoor air pollutants, induction creates a magnetic field that heats the metal of the pan through the electric current. By turning the cookware into the source of heat, induction cooktops heat food more quickly, evenly, and efficiently. To test if your cookware will work on induction, try sticking a magnet onto the bottom. If it sticks, you’re good to go!

You can replace your entire stove and oven with an induction range. If you’re not ready to replace your entire gas stove just yet, portable induction cooktops or woks start at around $60, and most can be plugged into a regular outlet with no installation required. See a portable cooktop in action (and get some tips and recipes) with these local professional chefs. 

If you drive a lot, especially in a daily commute, it makes sense to go electric for your next car. The average Bay Area driver can save over $500 a year in fuel costs by going electric. Be sure to sign up for the EV2 rate and charge after midnight for the biggest savings. You can save even more by participating in the Ava SmartHome Charging program.

Heat pump water heaters are 5-6x more efficient than conventional gas water heaters and 3-4x more efficient than electric-resistance water heaters. If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, considering a heat pump water heater is a good idea.

Finding a contractor trained in heat pump water heater installation and who can ensure that your electrical panel is ready for this upgrade is an important step of this process. The most common type of heat pump water heater requires a dedicated 240-volt outlet—perfect for homes with an existing electric water heater. If a gas water heater is being replaced or if a 240V outlet is not available, you may need to upgrade your panel or search for a new model that utilizes a 120V outlet.

Most Californians are on Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, which means you pay more for the electricity you use between 4pm-9pm. If possible, avoid running the dishwasher, doing the laundry, or charging your car in the evening to save money. 

If you have an aging central air conditioner or furnace, replace it with a heat pump. A heat pump works like a refrigerator in reverse, moving heat either into or out of a building depending on where it’s needed. That means it can heat your home when it’s cold outside and cool it in the summer. You can replace your gas furnace entirely with a ducted heat pump system or augment your current furnace with a hybrid, portable, or mini-split heat pump.

• There are two main types of heat pumps connected by ductwork: air-to-air and ground-source (geothermal). You can also install a hybrid system, which works with your existing gas furnace to determine the heat source that is most effective and efficient depending on the temperature. 
• Portable heat pumps (also called micro heat pumps) can heat and cool individual rooms, and don’t require professional installation. Make sure the one you get has real heat pump heat, not resistance heat (which is inefficient and expensive to operate).  
• A mini-split heat pump is strong enough to heat and cool many apartments or small homes. It’s not too hard to install, and it’s a much more affordable expense than replacing an entire furnace or AC unit.

Consider getting an electric bike for commuting or running errands around town. E-bike prices typically range from $1,000 and $6,000, and rebates may be available. Learn about different types of e-bikes and choose the perfect bike for your needs. Plus, they’re cool and a lot of fun to ride.

Gasoline-powered lawn and gardening equipment is not only noisy, but it’s also extremely polluting and bad for our health. Several Ava member jurisdictions have already passed laws banning gas leaf blowers. Battery-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers get the job done with zero emissions and less noise, and are available for the same price as gas alternatives. 

Use a clothesline or rack to let the air and sun dry your laundry.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is switching your Ava service plan to Renewable 100. It costs about $1-$4 more per month, but is sourced from 100% renewable energy, like wind and solar. If cost is an issue, our Bright Choice service plan offers lower rates and is still more than 50% renewable—and will be 100% carbon-free by 2030. You’re still a part of the green energy transition just by being an Ava customer.