Many of the major solutions to climate change seem beyond the control of individuals. From federal funding to emissions regulations to wind and solar farms, the antidotes to a warming planet often leave the individual out of the conversation. It’s always a relevant topic, but especially so this time of year around Earth Day

Homeowners – tens of millions of them in the United States – and prospective and existing custom integration customers do have the power to positively impact fossil fuel emissions, grid load and resulting instability, and even utility bills, by taking small steps to electrify their homes.

A recent national study conducted by a third-party on behalf of LG Electronics USA found that only 16% of homeowners are familiar with the concept of home electrification.

So what is it?

The Basics of Home Electrification

Homes require a considerable amount of energy to run effectively. Kitchen appliances like ranges and refrigerators, whole-house systems like HVAC and water heater systems, functional amenities like washers and dryers, as well as renewable additions like rooftop solar panels and EV chargers, all need to have consistent sources of power to function.

2024 Lighting Controls and Fixtures Report

Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.

Download your copy now!

While conventionally the main power sources for U.S. homes have been oil and gas, those can be replaced by electricity for a reduced carbon footprint.

Energy Storage Systems (ESS): A Strong Starting Point

Converting all home appliances from gas to electric may sound like a daunting task, but even switching to one more renewable appliance can have a notable impact.

Home electrification advocates are touting the benefits of switching to heat pump-enabled HVAC systems, water heaters and clothes dryers as well as induction cooktops and ranges, to name a few.

Another good place to start is installing an Energy Storage System (ESS). An ESS presents an eco-friendlier alternative to gas-powered generators by storing energy that can be used to power the home when there is an outage or during peak times when utility prices are highest.

Independence from an increasingly unstable grid and more control over personal electricity usage are key benefits of ESS that contribute to home electrification.

While updating major home systems may require extra time and costs to properly retrofit the new appliances into the home, an ESS is relatively simple to install. It can be easily mounted to a wall or installed on a floor and can be installed in basements or garages, out of sight.

ESS can also be personalized to power different sized homes with different electricity needs by installing several units together.

Certain ESS must be connected to rooftop solar panels to power the home, but many systems can also connect to the grid to charge.

Some home battery systems can be used with or without solar panels while also easily integrating with other home appliances to provide power when it’s needed most.

For homeowners with solar panels, ESS can store the power they generate to provide clean backup power even when the sun isn’t shining.

For those still connected to the grid, ESS can store grid-generated power to keep necessary appliances running when the rest of the grid goes down or when prices peak.

ESS in Line with U.S. Electrification Incentives

The initial costs of home electrification can be offset by certain federal and state incentives. The U.S. Department of Energy has provided $8.8 billion in state funding for Home Electrification Rebates which are expected to become available during 2024.

Residential ESS installations may already qualify for up to a 30% tax investment credit through the Inflation Reduction Act until 2033. ESS costs can also be balanced by using their power during peak consumption times when energy prices are highest after charging them during low usage periods when energy prices are lower.

Homes using electric-powered appliances and whole-house systems can have a substantially positive impact on the environment as they replace homes powered by harmful fossil fuels.

Beginning the electrification process by installing an ESS can empower homeowners with a reliable means of energy efficiency and set them on the path toward a cleaner, more independent future.

Jim Brown leads residential ESS business development in the United States for LG Electronics.

• Page 1