Many San Francisco homes use natural gas for heating, water heating, and cooking. Burning gas in our homes creates unhealthy indoor air pollution, contributes to respiratory problems like asthma, and is a major contributor to climate change. Luckily, there's a solution: electrification, which means replacing gas appliances with clean, safe, efficient electric appliances.
San Francisco is charting a course to all-electric buildings. Since 2021, the city has required new buildings to be all-electric, and San Francisco's Climate Action Plan includes a goal of phasing out natural gas in all buildings by 2040. We can all be part of the solution!
Health: Natural gas appliances can release carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and other harmful pollutants into the air, which can be toxic to people and pets. Efficient electric solutions reduce emissions so you can enjoy healthier air quality at home
Safety: Natural gas is highly flammable, and gas lines in your home can become a safety hazard if there is an earthquake or fire.
Climate: Gas use in buildings is responsible for more than one-third of San Francisco’s greenhouse gas emissions. To address the climate crisis, it is critical that we run our buildings off of clean electricity rather than fossil fuels.
Performance: Electric heating, water heaters and cooking solutions have come a long way and now offer outstanding performance, reliability, and low operating costs.
Components of an All-Electric Home
Air-Source Heat Pump
Heat pumps pull heat from outside air to heat your home more efficiently than a gas furnace. They can also run in reverse to cool your home (a nice feature during summer heat waves!). Like all heating and cooling systems, heat pumps work best in conjunction with properly installed air sealing and insulation, which can cut your energy bills and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Imagine never having to go to a gas station again! Click here to learn more about the benefits of owning an electric car. Check out PG&E’s EV Savings Calculator to compare EV models and find rebates and tax credits. You may also be able to get a discount on an EV through Ride & Drive Clean.
When electrifying your home, it’s important to be aware of your electrical panel's capacity. Visit our resource to learn more about the steps to take to electrify your home.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump technology provides hot water much more efficiently than gas or old-fashioned electric resistance water heaters. Heat pump water heaters require an electrical outlet and may need more clearance than gas water heaters.
Heat Pump Clothes Dryer
Heat pumps are a clean and efficient option for clothes drying, too. They’re easy to install, since they don’t require venting to the outdoors. Another option is a condensing washer/dryer, which is a single unit that both washes and dries your clothes, saving space and energy.
Induction Cooktop & Range
Compared to gas stoves, induction cooktops heat up faster, offer more precise temperature control, and are safer and easier to clean. It’s no wonder that many professional chefs have made the switch to induction. Try it for free! You can borrow a portable induction cooktop for two weeks at no cost through the PG&E Induction Cooktop Loaner Program.
Solar photovoltaic panels allow you to cut your energy bills by producing clean power on your own rooftop. The economics are even better when you take advantage of discounted solar panels through the nonprofit Bay Area SunShares. Even without solar panels, you can use 100% renewable energy by signing up for CleanPowerSF’s SuperGreen option.
Visit the BayREN Home+ Program to find rebates that can save you thousands of dollars on electric appliances, and get customized answers for your home from a free BayREN Home Energy Advisor. Call (866) 878-6008 or email firstname.lastname@example.org. The BayREN Home+ program is funded by local Bay Area governments.
Do you rent your home? Check out our electrification strategies for renters resource page.
- Electrification Strategies for Renters
- Home Electrification - Is an Electrical Service Upgrade Needed?
- BayREN Electrification Information and Rebates
- PCE Design Guide For Electrification
- The Switch is On
- Rewiring America Electrify Everything in Your Home guide
- Redwood Energy Pocket Guide to All-Electric Retrofits of Single Family Homes
Download Fact Sheets: