All across California, more and more home and business owners are making the crucial choice of transitioning from gas to electric heating systems for several reasons. For one, an all-electric property allows modern electric technology such as EV charging stations, heat pumps, sub-panels, solar panels, solar roofs, and energy storage systems to lower utility bills over time by generating and storing the electricity needed to meet the property’s heating needs. It’s also a great way to reduce unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions while guaranteeing the health and safety of a property’s occupants by improving air quality and preventing possible gas leaks.  

Moreover, the Building Initiatives for Low-emissions Development program of the State of California is looking to meet decarbonization goals. For this purpose, by 2030 gas heating and water heating equipment will no longer be sold in California and it’s expected that by 2045 all the state’s electricity will be generated from renewable sources. 

It is very likely that because of these reasons you are considering electrifying your home or business. That is why we would like to offer you a comprehensive guide to help you make a smooth switch:

Step 1: Evaluate Your Property’s Heating Needs

Before you make the switch from gas to electric, make sure you understand your current heating system by gathering important information such as your gas heating system’s age, efficiency, and overall costs generated every month. Use an energy audit to calculate your heating needs by taking into consideration variables such as square footage, insulation, and weather patterns.  

Step 2: Ponder Your Options for Electric Heating Systems

Keep in mind that there are several pieces involved in creating an energy-efficient electric heating system that meets your property’s needs. Make sure to consult with an electrician if you need to install upgrades, such as sub-panels, or if there is additional electrical wiring needed. At Sustainable Living Builders, Inc. we offer our clients services such as air-source heat pumps to help you pull warmth from outdoor air during the winter as well as attic insulation services to make sure that your home is cool during the summer and energy-efficient all year round.  

Step 3: Proceed to Remove the Old Gas Heating System

Make sure to hire a professional to decommission and remove your gas heating system safely. This is important because a professional knows which gas lines need to be capped or removed and properly dispose of old heating equipment while following local regulations and ensuring that the materials will not contribute to pollution. 

Step 4: Installing Your New Electric Heating System

Work alongside a certified contractor who can install a comprehensive electric heating system that suits your property’s needs. At Sustainable Living Builders, Inc. we have a team of experts who can not only install it for you in compliance with local building codes and conduct test runs to verify its performance and address any issues promptly but also offer you a wide variety of energy production and storage services that integrate with it, such as solar panels, batteries and SPAN panels, to generate and monitor the electricity needed for proper functioning. 

Step 5: Schedule Regular Maintenance for Long-Term Efficiency

Lastly, be sure to plan for annual maintenance checks with the contractor you hired to install your new electric heating system. This way, you ensure that everything continues to run smoothly and catch any potential issues in advance. Regular upkeep will help you prolong the lifespan of your system, keep it energy-efficient, and guarantee optimal performance over time.