The trend towards decarbonization and electrification in California has gained momentum over the past few years, and this has impacted the interest in hybrid and electric boilers for commercial properties. In an effort to reduce reliance on natural gas in buildings, new codes are being adopted by cities and counties across the state. At the state level, an electric-friendly statewide update to the building code (the 2022 update approved by the California Energy Commission), took effect January 1, 2023.
The updated code encourages the use of electric heat pumps and hot water systems by providing credits for selecting those technologies. If builders opt for natural gas appliances, however, they must offset the higher emissions by including other energy-saving measures.
The result is that the demand for electric or hybrid boilers will increase in coming years, even in California locations that do not have strict mandates.
In this post, we explore the reasons behind the building electrification trend, its impact on the building industry, and how it is driving the adoption of electric and hybrid boilers in California. We also provide a list of towns and counties that have implemented these restrictions and share how Bay City Boiler can help you prepare for the switch to electric or hybrid boilers.
Electrification in California: Driving Down Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Improving Air Quality
This move towards electrification is driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that emits greenhouse gasses when burned. The combustion of natural gas also releases pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are harmful to human health.
California’s Move Towards Hybrid and Electric Boilers
By requiring builders to purchase hybrid or electric boilers, California towns and counties are driving down the carbon footprint of new buildings and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Electric boilers are powered by electricity, which can be generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind power. Hybrid boilers, such as the Fulton VSRT-E, can operate as a pure electric boiler or as a gas-powered boiler – and even switch between the two automatically, to offer greater flexibility.
Each municipality, listed in the sidebar to the right, has adopted its own, specific building electrification regulation. These regulations vary in scope and detail, but all aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of renewable energy sources.
While the move towards electrification may present some challenges for builders and homeowners, it is an important step towards a more sustainable future. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the use of renewable energy sources, California is leading the way in building decarbonization.
From Old to New: Retrofitting Existing Buildings with Electric Heating Systems
This move towards electrification is not limited to new buildings; there is also a push to retrofit existing buildings with electric heating systems. This is part of California’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
Benefits of Using Hybrid Electric Boilers in California Buildings
Here are some of the benefits of using electric or hybrid boilers:
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Unlike natural gas boilers, electric boilers (or hybrid boilers operating in electric mode) do not produce greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This means that using these boilers can help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
- Improved air quality: The combustion of natural gas produces pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can be harmful to human health. Electric boilers do not produce these pollutants, leading to better air quality.
- Increased energy efficiency: Electric boilers are highly efficient and can convert almost all of the energy they use into heat.
- Lower operating costs: Electric boilers can be cheaper to operate than natural gas boilers, depending on the cost of electricity and natural gas in your area. In addition, electric boilers require less maintenance than gas boilers, leading to lower maintenance costs over time.
Overall, the move towards hybrid or electric boilers is a win-win for building owners and the environment. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and increasing energy efficiency, electric or hybrid boilers can help promote a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Make the Switch to Hybrid or Electric Boilers with Bay City Boiler
If you are a builder or property owner looking to comply with the new building electrification regulations, Bay City Boiler can help you make the switch to electric or hybrid boilers. Our team of experts provides consultation, installation, and maintenance services for electric and hybrid boilers. We have been in the boiler business since 1976, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals while ensuring the highest level of comfort and safety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make the switch!