California has taken a historic step by becoming the first in the country to initiate the process of phasing out fossil-fuel furnaces and heaters.
To combat the rising issue of ozone pollution, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously passed a motion on Thursday, prohibiting the sale of new gas water heaters and furnaces starting in 2030. As per the mandate, households will be mandated to install eco-friendly alternatives such as electric heaters.
The CARB's decision aligns with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that require the limit of ozone in the atmosphere to be maintained at 70 parts per billion. Presently, a large portion of California exceeds the set limit, necessitating such measures to be taken.
Daniel Barad, senior policy advocate at Sierra Club California said, ”This will reduce the building sector's carbon footprint and improve public health. We also appreciate the commitment to equity-centered engagement and community input in all states of the process.”
After the requirement for heaters to be replaced was announced, there was a mixed response from the public, including opposition. Many are concerned that the cost to homeowners for expensive retrofits, such as upgrading electrical service, will outweigh the saved emissions.
According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), buildings contribute to approximately 5% of the state's nitrogen-oxide pollution, a crucial element in California's infamous smog. The report states that almost 90% of these emissions come from space and water heaters. On the other hand, the remaining percentage of these emissions comes from activities like cooking and drying clothes.
A policy research group named SPUR published a report stating that homes and buildings in California produce four times more nitrogen oxide pollution than all of the state's gas power plants combined. Additionally, residents in California are responsible for generating about two-thirds of the nitrogen oxide produced by all the passenger cars that are currently being driven on the state's roads.
CARB Chair Liane Randolph said, "We need to take every action we can to deliver on our commitments to protect public health from the adverse impacts of air pollution, and this strategy identifies how we can do just that.”
Last month, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) banned the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger cars and light-duty trucks starting in 2035. This is just one of many aggressive climate decisions made this year by state officials, demonstrating California's commitment to fighting climate change.
Moreover, the California Public Utilities Commission has taken a step towards promoting cleaner energy sources by unanimously voting to discontinue subsidies that encouraged builders to install gas lines in new buildings from next year. Health experts have cautioned that household air pollution caused by cooking with gas escalates the chances of childhood asthma. The elimination of these incentives will assist in decreasing emissions from buildings, thereby enhancing the quality of the air.
Although gas furnaces in California will not vanish in 2030, the new legislation signifies that only zero-emission replacements will be available over the next eight years, as older furnaces and water heaters deteriorate and require replacement. To support the shift to zero-emission technology, residents will be provided with rebate money. This decision is yet another stride towards California's most ambitious climate goal to date: carbon neutrality by 2045.
Why switch from gas to electric furnaces?
An electric furnace is a heating system that uses electricity to generate heat and distribute it throughout a home or building.
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, many people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and switching from a gas furnace to an electric furnace is one of the ways to achieve that goal.
1. Energy Efficiency
Electric furnaces are more energy-efficient than gas furnaces. Electric furnaces convert almost all of the energy they use into heat, while gas furnaces lose some of their energy in the combustion process.
The efficiency of an electric furnace can reach up to 100%, while the efficiency of a gas furnace is between 70-90%. This means that an electric furnace can provide the same amount of heat as a gas furnace while using less energy, which translates into lower energy bills.
2. Cost Savings
Gas furnaces are a popular choice among homeowners due to the lower cost of gas compared to electricity. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), electricity costs $34.90 per one million British Thermal Units (MMBTU), while natural gas costs only $9.20 per MMBTU.
However, when it comes to the upfront cost of installation, electric furnaces are generally more affordable than gas furnaces. HomeAdvisor estimates the cost of a new electric furnace to be between $1,600 to $6,900, whereas a new gas furnace can cost between $3,800 to $10,000.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Gas furnaces can produce harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which can be dangerous for your health. Electric furnaces do not produce any of these pollutants, which means you can breathe easier and enjoy better indoor air quality.
4. Safety
Gas furnaces require a pilot light or electronic ignition to light the burner, which can be a potential safety hazard. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, do not have an open flame, making them safer to operate.
Additionally, electric furnaces do not require any fuel storage, which can reduce the risk of gas leaks and explosions.
5. Quiet Operation
Electric furnaces are typically quieter than gas furnaces, as they do not have a combustion process. This means that you can enjoy a more peaceful and comfortable living space without any loud furnace noises.
6. Longer Lifespan
Electric furnaces have a longer lifespan than gas furnaces. On average, electric furnaces can last between 20-30 years with proper maintenance, while gas furnaces typically last between 15-20 years. This is due to the differences in their design and operation, with electric furnaces having fewer mechanical components and not relying on combustible fuel to generate heat.
Additionally, electric furnaces do not produce the same levels of wear and tear as gas furnaces, as there is no combustion process. By investing in an electric furnace, homeowners can enjoy a longer-lasting heating solution that requires less maintenance and replacement over time.
To sum up, switching from gas to electric furnaces can provide a range of benefits, including cost savings, environmental benefits, improved indoor air quality, safety, quiet operation, and easy installation.
While gas furnaces have been a popular choice for many years, electric furnaces offer a more efficient and sustainable alternative that can help to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your quality of life.
If you are considering a furnace upgrade or replacement, an electric furnace is definitely worth installing in your home.