One of the most overlooked benefits of switching to an all-electric home is the positive impact making the switch can have on our health. For many homeowners, electrification isn’t just about moving away from gas, it’s about creating a healthier, safer living environment for themselves, their families and their communities. You can create a healthier home today with electrification.
The Government of Canada notes that reducing the use of fossil fuels reduces air pollution, which is a major contributor to the development of disease and premature death and is a key environmental risk factor to human health in Canada.
Let’s dig in to why electric systems are better for our health.
Say Hello to Breathing Easier
If you heat your home with a gas furnace, you may be exposing yourself to indoor air pollution without even realizing it. Gas appliances burn fuel inside your home, releasing pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter. These airborne contaminants have been linked to respiratory issues, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and reduced lung function—especially in children and older adults.
In Canada, where winters keep homes sealed for much of the year, ensuring clean indoor air is more important than ever. By switching to electric heating (for example, through the installation of a heat pump), homeowners can eliminate these pollutants at the source.
Goodbye Gas Leaks, Hello Safety
Another major health advantage of home electrification is the elimination of carbon monoxide poisoning and natural gas leaks. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause dizziness, nausea, and even death when inhaled in high concentrations. Gas appliances are a leading cause of carbon monoxide exposure in homes, especially if they are aging, improperly maintained, or poorly ventilated.
In fully-electric systems, no gas is released at the source, eliminating the possibility of gas leaks in your home.
Future-Proofing Your Home for a Healthier Tomorrow
Beyond the immediate benefits, electrifying your home is an investment in long-term health. As more people become aware of the risks associated with gas appliances, governments and health organizations are increasingly recommending electrification as a way to improve public health and reduce indoor pollution.
Does this really make an impact?
A study out of the United States demonstrates that electrification, combined with an electricity grid that is continuously getting cleaner, will reduce total outdoor air pollution by 300,000 tons a year — the equivalent pollution reduction of taking 40 million gasoline-powered cars off the road.
While no similar study has been conducted as yet in Canada, we can assume similar per capita results.
Ready to Breathe Easier?
If you’re considering making the switch, get in touch with Dawn to switch to a more efficient and cleaner home.
