Electricity Technology Improves Continually
One of the reasons that gas appliances are falling out of favor with consumers around the world is that they are failing to keep up with the innovations happening with electric appliances. Gas ranges and gas furnaces have barely changed in decades while induction stovetops and heat pumps perform better and continue to become more and more energy efficient.
The LED lightbulb is a poster child for this steady innovation. Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting. Induction cooktops are more energy efficient than gas and conventional electric stoves.
In addition, electric appliances have advantages beyond being able to use a clean energy supply. Induction stoves are easier to cook on with faster heating, more temperature control, easier clean up and increased safety. Heat pumps when appropriately sized can more evenly and comfortably heat your home, they are safer and can also provide air conditioning! An electric leaf blower is quieter and requires less maintenance.
Our electricity supply is also getting cleaner every year, so emissions from electric appliances are continually decreasing. 22 states including Massachusetts, have passed laws that require electricity to be generated from 100% renewable sources in the near future, and according to the International Energy Agency more than a third of the world’s electricity will come from renewables in 2025.
This is why legislation and building codes are more and more focused on policies to encourage electric appliance use in our homes and buildings. Here in Massachusetts, communities can opt-in to the specialized stretch code. Municipalities including Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown have already opted in. Lexington put together a great FAQ for both the updated Stretch Code & Municipal Opt-In Specialized Code. In the California Bay Area, gas appliances will no longer be sold starting with gas water heaters in 2027. And New York became the first state to pass a state-wide gas ban on most new construction.
All of us can be part of this trend toward high-efficiency, modern electric appliances, avoid the increasing costs and negative health and environmental impacts of gas, and help transform our energy systems through the choices we make in our own homes.
Plus you get the benefits of improved features that come with all of the innovation in electric appliances!
