Electrification for Home Energy Retrofits
Electrification is a key strategy for making homes more energy-efficient, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering utility costs. By replacing fossil-fuel-powered systems with high-efficiency electric alternatives—such as heat pumps, induction stoves, and electric water heaters—homeowners can improve indoor comfort while cutting energy waste. When paired with renewable energy like solar, electrification can further reduce reliance on the grid and stabilize long-term energy costs. As part of a home energy retrofit, electrification modernizes a home’s infrastructure, enhances safety, and prepares it for a cleaner, more sustainable future. This page will give a brief overview of why, what, and how to electrify but our friends over at Electrify Missoula have done some great work and have extensive resources around electrification!
Why Electrify
Energy Efficiency
Modern electric appliances are more efficient than their gas-powered counterparts. Although it extends beyond the switch form gas, modern refrigerators are 30% - 40% more efficient than models made in 2001 or before. The same is true across the board although the difference in efficiency varies.
Cost Savings
My updating big ticket items like your refrigerator, dryer, washer, dishwasher, or water heater you can rack up some big savings on your utility bill. When considering when and what appliances to upgrade to update a good rule of thumb is the 5 - 10 -15 rule (five years old, do not replace; 10 years old, run the numbers; 15 years old, probably time to replace). The equation isn't as straightforward when considering switch your homes heating source, but savings aren't the only consideration for fuel switching!
Improved Indoor Air Quality and Safety
When we use gas appliances in our home such as a gas stove or furnace, there are harmful air pollutants released into our home that have been linked to multiple adverse health effects. Not only is there risk from use but gas appliances and the lines that feed them have the potential to leak, which carries its own suite of health impacts. To learn more about this head over to Electrify Missoula's page to get educated!
What to Electrify
Heating & Cooling
We discuss heating and cooling on our HVAC page in some detail. additionally our partners at electrify Missoula have some great resources as well. The ideal HVAC system for electrification is a heat pump because of its incredible efficiency relative to all other heating and cooling systems.
Water Heating
Most homes today have some variety of a storage water heater, or tank water heater. These water heaters use electricity, natural gas, propane, or heating oil as their heating source with the most common being natural gas or electric. Deciding what water to use depends on what your priorities are, and what existing water heater you have.
Beyond the 5 - 10 -15 rule mentioned above, other considerations are what your fuel sources are and the efficiency of your current equipment. The most efficient option is a heat pump water heater, followed by tankless or demand type water heaters. Because of their efficiency these are the two types we recommend, but to learn more you can visit the DOE page on water heating to learn more.
Cooking
Many of us grew up with a gas stove and have some nostalgia attached to them. We might also have some asthma! It's because of these recent revelations about health concerns and the advancement of new stove top technologies we suggest swapping out your gas stoves for induction stovetops. Their benefits are numerous but a standout is their rapid cook time, taking almost half the time to boil a pot of water. Now a watched pot will boil!
Laundry & Appliances
Heat pump dryers use significantly less electricity than traditional vented dryers by capturing and reusing heat, making them a great option for cutting energy waste. They also operate at lower temperatures, which is gentler on fabrics.
Efficient washing machines use advanced technology to clean clothes with less water and energy. High-efficiency models extract more water during the spin cycle, reducing drying time and further lowering energy use. By upgrading to energy-efficient laundry appliances, homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint, save money, and enjoy better performance while protecting their clothes and the environment.
Supporting Electrical Upgrades
As you transition to electric appliances, your home’s electrical panel must be ready to handle the increased demand. Many older homes were built with panels that max out at 100 amps, which may not be enough to support heat pumps, induction stoves, EV chargers, or heat pump water heaters. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel or higher ensures your home can safely and efficiently power modern electric appliances without overloading circuits.
Beyond capacity, an upgraded panel improves safety and reliability by reducing the risk of electrical faults, outdated wiring issues, and overloaded circuits. This is especially important when adding high-draw appliances or considering future electrification.
If you’re planning for an EV charger or solar panels, a panel upgrade is often necessary to accommodate these technologies. A modern panel allows for seamless integration with renewable energy systems, supporting solar-ready infrastructure and ensuring your home is future-proofed for evolving energy needs.
Consulting with an electrician can help determine if your panel needs an upgrade, setting your home up for safe, efficient, and sustainable electrification.
Integrating Solar PV with Electrification
Electrifying your home is a smart step toward energy efficiency, and pairing it with solar power takes your savings and sustainability to the next level. By switching to all-electric appliance, such as heat pumps, induction stoves, and heat pump water heater, you eliminate fossil fuel reliance, and with solar panels, you can power them with clean, renewable energy from your own roof.
Going solar reduces your dependence on the grid, lowering electricity bills and protecting you from rising energy costs. It also increases energy resilience, especially when paired with battery storage, allowing you to keep essential appliances running during power outages.
Incentives and rebates make installing solar and upgrading to electric appliances more affordable than ever. By electrifying and generating your own power, you create a self-sustaining, energy-efficient home that’s better for your wallet and the environment.
Electrify Missoula has some excellent resources about the process of going solar and navigating the tax credits and incentives, selecting installers, and understanding when it makes sense.
