Eight steps to electrify your home
Keep in mind that not all homes are the same, and some of these steps may not apply to your project. These steps only serve as general guidance. The order may vary, and you will likely revisit some steps as you develop your project. These steps were adapted from the City of San Rafael's Green Building and Electrification webpage.
Get started
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Try a home energy assessment program
Getting a home energy assessment helps you understand your energy use. You will receive personalized recommendations on how to improve efficiency, save on your energy bill, and make your home more comfortable. For a list of available programs, visit the Home Energy Assessments page.
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Determine your electrical capacity
Most homes in Marin have 100 amps or more, which is usually enough to electrify a home. The Redwood Energy Watt Diet Calculator can help residents who are planning home electrification projects avoid panel upsizing by helping them make thoughtful decisions about the electrical appliances in their homes.
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Look at rebates, incentives and financing
There are many incentives available for electric appliance upgrades. You can use the directories listed on the Get Rebates page to see what might be available for your project. You should also ask your contractor what rebates your project qualifies for.
Find options to help finance your project on the Finance Your Home Energy Project page.
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Decide on your project scope
What appliances do you want to switch to electric? Evaluating the age of your current gas appliances can be a good place to start. You can learn more about electric alternatives to gas appliances on the Electrify 101 page.
Here are some helpful resources:
- Get inspiration from your neighbors at the Marin Green Home Tour
- Visit Rewiring America's Personal Electrification Planner
- Review home electrification cost studies from San Mateo County and BayREN
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Research your appliance options
For appliances like induction cooktops and ranges, clothes dryers, and EV chargers, energy usage can vary based on the make and model. Selecting a few models you're interested is a good way to prepare to make a purchase. It can also help you determine if you can use your existing electrical capacity or if you will need an upgrade. These resources can help:
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Make a list of questions for your contractor
Before reaching out to contractors, it's helpful to have a list of questions to ask. These questions could be about their level of experience with a specific project type, their process, or about the specifics of your home. Here are some examples:
- Are there incentives or rebates available for my project?
- Will electrical upgrades be needed? Are they included in the project cost?
- Will you provide a warranty for the systems you install?
- Will I need to hire my own electrician to provide the electrical work?
PG&E has published a list of 9 Questions to ask your Home Electrification Contractor.
For a more comprehensive list of questions, check out Rewiring America's Electrify Everything Home Guide.
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Find an experienced contractor
It's usually best to get 3 separate quotes before making a decision. Consider asking for referrals from friends, neighbors, coworkers, or neighborhood-based social media. Here are some contractor directories:
The Switch is On Contractor Directory
For more guidance, visit the Find a Contractor page.
Already have quotes from contractors? Learn how to compare them using guidance from Electrify Now.
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Get permits and inspections
Most home electrification projects require a permit. In many cases, your contractor will apply for permits on your behalf. For help getting permits on your own, visit the Permit Help page.
Related
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Add solar to your home
Going solar has big benefits: lowering your electric bill, adding value to your home, and helping to reduce greenhouse gases. Learn how you can get started.
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Sustainability Team events
Marin County Sustainability Team events calendar.
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Electrify 101
Informational resources on electrification projects for Marin residents.