In most areas of life, you can reduce your environmental impact by reducing the number of products you buy and continuing to use the ones you have.
But this logic does not apply to some devices, which constantly rely on their own fuel source while in use. If you have gas appliances, they cost a lot to run and generate a lot of air pollution that traps heat, so – in general – the sooner you upgrade to electric, the better.
What gas appliances can be replaced with electric?
For many of us, the gas appliance we encounter most often is our stove. But electric stoves — especially newer induction models — are more energy efficient than gas stoves, and they’re also healthier for your family.
The same goes for ovens. In most weather conditions, a heat pump is more efficient than gas heaters — and can save you about $2,500 over 10 years.
But if it’s very cold where you live, your heat pump may not work well. In those cases, you may still be able to install a mini furnace in addition to your furnace, or you may be a candidate for a geothermal system.
You can also check your water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, barbecue, and yard equipment like a lawn mower — anything that might run on natural gas or gasoline. They all have modern electric alternatives, even your car.
How will switching to electricity save me money?
In most cases, electricity is the cheapest fuel source for your appliances, and switching can save you an average of $1,800 per year.
This is partly because electrical appliances tend to be more efficient – especially when you compare the latest eco-friendly models to existing older equipment, which is not as advanced and may be starting to wear out.
Better yet, combine electrical appliances with free electricity from a clean energy source such as solar panels. Then, you’ll have complete control over your power supply, and you’ll save even more money. It requires a large upfront investment, but it will pay for itself afterward.
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