Update water and space heating

Why?

California often takes the lead in new housing trends, and the same is true with water and space heating: You may not have heard, but our state is set to phase out new natural gas furnaces and water heaters by 2027. When it comes to home electrification, installing heat pump technology is where we can get the biggest bang for our climate “buck.” Heat pumps are really taking off – in no small part due to the generous federal tax credits and rebates like those offered through Sonoma Clean Power and BayREN.
And our very own Petaluma Climate Action Commissioner Ann Edminster gives a great overview of electrification in this 4-minute Build Well video.
Sonoma Clean Power's Advanced Energy Center is a great free resource - you can call for expert advice (707-708-0444), stop into their showroom for a tour of their equipment displays (741 4th Street Santa Rosa, CA, 95404), find relevant rebates and qualified contractors on their website, and learn more about electrification on their education hub.

Use portable heat pump heating/cooling

It’s a powerhouse of a little appliance – with the ability to both heat and cool and the portability to be moved from room to room. It’s efficient, low maintenance, relatively quiet, and easy to install. If you’re a renter or you can’t afford or don’t need a heat pump for your whole house, this might be a good way to go. Know that a portable heat pump must be vented, though.

Get advice: Advanced Energy Center

Treehugger: What Are Portable Heat Pumps?

Quality Air Care: Best portable heat pumps

The Switch Is On: Incentive Resources

Switch to electric fireplace

It’s cozy (and possibly primal), but gathering around a wood-burning fireplace on a regular basis is not the best move for our environment or your respiratory health. You don’t have to give up the cheeriness altogether, though. Think about switching to an electric fireplace. It provides the look and warmth of a fireplace, but without the harmful effects. You can even convert a gas or wood-burning fireplace into an electric fireplace – and there’s nothing to clean!

Get advice: Advanced Energy Center

This Old House: 6 Best Electric Fireplaces (2023 Guide)

Essential Home and Garden: A Guide To Converting Your Wood Fireplace to Electric

Install heat pump water heater (building owner)

Heat pump water heaters operate like a refrigerator in reverse – taking heat from surrounding air and moving it to water in the tank. They’re three times more efficient than conventional water heaters – safer and longer-lasting, too. When you’re ready to install a heat pump water heater, take full advantage of incentives by working with a contractor.

Get advice: Advanced Energy Center

The Switch Is On: Water Heating

ENERGY STAR: Heat Pump Water Heaters

Energy.gov: Heat Pump Water Heaters

IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

Install heat pump for space heating/cooling (building owner)

Heating and cooling use about 40 percent of your home’s energy, making them prime targets for efficiency upgrades. Enter heat pumps – an excellent twofer! Acting as a kind of two-way air conditioner, they can both heat and cool your whole home, or just specific rooms . And they are three to four times more efficient than standard air conditioners and furnaces. Don’t be fooled by the sticker price – tax credits and incentives can make a world of difference.