What’s it like to create an all-electric home? Chris Martin shares his family’s story. 

Home Details

  • Built: 1949
  • Size: 1,648 square feet
  • Location: Minneapolis
  • Utility
    • Electricity: Xcel Energy

Chris’s Story in His Own Words 

Chris and his wife wanted to become more environmentally friendly, especially at home, so they took on several electrification projects over time. This is what Chris had to say about the process: 

“My wife and I have had several conversations about how we could make our lives more environmentally friendly. We ended up doing a lot of homes upgrades in two bursts. In 2020, we installed a new electric panel, induction range, air source heat pump, and solar panels. After the 2020 installations, the goal became ‘just stop burning stuff’ and complete the switch from gas to electricity. In 2022, we added a heat pump water heater and dryer as well as insulation. At times, it was exhausting and difficult, but we’re happy with the result. 

As for utility costs, they changed from $160 per month on average to around $100–$110. We are on Xcel Energy’s electric heating rate, which is less in winter, and Windsource, which adds a little extra cost. In winter so far, our total utility costs have been similar to those when we had the gas furnace, maybe ever so slightly higher. But we get the benefit in spring, summer, and fall of cheap cooling and net metering from the solar panels. 

The heat pump provides heating to the home until it reaches zero degrees outside, then it switches over to the backup electric resistance heat. The whole system keeps us comfortable. The only issue we had was that ice built up around the condenser in the winter, so we had to put it on a higher stand. 

We learned we shouldn’t get too attached to a company or their rep or installers. In the end, we have to live with the product, and we won’t hear from them again once the item is installed.” 

Equipment Details 

  • Air Source Heat Pump
    • Type: Ducted, cold climate
    • Backup: Electric resistance at 5 kW and 10 kW
    • Size: 3 tons
    • Brand: Bosch
  • Electric Resistance Dryer
    • Size: 7.3 cubic feet
    • Certification: Energy Star
  • Heat Pump Water Heater
    • Size: 50 gallons
    • Brand: Rheem
  • Induction Stove
    • Brand: Frigidaire
  • Service Panel
    • Panel: 200 amps
  • Solar Array
    • Size: 15 panels
    • Capacity: 5.4 kW
  • Smart Thermostat
    • ecobee
  • Insulation and Air Sealing 

Make Electrification Decisions to Reach Your Goals 

Whether you want to go all electric like Chris and his family or you want to electrify one or two parts of your home, electrification can help you reduce your home’s carbon emissions while making it healthier, safer, and more comfortable. Depending on why you’re choosing to electrify, you may want to take on projects in a specific order. For more information on the recommendations we make based on individual goals, read our article on the pathways to electrification. 

 

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