The all-electric movement has sparked a lot of interest from both homeowners and home builders in the past few years. The lure of a potentially clean energy source that can provide lower utility bills, fewer carbon emissions, and increased comfort is worth exploring, especially now with the rebates and incentives available from the Illinois utility companies.
However, the benefits of going “electric” require proper building preparation, and correct equipment installation. If done incorrectly an all-electric home can end up with extremely high utility bills and comfort problems. As building science specialists, Priority Energy can provide the consultation, design and testing services needed to convert or build an electric powered home or building. We will help ensure your “electric project”, whether an existing or new construction home, results in an energy efficient, comfortable, and durable living space.
Benefits of an electric home or building include:
- Better energy efficiency – Electric ranges and stove tops use less energy than gas ovens and air source heat pumps
are considered the most energy efficient way to heat and cool a home. - Cleaner environment – All-electric homes have lower carbon emissions.
- Solar & Renewable – An electric home allows for solar panels and less expensive, renewable energy.
- Net Zero Energy Readiness – Eventually there will be mandates for homes to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Smart Home Integration – Electric appliances and devices can be linked to a smart home automation system for more energy savings.
Converting an Existing Home from Gas to Electric
For most newer homes, switching from a gas furnace to an electric heat-pump system or electric appliances is relatively easy, but in older homes, built under less-stringent energy codes, it can be more difficult. If the equipment change is done incorrectly or without tightening the building envelope, the home could end up with very high utility costs and indoor comfort issues.
If you are considering a geothermal or air source heat pump system, solar panels, or electric appliances, give Priority Energy a call. Our energy auditors will visit your home and explain the pros and cons of making the switch from gas to electricity and how to begin. We can refer you to trusted installation contractors, review installation work and get you all the financial incentives and rebates available from your providers.
Essential services we offer to help you begin an electric conversion in your home:
- Comprehensive energy audits (assess overall home condition and performance)
- Mechanical sizing and design (accurate size and type of mechanical system based on occupancy, solar heat gain, existing systems, home size)
- Air leakage tests (assess tightness of home’s envelope)
- Duct leakage tests (assess leakage in the ductwork)
Electric New Construction for Builders
Priority Energy helps builders design and build energy efficient all-electric properties. With the advances in air-source heat pumps, tight wall assemblies, solar panels, electric vehicles, and smart home technologies the demand for electric new construction homes is growing.
An all-electric home provides many benefits (as mentioned above), but needs to be built right and tight, to be sure energy efficiency and comfort aren’t compromised. Our HERS Raters will ensure that new construction and major electric renovation projects meet high-performance standards and that builders receive the incentive rebates (up to $2000) from ComEd’s Electric Homes New Construction program in Illinois.
Our HERS Raters also provide energy modeling, inspections and testing for Energy Star Residential New Construction certification and Enterprise’s Green Building certification for affordable housing communities.
Photo Credit: Yale E360 and Rewiring America