Buying appliances and vehicles that run on electricity, not fossil fuels, can help reduce our carbon footprint. Making these upgrades will cost money — so you will need to plan ahead, says Joel Rosenberg of the nonprofit group Rewiring America.
Clockwise from top left: Bloomberg via Getty Images, Schon/Getty Images, Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images, tomazl/Getty Images; Collage by Kaz Fantone Making these upgrades to your home and lifestyle will cost money — and you will need to plan ahead, says Joel Rosenberg of the nonprofit group Rewiring America and the author of. So don't feel like you have to change out your appliances overnight. Instead, buy them as your existing machines wear out. He offers a catchy phrase:"When it starts dying, get electrifying."into your home.
Induction ranges are also generally more expensive. The top-rated induction stove at Consumer Reports costs about $1,000 more than the top electric or gas models, but there are somefor less than $100. These sit on your counter and they can be a good way to test induction technology to determine if it's right for you.Buying an efficient furnace and AC
"Heat pump" is a technology that comes up a lot when talking about energy efficiency. They are used for heating and cooling for a range of appliances. Essentially, they move hot air around to where you want it through a process similar to what a refrigerator uses. And they require less energy to do the same job.cost as little as a few hundred dollars. These can be good for an apartment or for just one room in your house.
"The ideal, if you need a car, is to get an electric car," says Rosenberg."Every year, more and more cars are being manufactured that fit many needs, from pickup trucks to electric bicycles."