Fossil fuels: Some obvious local actions are to reduce trash, toxic pollution, unnecessary consumption, etc. But the most important actions are not so obvious, especially reducing greenhouses gas (GHG) emissions from our profligate consumption of fossil fuels.
US households cause around 60% of all US GHG emissions (the rest are from industrial-scale emissions, most of those indirectly driven by products we purchase.) This chart shows the direct GHG emissions from average households.
How can your household contribute to preserving nature?
The simple, economic solution: replace fossil-fueled equipment when necessary.
Fortunately, the technology, products, and processes necessary to zero out this chart are getting cheaper and better all the time. Electrification is the key:
Electric vehicles (EVs) are about four times as efficient as gasoline vehicles, and cost far less to fuel and maitain.
Electric heat pumps for space heater are 3-5 times more energy-efficient than gas or oil furnaces, and also provide air conditioning.
Electric water heaters do not burn fossil fuels, and electric heat-pump water heaters are 3-4 times as efficient as gas water heaters.
Electrification saves money on energy bills. Improves home air quality, and increases comfort and safety, all while reducing climate pollution. Adding batteries will also power you through power outages.
But you needn’t run out and buy new vehicles or remodel your house. The most economical approach is to be aware of the electric options and leave the serious shopping for when you’re looking for a new car or need to upgrade a furnace or water heater. You’ll need to spend some money, so plan to electrify while you’re at it. The fuel savings will be worth it, and you’ll be protecting natural ecosystems.
We’ll even send you a free yard sign to display as you electrify! Just drop us a line.
Your Clean Energy Roadmap
If you want to see the whole roadmap to a fossil-free household, or are planning a significant remodel or new construction, it’s useful understand how all the pieces work together.
1. Understand energy usage in your household
The average Gorge household energy usage and spending consists of:
60% vehicle fuels
25% space heating and cooling
10% heating hot water
5% other uses
Replacing gasoline vehicles with electric vehicles, upgrading furnaces or baseboard heat to heat pumps, and upgrading old water heaters to heat-pump water heaters cuts the average annual energy costs by more than half.
2. How can the average household afford clean energy upgrades? Make a plan!
For most situations the most economic strategy is to plan for clean infrastructure when the old vehicles or units require replacement—which for both vehicles and energy appliances happens on average every 15-20 years. Renting? See your options here.
What will it take for your next vehicle to be electric?
Does my home get enough sun for panels?
How much longer will your heating system work?
When will the water heater need replacement?
How will I track rebates or sales events?
For each of these replacements, a basic plan can just list the main must-have features for your household.
Replacement plan examples:
3. When replacement is imminent, get a coach (FREE) to help navigate the options
A coach can help you navigate electrification options relevant to your household. They can recommend contractors, sort proposals and find incentives to save you time and money. Electrify Oregon has trained a state-wide network of volunteers who are ready to help you.
4. Take action
Choose between contractor bids (or vehicles)
Purchase with optimal incentives and financing
Check off the addition in your replacement plan
Celebrate your progress by checking off your yard sign
Display a Clean Energy Yard Sign
We need everyone to participate in the clean-energy revolution. To help overcome our natural resistances to try new things, we need you to communicate your enthusiasm and experiences to friends and neighbors. Get a sign to help spread the word about your journey to clean energy — and inspire your neighbors too!