Electrification
The transition from fossil fuel-powered systems to electric alternatives: gas furnaces to heat pumps, gas stoves to induction, gasoline cars to EVs. A key strategy for reducing building carbon emissions.
Why It Matters
When powered by clean electricity, electric appliances produce zero direct emissions and cost less to operate. Heat pumps use 2-4x less energy than gas furnaces per unit of heat.
Related Terms
Heat Pump
An efficient HVAC system that transfers heat rather than generating it, providing both heating and cooling. Air-source heat pumps are most common; ground-source (geothermal) are most efficient.
Induction Cooktop
An electric cooking surface that uses electromagnetic induction to directly heat magnetic cookware, without heating the cooktop surface itself. 85-90% energy efficient vs. 32% for gas.
Electrification Plan
A phased strategy to replace fossil fuel appliances (gas furnace, water heater, stove, clothes dryer) with high-efficiency electric alternatives (heat pumps, induction), often coordinated with solar and panel upgrades.