Most of us already know the environmental advantages of switching from fossil fuels to beneficial electrification. But what is sometimes overlooked is the cascade of public health benefits that are also present.

Recent research highlights a compelling case for household electrification as a public health intervention. Beyond the climate benefits, replacing fossil fuel-based appliances with efficient electric alternatives such as heat pumps significantly improves air quality and reduces health risks for millions of Americans. In this post, we explore the findings of the Rewiring America study, "Breathe Easy," and delve into how electrification can lead to a healthier, more sustainable future.

The Case for Electrification

Two-thirds of U.S. households currently rely on fossil fuels—such as methane gas, propane, or fuel oil—for heating, water heating, and drying clothes. The combustion of these fuels produces harmful air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma attacks, and premature deaths.

Electrification eliminates these emissions at the source. By transitioning to highly efficient electric appliances such as heat pumps for space and water heating and heat pump dryers, households can reduce emissions of PM2.5 and its precursors by over 300,000 tons annually. This reduction equates to removing 40 million cars from the road each year, dramatically improving outdoor air quality and public health.

Health Impacts of Electrification

According to the Rewiring America study, nationwide household electrification could:

Prevent 3,400 premature deaths annually.
Avoid 1,300 hospital admissions and emergency room visits.
Eliminate 220,000 asthma attacks each year.
Reduce 670,000 days of missed work or restricted activity due to air quality-related health issues.

These benefits translate to an estimated $40 billion in health-related savings annually, emphasizing that electrification is not just a climate solution but a public health necessity.

Why PM2.5 Matters

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, known as PM2.5, poses significant health risks because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure to PM2.5 is associated with conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and even premature death. Vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and low-income communities, bear the brunt of these health impacts.

Electrification directly addresses this issue. For instance, replacing fossil fuel-powered space heaters with heat pumps reduces PM2.5 emissions by thousands of tons annually, resulting in substantial public health benefits.

The Role of Policy and Technology

Advancements in heat pump technology and supportive policies, such as federal tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act, make electrification more accessible and affordable. Low- and moderate-income households, which often face higher exposure to air pollution, stand to benefit the most from these initiatives.

For example, if you are an LPEA member, many incentives are available to you, including:

Flexible EV charger rebates
New battery storage rebates
All-electric home rebates extended to remodels
Heat pump rebates: $500 per ton
LPEA Assessment rebates increased:
- Residential $150 to $250
- Commercial $300 to $400

Compounding Benefits with a Cleaner Grid

The health benefits of electrification will grow as the electricity grid decarbonizes. Rewiring America's analysis assumes a 95% carbon-free grid by 2050, driven by increased solar and wind generation. Faster decarbonization could amplify pollution reductions and associated health benefits.

Real-World Impacts

The transition to electric appliances, including heat pumps, has tangible effects:

Space Heating: Electrifying space heating accounts for 75% of the health benefits, reflecting its significant energy usage in most homes.
Water Heating and Drying: Heat pump water heaters and dryers add substantial benefits, reducing pollution and improving indoor and outdoor air quality.

For example, according to the analysis, switching from a methane gas water heater to a heat pump alternative can prevent 700 premature deaths annually and yield $8.4 billion in health benefits nationwide.

A Call to Action

Residential electrification is a win-win solution for public health, climate action, and economic savings. State and local policymakers play a crucial role in accelerating this transition by investing in programs that make electrification affordable and accessible for all households, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.

4CORE’s mission encompasses the important work of educating the public and supporting community-driven electrification projects. With help from our supporters, we can achieve cleaner air, healthier communities, and a sustainable future for southwest Colorado.

LPEA Rebate Programs

In partnership with Tri-State, LPEA's power provider, rebate offers are available to help members implement energy efficiency and beneficial electrification measures in their homes and businesses.

Embrace electrification and breathe easier—because a healthier home is a healthier world.

Visit the LPEA rebates page for details and application forms for each rebate program. All rebates must be submitted within 90 days of the latest date of purchase, completed installation, or certificate of occupancy (new construction).

Need some help with the application process? 4CORE is here to help! Contact us at info@fourcore.org

Additional questions? Contact LPEA's Energy Management team at rebates@lpea.coop or (970) 247-5786.

Sources

Kanj, W., Gruenwald, T., & Herr, A. (2024). Breathe Easy: Household Electrification as a Public Health Intervention to Improve Outdoor Air Quality. Rewiring America.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter (PM). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2023). ResStock Energy Use Savings Shapes Dataset. Retrieved from https://resstock.nrel.gov.
American Lung Association. (2022). Literature Review on the Impacts of Residential Combustion. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org.

Breathing Easy: The Potential Health Benefits of Household Electrification