Two homeowners lead the charge toward fossil-free homes with real-life examples of energy-efficient upgrades. Transforming your home into a sustainable, energy-efficient haven is more achievable than ever. Laurie and Nora, two homeowners who decided to make the transition away from fossil fuels, share their experiences and practical tips for embracing clean energy solutions. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing system, their journeys show that every home can benefit from energy-efficient improvements. Here’s how you can begin your own journey to a fossil-free home, one upgrade at a time.

Laurie’s Fossil-Free Transformation: Solar Panels and Heat Pumps for a Sustainable Townhouse

Laurie F. lives in a small townhouse in Davis’ Muir Commons and decided to take a strategic approach to moving away from fossil fuels. She started with the installation of solar PV (photovoltaic) panels, which generate a surplus of electricity and cover all her home’s energy needs. Since her energy use peaks during the daytime in the summer—when solar panels are most productive—her solar system efficiently meets her needs without requiring grid power.

Additionally, Laurie replaced her outdated 30-year-old hydronic heater with a heat pump, a modern, efficient solution that provides both heating and air conditioning. The beauty of a heat pump system is that it not only replaces the old furnace, but it also serves as an energy-efficient air conditioner for summer months. The solar panels provide the energy needed for both systems, making them a perfect match.

Laurie’s next step in reducing her carbon footprint is to switch her stove to electric and replace her old water heater with a hybrid heat pump water heater, which offers improved energy efficiency and qualifies for rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Important Reminder: Solar Transition Considerations

While Laurie benefited from transitioning under NEM 2.0 (Net Energy Metering), this program ended in 2023. Moving forward, if you are installing solar, it’s essential to plan for a stationary battery to store energy generated during the day for nighttime use. This combination of solar panels and a battery provides a cost-effective way to go off-grid. Pair it with an electric vehicle (EV) charger, and you can completely disconnect from gasoline dependency.

Nora’s Gradual Shift: Phased Replacements and Smart Solutions for Fossil Fuel-Free Living

Nora T.’s strategy was different, as her home had several aging appliances in need of replacement. To manage costs, she chose to spread out her energy-efficient upgrades over two years, taking advantage of federal rebates and tax incentives to make the transition more affordable.

Nora’s first upgrade was replacing her leaking gas water heater with a hybrid heat pump water heater, which not only provides hot water but also integrates a heat pump for added energy efficiency. The next major change was replacing the old, inefficient heater/AC unit with a super-efficient heat pump, which also serves as both heating and cooling for the home. These two upgrades significantly reduced her reliance on natural gas.

With an electric stove already in place, Nora was ready for her next step: disconnecting from natural gas entirely. PG&E removed her gas meter and capped the line, completing her transition away from fossil fuels.

One of Nora’s challenges was her home’s electrical capacity. The home had a 100-amp feed, which could have caused problems if too many appliances were running at once. To mitigate this, Nora opted for a smart panel. This innovative technology ensures that energy use is distributed efficiently, preventing overloads and eliminating the need to upgrade to a costly 200-amp electric feed.

Future Plans: Solar Panels and EV Charging

In 2025, Nora plans to install an 8-10 kW PV solar system and a stationary battery (in the 10-15 kW range). As solar prices continue to fall, Nora’s plan is to maximize the solar panel system’s capacity, ensuring that she can power her entire home and her electric vehicle (EV). She also plans to upgrade her EV charger to a bi-directional unit, which would allow her car to serve as a backup power source for her home in case of emergencies.

Practical Tips for Transitioning to a Fossil-Free Home: What You Need to Know

Both Laurie and Nora approached their transitions based on the age of their home’s equipment and their individual circumstances. If your appliances are outdated or in need of replacement, now is the time to consider making the switch to energy-efficient, fossil-free options.

Some key takeaways include:

  • Get Multiple Quotes: Always get at least three quotes for replacement and installation. In some cases, Laurie and Nora found quotes that were significantly different in price—up to double the cost from one provider to another.
  • Plan for Future Upgrades: Even if your equipment isn’t outdated yet, it’s a good idea to have a clear plan for future upgrades in case your systems fail. Knowing what upgrades to make in advance can save time and money when the need arises.
  • Energy-Efficient Solutions: Focus on upgrading to heat pumps, solar PV systems, and hybrid heat pump water heaters—all of which offer long-term savings and environmental benefits.
  • Stay Informed About Rebates and Incentives: Take full advantage of rebates and tax credits available through federal and state programs, like the Inflation Reduction Act, which can reduce the cost of many energy-efficient home upgrades.

 

Get Started Today: Let Cool Davis Help You Make the Transition

You don’t have to go it alone on your journey to a fossil-free home. Cool Davis is here to help homeowners navigate the transition to sustainable energy solutions. Our Make a Plan Workshops showcase homes that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and to facilitate others to do the same; sign up today!

We look forward to sharing more about our Make a Plan Program and Cool Homes during our upcoming workshops in person and online. Please refer to the additional resources at the bottom. From providing expert advice to connecting you with resources and rebates, we can support your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy costs. Take the Home Energy pre-survey here!

Additional Resources:

  • Learn more about Energy Efficiency requirements for heat pumps at AHRINET’s Certification Directory.
  • To claim the tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements, refer to the IRS Guidelines and keep your manufacturer’s certification for products that qualify under the 25C Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit.

By following in the footsteps of Laurie and Nora, you can make strategic, cost-effective upgrades to your home and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. Start small, plan ahead, and take advantage of the resources available to you. It’s easier than you think to create a home that’s both energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

 

More reading

https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling/replace

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/energy-efficient-water-heaters/

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/high-gwp-refrigerants

https://gabesguides.com/hvac/refrigerant-leaks/

Other homeowner stories

Goin’ All-In with an All-Electric Home

Slow but Steady: The Transition to an All-Electric Home

Cool Davis home electrification resources

All-Electric Heat Pumps FAQs (highly recommended!)

Video of Clean Energy Home workshop (Cool Davis Home Energy & Efficiency YouTube playlist)

Presentation: Make A Plan-Clean Energy Home Workshop Presentation Final_PDF

The Electrification Path to Our Fossil Free Future by Chris Granger

Cool Davis Home Energy webpage

Turn Off the Carbon Pump and Turn on the Heat Pump! Heat Pumps Explained in Basic Terms by Kristin Heinemeier

Cool Davis Understanding My Home Worksheet Final

Cool Davis All-Electric Planning Guide Final

Cool Davis HVAC Common Terms

Cool Davis Working w Contractors Cheat Sheet Final

Cool Davis Contractor Bid Comparison Table

Incentives

Visit our Ways to Save webpage for utility bill assistance programs and incentives.

Read about new federal home energy incentives: Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: Actually a Climate Busting Bill by Michael Kluk