Electrify Monadnock

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Change the way your household uses energy! Save money, live healthier and more comfortably, reduce climate pollution.

 

THE ELECTRIFIED HOME

 

 

Electrify Monadnock is a new program from the Monadnock Sustainability Hub, designed to help households in the region pivot toward more efficient and cleaner energy use. This change can be made through a process known as electrification. It involves a) substituting electrically powered machines and appliances for those typically run on carbon-based fuels, and b) replacing devices that already operate on electricity with “smarter” versions capable of even greater efficiency.

This important initiative will provide:

  • Up-to-date information on electrification and sources of financial support for it at the national (Inflation Reduction Act) and state (NHSaves) levels
Review Info Now
MSH Info Sheets

IRA incentives home energy
Tax credits and rebates for home energy electrification and other efficiency upgrades

IRA incentives electric vehicles
Rebates, tax credits, and eligibility requirements for new and used EVs

NHSaves (public utility) incentives home energy efficiency
Rebates on home energy audits, weatherization, appliance upgrades and turn-ins

Rewiring America guide and tools for IRA incentives

RA guide to IRA
Organizational leader of electrification movement maps IRA funding for households

RA incentives calculator
Incentive amounts and terms for specific home energy improvements

RA personal electrification planner
Planning tool for basic steps in household electrification

NHSaves programs (website)

Home page
Recommend selecting the “Residential” button at top

Energy audits and weatherization
Info on two of the strongest NHSaves programs

  • Guidance from electrification coaches, who have a range of knowledge and experience to guide you through the process, from information gathering to long-range planning, purchases and contracts.
Request Coaching Now
Learn About Energy Coaching

Resources

Canary Media article
Journalistic account of training course taken by a substantial number of MSH electrification coaches

Homeowner consultation tools
Tools developed by Rewiring America for use by coaches and clients; see especially the Homeowner Questionnaire, 4th tab at bottom of spreadsheet

  • An initiative promoting a key piece of electrification technology: the heat pump, together with related weatherization steps

Details to be announced

Learn About Heat Pumps Now
U.S. Dept of Energy heat pump systems
Basic principles of operation and types of heat pumps

Heat Smart Alliance (MA) intro to heat pumps
Introductory information with embedded video

VECAN (VT) webinar: heat pumps 101
More detailed video/slide presentation

U.S. Dept of Energy heat pump hot water heaters
Info on an important application of heat pump technology

Article on house prices after heat pump installation
Interesting topic but a dense presentation (bottom line: there is an increase after)

Learn About Weatherization Now
U.S. Dept of Energy home energy assessments
Description of home energy assessments, both professional and DIY; embedded videos

United Illuminating (CT) what is home energy audit?
Video presentation of audit procedures, and weatherization measures

How to make a home energy efficient
Video: air sealing, ventilation, insulation (tip: these before replacing windows and doors)

This Old House: insulation
Video comparing various types of insulation

Need answers to questions before getting with the program? Try these!

Why Electrify?

Electricity is the form of energy best suited to power the machines supporting everyday life in the modern world: machines for heating and cooling, transportation, cooking, washing and drying, and much more. An air source heat pump, for example, can operate 5 times more efficiently than a conventional furnace or boiler. An electric vehicle (EV) will get you and your family where you’re going on half or even a third of the energy used by a gasoline-powered car​. What’s more, you eliminate the climate pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.
Deep Dive Into Electrification
U.S. Dept of Energy what is electrification?
Good general introduction, embedded video

Resources for the Future electrification 101
This is a “deep” dive; covers many aspects of the subject in detailed fashion

Environmental & Energy Institute beneficial electrification
A reminder that electrification is only “beneficial” when helping both consumer and climate

RMI 8 benefits of electrification
Focus on health benefits

nVent electrification of everything
Fast-paced video touching on “demand response” and other aspects of smart technology

Saul Griffith, Electrify
A book: available locally at Toadstool Bookstore

Not so fast. What about electricity prices in our area?

It’s true. New Hampshire, together with other Northeastern states, typically posts some of  highest electricity rates in the country. This is something to watch for when shifting to electricity from another type of energy, as happens when you replace a conventional furnace with a heat pump. But an electric heat pump is cheaper to operate than most any furnace, and much cheaper to operate than the oil burners that are common in our region. It also delivers cooling as well as heat, operating as a central AC in summers: not a bad idea given the temperature trends in NH, and a sure way of realizing a net energy savings. Another way to get those savings is to upgrade appliances already electrified. Greater efficiencies will reduce the amount of current used, and therefore the bottom line on your bill, even if the rates stay high.

What Can Households Do?

A lot, together: decisions made around the kitchen table determine 42% of overall energy use in the U.S. Individually, a lot can be done, too. You can decide to get an energy audit and make sure your place is properly weatherized. Then it’s time to heed the call, “Electrify everything!” When their time is at hand, or even before, replace your old oil or gas furnace with a heat pump, and your gas guzzler with an EV. Take stock of your appliances; when they give out, look to smart alternatives:

  • heat-pump clothes dryer
  • induction range
  • induction stovetop (excellent option for renters)
  • and more

How Can MSH Help?

Of course, all these recommendations are a lot for a kitchen table conversation, and likely for a family budget, to take on. Decisions are complicated and the investments to be made are not small. Fortunately, households don’t have to go it alone. The Sustainability Hub is one organization that can help. Here are some things you can do to take advantage of what Electrify Monadnock offers. Pick one, two, or all three!

  • Access needed information, both on electrification and on funding opportunities available to help with costs, and chart your household’s course to a better energy future
Review Info Now
MSH Info Sheets

IRA incentives home energy
Tax credits and rebates for home energy electrification and other efficiency upgrades

IRA incentives electric vehicles
Rebates, tax credits, and eligibility requirements for new and used EVs

NHSaves (public utility) incentives home energy efficiency
Rebates on home energy audits, weatherization, appliance upgrades and turn-ins

Rewiring America guide and tools for IRA incentives

RA guide to IRA
Organizational leader of electrification movement maps IRA funding for households

RA incentives calculator
Incentive amounts and terms for specific home energy improvements

RA personal electrification planner
Planning tool for basic steps in household electrification

NHSaves programs (website)

Home page
Recommend selecting the “Residential” button at top

Energy audits and weatherization
Info on two of the strongest NHSaves programs

  • Guidance from electrification coaches, who have a range of knowledge and experience to guide you through the process, from information gathering to long-range planning, purchases and contracts.
Request Coaching Now
  • Participate in the heat pump/weatherization initiative; make contact with qualified contractors; prepare now by arranging for a subsidized energy audit through NHSaves or the Inflation Reduction Act

Watch for further details on the campaign

Info on Weatherization and Home Energy Audits
U.S. Dept of Energy home energy assessments
Description of home energy assessments, both professional and DIY; embedded videos

United Illuminating (CT) what is home energy audit?
Video presentation of audit procedures, and weatherization measures

How to make a home energy efficient
Video: air sealing, ventilation, insulation (tip: these before replacing windows and doors)

This Old House: insulation
Video comparing various types of insulation

Info on Heat Pumps
U.S. Dept of Energy heat pump systems
Basic principles of operation and types of heat pumps

Heat Smart Alliance (MA) intro to heat pumps
Introductory information with embedded video

VECAN (VT) webinar: heat pumps 101
More detailed video/slide presentation

U.S. Dept of Energy heat pump hot water heaters
Info on an important application of heat pump technology

Article on house prices after heat pump installation
Interesting topic but a dense presentation (bottom line: there is an increase after)

Heat pump installation (external compressor unit)

Other questions? Feel free to ask them!

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