“We wanted to get completely off fossil fuels at home. I’m an environmentalist. It’s important to walk the walk.” (Karen S.)
Our client Karen S. moved into a home with a 15-year old gas boiler, gas water heater, and a gas stove. As a person who cares deeply about the environment, she knew the gas burning appliances had to go.
That’s when she reached out to EDGE Energy.
“One of the most attractive things is that EDGE Energy can do the whole electrification project. Rather than trying to find a plumber, electrician, and insulation company, I could work with just one company.” (Karen S.)
In this case study, you’ll find details on Karen’s electrification project, including the equipment she chose as well as an overview of the costs, savings, tax credits, and more.
If you have questions about what it would take to get rid of fossil fuels at your home in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343 or send us a message:
Since 2006, EDGE Energy has completed more than 5,000 projects in the DMV. We stand out as a six-time ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for every project.
Washington DC Electrification Project Overview
Solar Installation
Karen did her project in a couple phases. She started with rooftop solar.
“We did the solar installation first. That gave us a chance to see how EDGE Energy works. They were great, so we came back to do the heat pump, heat pump water heater, and other projects.” (Karen S.)
Rooftop Solar System
- System Size: 5.66 kW
- Components: 13 SunPower M-435 Watt AC Panels
- Estimated Energy Production: 6,634 kWh/year
Heat Pump
Karen’s 15-year old gas boiler was nearing the end of its lifespan. It was the perfect time to swap it out with an energy efficient ducted heat pump, which has no direct carbon emissions. Because of the relatively high cost of removing radiators, Karen opted to keep the boiler system as an emergency backup for the coldest days of the year.
Heat Pump System
- Model: Bosch 3 Ton 18.5 SEER2 Heat Pump
- Features: Two-stage operation, new electric connections, and smart thermostats.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Next up on the list, we recycled Karen’s older gas water heater with a high performance heat pump water heater. Heat pump water heaters operate so efficiently that they save an average family of four more than $500 a year or more than $5,000 over the life of the system (source: ENERGY STAR).
- Capacity: 50 gallons
- Efficiency: 3.35 UEF
- Additional Work: New condensate line, chimney liner, and gas line capping.
Air Sealing and Insulation
“I didn’t even think about insulation until Josh at EDGE Energy mentioned it. He said, ‘It doesn’t make sense to put in all of this energy efficient equipment, then let half of the conditioned air escape through the attic.’ He was right.” (Karen S.)
To keep the conditioned air inside Karen’s home, we sealed air leaks in her attic and topped up the insulation. Adding insulation to an under-insulated attic is the most cost effective thing most homeowners can do to reduce indoor temperature swings throughout the year.
- Improvements: Air sealing, additional insulation to R-49, and venting for bathroom fans.
Stove
Finally, we got rid of Karen’s older gas stove. In addition to the carbon emissions, gas stoves have the potential to make your family seriously sick, especially without proper ventilation.
- Upgrade: New 40-amp circuit for an induction stove.
The main concern is that gas stoves release carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that increases the risk of asthma and other respiratory issues (U.S. EPA).
Costs and Savings
Solar Installation
- Solar Project Cost: $28,940
- Net Cost after Incentives: $20,443
- SREC Earnings: About $400/month
- Payback Period: 7 years
After her project, Karen has no energy bills. As a resident of Washington DC, she benefits from some of the strongest solar incentives in the country. She gets about $400 a month in SREC payments.
Learn more here: Washington DC Solar Incentives
“With the SREC payments and energy savings, our electrification project will pay for itself in seven years, then we keep getting money back from the payments and energy savings.” (Karen S.)
Conclusion: Electrification in Washington DC
One Company Makes It Easy
“One of the most attractive things is that EDGE Energy can do the whole electrification project. Rather than trying to find a plumber, electrician, and insulation company, I could work with just one company.” (Karen S.)
If you’re not sure where to start or if you feel overwhelmed by trying to coordinate your own project, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343 or send us a message.
“Josh at EDGE Energy was my point of contact for the entire project. He answered questions and made sure everyone worked together. The communication was great.” (Karen S.)
“You don’t have to compromise your lifestyle.”
“You always think you’ll need to make an adjustment in the way you live to get free from fossil fuels, but that’s just not true. You don’t have to compromise your lifestyle.” (Karen S.)
Karen got rid of fossil fuels in her home, while still feeling cool in the summer and warm in the winter. She still cooks delicious meals for her family, just without the carbon monoxide. This is the way.
