Are you unsure of what actually is residential electrification?
If you’re not sure, you’re not alone.
Many homeowners think their houses are already electric because of plugs, lights, and some appliances. In reality, Ontario’s biggest residential energy loads – space heating, water heating, and cooking – are still powered by fossil fuels.
In fact, roughly 67% of Ontario homes rely on natural gas for these tasks today. But there are downsides to using fossil fuels:
- Climate commitments: Natural gas use in homes is a major source of emissions, representing up to 20% of Ontario’s total emissions.
- Cost volatility: Gas prices fluctuate, and electric heat pump technology can cut heating costs when paired with efficiency upgrades.
- Comfort & health: Electric heating and cooking reduce indoor combustion, improving air quality and temperature control.
In short, a cleaner energy source is better for you and the environment.
That brings us to electrification. But what really is residential electrification, and what would it take to electrify a typical Ontario home?
Let’s dig in.
Current State: The “Typical” 2000s Ontario Home Energy Profile
Starting off with our current homes. The energy use of a typical Ontario home built in 2005 will be primarily driven by space heating and domestic hot water heating. Over 80% of total energy demand (and an even higher proportion of the home’s emissions) come from fossil fuel end-uses.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Electrification is here and it can make a difference.
Future State: An Electrified 2000s Ontario Home Energy Profile
Residential electrification is the process of replacing all direct fossil fuel use in the home with efficient electric alternatives. It’s not just swapping one appliance, it is every flame or engine in a house transitioned to run on electricity.
Let’s talk about the steps that would be required to complete this:
- Space heating & cooling → electric heat pumps
Replace the gas furnace and conventional AC with a high-efficiency heat pump which move heat instead of generating it by combustion, working in reverse for cooling. - Water heating → heat pump hot water heater or resistance electric water heaters
A simple, 1:1 replacement for gas hot water tanks. They also slightly cool and dehumidify surrounding space (a bonus in summer basements). - Cooking & laundry → induction ranges, electric ovens, and electric or heat pump clothes dryers
Switch out larger, gasoline-powered appliances with more efficient electric ones. For example, induction ranges boil water faster than gas and electric ovens provide even heating without open flames. - Transportation → electric vehicles charged at home
While lifestyle-dependent, transportation is often one of the largest single household energy uses. The fuel cost / km is far lower than gasoline. - Electrical infrastructure → upgraded panels or smart load management
Smart load management can delay or shift appliance use to prevent electrical panel overload. An example of what this could look like is pausing EV charging when the heat pump runs at full power. - On-site generation —> rooftop solar panels
Install solar panels to generate clean electricity directly from your roof. This reduces reliance on the grid, cuts electricity bills, and can provide power during outages when paired with a home battery. In Ontario, net metering programs allow you to send excess electricity back to the grid in exchange for bill credits, helping offset your home’s annual energy costs.
Residential electrification is more than swapping appliances. It is replacing the home’s major energy systems to run on clean electricity.
For a typical Ontario home, this would mean slashing emissions and future proofing against rising energy prices.
