Electrify 101

What is electrification?

The term "electrification" refers to the process of switching appliances (and other machines, like cars, and lawn equipment) from ones that are powered by burning gas or other petrochemicals, to ones that are powered by electricity.

Residential electrification project types

Electrifying your home by replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives helps you live in a cleaner, healthier home. Here are some types of electrification projects you can consider.

Water Heating

Changing a gas-powered water heater (tank or tankless) to a heat pump water heater. Water heaters use about 20% of a home's energy. High efficiency heat pump water heaters use about 70% less energy than standard gas models.

Visit the Switch is On for more information about heat pump water heater projects.

Watch this webinar (1.5 hours, from November 2023) we hosted on residential heat pump water heaters.

Space Heating

Changing a gas-powered furnace to a central heat pump or ductless mini-split heat pump system. More than 50% of a home's energy use goes to space heating and cooling. Electric heat pumps are up to three times more efficient than gas furnaces. And heat pumps can provide both winter heating and summer cooling from just one unit so no need for a separate air conditioner.

Visit the Switch is On for more information about heat pump space heating projects.

Learn how to compare heat pump quotes from Electrify Now.

Watch this webinar (1.5 hours, from November 2023) we hosted on residential heat pump space heaters.

Cooktops

Changing a gas-powered stovetop or range to an induction stovetop or combination induction stove with convection oven. Induction stoves heat food faster, offer better temperature control, are easier to clean, and are safer than gas and electric resistance stoves.

You can find more information on our Induction Cooking page, or at the Switch is On.

Watch this induction cooking demo webinar (1 hour, from October 2022) from BayREN and San Francisco Department of the Environment.

Clothes Drying

Changing a gas-powered clothes dryer to a heat pump clothes dryer. Heat pump dryers use about 70% less energy than conventional clothes dryers.

Visit the Switch is On for more information about heat pump clothes dryers.

Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces have come a long way! They come in a variety of styles - some are purely decorative, others provide heat as well as ambiance.

Visit Electrify Now for more information on electric fireplaces.

Electric Vehicles

Replacing a petroleum or diesel fueled vehicle with an electric motor vehicle. Electric vehicles (EVs) can dramatically reduce fueling costs given the high efficiency electric drive trains. And since EVs have fewer moving parts, they cost less to maintain compared to a traditional internal combustion car.

Visit our Electric Transportation page for more information.

Educational resources

Guides to all-electric retrofits

PG&E's Guide to Home Electrification provides useful information on how to transition your home to all-electric, including guidance on rate plan options.

Redwood Energy's Pocket Guide to All Electric Retrofits of Single Family Homes is a simple “how-to” guide to help homeowners, home renters, and utilities and policy makers who want to replace existing gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives.

Electrification cost studies

The County of San Mateo issued a study to examine the cost to fully electrify for 10 diverse homes. These case studies can help residents get an idea about project details and cost ranges for their own homes.

Get the most out of your electric panel

Most homes can electrify appliances without an expensive service panel upgrade. Find resources to help you avoid a service upgrade.

Learn more about new Bay Area Air District appliance regulations

The Bay Area Air District’s new “Zero-NOx” rules phase out gas water heaters and furnaces, requiring all new replacements to be clean, electric models starting in 2027–2029. The goal is to cut air pollution that harms health and move buildings toward climate-friendly energy. Check out the Air District's Know the Facts webpage to learn what these rules will mean for Marin residents.

Get inspired

Webinar recordings

Visit the MarinGChannel on YouTube for past webinar and meeting recordings. Recent webinar topics have covered Solar and Battery Systems, Heat Pump Water Heaters, and Making an Electrification Plan for Your Home.

Marin Green Home Tour

What are Marin residents doing to combat climate change, improve air quality, generate clean energy, save water, and move toward a safer, healthier, greener, and more resilient future? This free, virtual tour features an all-new lineup of Marin County homes, with solutions for homeowners and renters. The tour also includes up-to-date info on funding opportunities and helpful resources to get started.

Watch the recordings for the latest virtual tour that took place on October 24, 2024.