Transitioning our homes and buildings from gas to electric is one of our priority campaigns, as it is one of the biggest steps we can take to slash emissions and improve indoor air quality. Each year, Southern California summers bring record-breaking heat. Staying cool is becoming more than a matter of comfort. It is a matter of public health. The good news? Whether you own your home or rent, affordable electric appliances can help you stay cool, lower your energy bills, and reduce air pollution.
Homeowners
One of the smartest upgrades you can make as a homeowner is transitioning to a heat pump when your water or space heater breaks down and you have to replace it. Heat pumps provide both heating in winter and the much-needed air conditioning in summer. They use less energy than conventional heating and cooling systems without depending on fossil fuels (heat pumps have consistently outsold gas furnaces in the United States for four consecutive years). Heat pumps:
- are an all-electric system that moves heat instead of making it. That’s what makes it so energy-efficient.
- Are 3-5x more efficient than fossil fuel appliances
- They do not create indoor pollution, which makes for healthier homes!
- They are quiet, reliable, and steady (they don’t leave you feeling too hot or too cold)
- 9 out of 10 heat pump owners say they’d recommend one
- Today’s models come in many shapes and sizes and work in every home, old or new
Despite the current administration's slashes to federal incentives, there are still statewide and local incentive programs that allow for a transition to heatpumps! To learn more about heat pumps, visit the switch is on. The Sierra Club also has a partnership with Elephant Energy, which grants discounts to Sierra Club members, guides homeowners through the installation and rebate management process that lowers the upfront cost of home electrification.
Renters
If you're a renter, electrification is not out of reach. Portable induction cooktops, countertop electric appliances, and Energy Star room air conditioners can improve comfort without requiring renovations. Thanks to the recent wins we secured locally, renters under the Los Angeles County's "Right to Cooling" ordinance (which applies to unincorporated L.A. County and is being adopted by many incorporated cities), you are legally protected from eviction or retaliation when installing code-compliant cooling devices. You just need to give your landlord at least 5 days' written notice before installation. California habitability laws do not require landlords to provide air conditioning. However, thanks to our advocacy with environmental justice organizations, landlords are now required to keep "habitable" rooms (living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms) at a maximum temperature of 82° F. If they fail to provide cooling, you are legally entitled to install your own. Learn more here. Other tools for renters:
- You can rent a tabletop induction range and other electric equipment for FREE for up to two weeks. Visit SCE's Induction Lending Program and Tool Lending Library.
- Orange County Power Authority Renter Energy Efficiency Program! Get free portable heat pump and portable battery that requires no landlord approval or installation.
Affordable electric appliances that renters can buy
- Electric kettle- eliminates the need for a stove to boil water and is more efficient!
- Portable induction cooktop (typically $50–$100)
- Electric pressure cooker or induction-compatible cookware (My favorite electric appliance is the Ninja Foodi XL, where you can bake, pressure cook, air fry, etc.).
- Portable heat pump/portable AC (where allowed)
- More on renter friendly electrification here.
If you are interested in getting more directly involved with our Clean Air campaign, join one of our upcoming climate action committee meetings. RSVP here. As always, thank you for being a Sierra Club member. Your membership and monthly donation allow us to keep doing our best grassroots organizing to secure more local wins for the environment, and clean air and climate.
By Kim Orbe