Are you thinking about taking the next step in making your home even more efficient? Go all electric or aim for zero-net energy.
You can lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, improve indoor air quality and increase your power outage resilience.
Efficient electric homes, also known as energy efficient homes, are homes designed to use energy more efficiently and reduce their overall carbon footprint. The idea is to use as little energy as possible to maintain a comfortable living environment while minimizing the impact on the environment.
One way homes can become more efficient is by using advanced insulation materials and construction techniques. Proper insulation can help keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Another way to make homes more efficient is with ENERGY STAR(r)-certified appliances, heat pumps, water heating, battery-powered lawn tools, and other energy-efficient technologies that can help to reduce the amount of energy used.
In addition, many efficient electric homes incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems to generate their own electricity or heat. This reduces energy costs and the overall environmental footprint of the home.
Existing Homes: Wattsmart® Homes provides utility incentives for existing properties, including rebates of up to $1,800 for air-source heat pumps and $550 for heat pump water heaters.
New Construction: Wattsmart® New Homes provides unique support and incentives for new construction.
Environmental Impacts: Does all-electric equipment help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Numerous studies have documented how efficient air-source heat pumps reduce emissions relative to their natural gas counterparts. This advantage will increase over time as we transition our energy grid to carbon-free energy sources. Find out how we’re building the foundation for a net-zero emissions future.
Cold Temperatures: Do heat pumps work at cold temperatures?
Yes. Heat pump technology has continued improving thanks to the compressor and motor technology advancements and improved coil design. “Cold climate heat pumps” can operate well even when outdoor temperatures fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to minimum insulation requirements, new construction offers a great opportunity to install heat pumps. Heat pumps can also work for retrofits, and in some cases, homeowners opt to include backup heating such as electric resistance or a supplementary furnace.
Electric Bills: Will going all-electric reduce my energy bills?
Home electricity bills are based on a combination of the types of equipment installed and plug-in and user behavior - such as how you control your thermostat. However, when efficient equipment is installed, electric technologies like heat pumps can maintain or improve affordability over gas.
Ground-Source Heat Pumps: What are ground-source (a.k.a. geothermal) heat pumps?
Ground-source heat pumps offer customers another avenue to electrify and provide efficient space heating and cooling. These options often have a higher upfront installation cost and unique design considerations, but they can be a great fit for many homes and property types.
Grid Impacts: Can the electric grid handle households go all-electric?
Rocky Mountain Power is well equipped to handle the energy needs of all-electric new construction. Additionally, we’re investing and conducting analyses to ensure grid reliability as customers electrify existing equipment and transition to electric vehicles. To reduce grid impacts, it’s best to use home equipment and charge electric vehicles during off-peak hours when the electricity demand is lower. Learn about Time of Day options and Time of Use for EV drivers.
Energy Solutions: What else can I do to lower my environmental footprint?
Rocky Mountain Power offers several ways to help customers reduce energy use and create a healthier environment.
Zero net energy homes and buildings combine premium efficiency with renewable energy to meet their own annual energy consumption. Learn more in the infographics below: