The continued fight to reduce emissions may soon come right into your home. Cities like Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and others are leading the charge to ban gas appliances in new construction homes, apartments, and some restaurants in an effort to reduce emissions and improve environmental and public health.
The primary motivation behind this effort is to improve both the environment and our health.
Home impact
It is common for individuals to use their gas range or cooktop multiple times a day, with each cooking session lasting anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours depending on the complexity of the meal. While this is a routine occurrence in many households, it is important to be aware of the pollutants and toxic gases that are released into the home during the cooking process. Shockingly, according to a 2020 study by the Environmental Protection Administration, 79% of greenhouse gas emissions in commercial and residential settings are a result of natural gas use, including combustion in gas heaters, ranges, and other appliances.
Currently, several cities have already joined the initiative to ban gas appliances and other gas-powered equipment. However, it's important to note that these bans only apply to newly constructed locations, which is something many people are unaware of. For example, in San Francisco, newly built apartments, homes, and restaurants/buildings are required to use electric appliances, while surrounding properties will continue to use gas appliances if desired. This new regulation aims to eliminate harmful greenhouse gas emissions in new residential and commercial buildings by 2023.
Although it's permissible to keep your current gas range, you have the option to swap it out for an electric appliance.
Induction cooking
The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August, but most of its provisions won't take full effect until 2024, depending on the state. California for example, won’t see funding and the full start of the program until next year. Regardless, homeowners stand to benefit from the IRA, which offers a range of advantages. One provision of the law provides rebates to homeowners who switch from gas appliances to electric appliances.
These rebates are available in the following amounts:
- Max value of $1,750 for a heat pump water heater
- Max value of $8,000 for a heat pump for space heating or cooling
- Max value of $840 for an electric stove, cooktop, range, or oven or an electric heat pump clothes dryer
You may also get the following rebates for non-appliance upgrades.
- Max value of $4,000 for an electric load service center upgrade
- Max value of $1,600 for insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- Max value rebate of $2,500 for electric wiring
You can combine multiple rebates depending on your specific situation and the appliances you need to replace. However, the maximum rebate amount you can receive is capped at $14,000. It's important to keep in mind that the full rebate amount is not guaranteed, as it will depend on your income relative to the median Household Income (HHI) in your area. You may receive 100%, 50%, or no rebate at all. It's also worth noting that rebate amounts and eligibility criteria will vary from state to state, as each state will receive funding for the program and set their own guidelines.
The Inflation Reduction Act allows you to swap your gas appliances for induction ones. Induction appliances are among the most superior electric-style options available on the market. Electromagnetics power induction cooking, heating up your cookware and providing precise heat to your food. Induction cooktops and ranges can reach higher heat levels faster while maintaining strength, and they cook food more evenly than any electric or gas appliances. While gas ranges have their own advantages and unique styles of cooking, they are not as energy-efficient as induction cooktops or ranges.
What you should do
t's recommended to stay informed about the ban and its potential impact on your state. Some states have cities that prohibit the implementation of bans on natural gas, particularly in the southern region. Therefore, it's crucial to stay updated on the ban and your local city and state regulations. To stay informed on any changes, you can visit Dsireusa.org, which provides information on incentives and policies in your area.
To conclude, it is important to note that the current ban only pertains to new constructions and will not have any impact on your current household.
Why shop induction at airport home appliance?
Airport Home Appliance has a wide variety of electric appliances such as ranges, stoves, cooktops, and wall ovens. Our Induction appliances are top-of-the-line, always in-stock, and some are even available for next-day delivery! Plus, you’ll have the freedom to search through our selection and over a hundred brands to choose from. And because we have a large variety, it means we can tailor your experience to make sure we find something that fits your budget and home!
You can view our large in-stock selection online or visit any one of our eight showrooms across California!
