Any trend towards gas-free houses and renovations?

I was curious if given the hassles of gas work, if any contractors or architects were noticing a trend towards eliminating gas altogether when doing new buildings or gut renovations? I know people like gas stoves and gas dryers and there’s lots of gas boilers for heat and hot water and generally gas is cheaper but is there any movement towards eliminating gas altogether in favor of electric? I was just curious if that’s where things are heading given the headaches of gas and doing work on gas piping. Open to all thoughts on the topic.

stickerhappy

in General Discussion 4 years and 4 months ago

9

Please log in, in order to post replies!

9 replies

Newest Oldest

Guest User | 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "200749"

To chemosphere’s point people aren’t made aware that to switch to electric heat, it is critical your house is insulated and as air tight as possible. If your walls are not insulated, you have old/leaking windows and there is air flow, you are much better off with a more traditional heating source. I hear of people convinced to get splits then struggling when it gets cold.

agdipierro

in General Discussion 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#4870 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4880 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193981"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "agdipierro"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjDTuwCj4tgSBxiRfyvL5BfmyXSBWO."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "agdipierro"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "alyssagdipierro@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:51:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(31) "Alyssa diPierro Alyssa diPierro"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193981)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Probably better for the environment, too.

jimhillra | 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4878 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4879 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "180609"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "jimhillra"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$QRWZTbPjDPrlhsfWuWTHKeCqy5fBaiZJQCbDzaRLhdOw/y0.5HfD6"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "jimhillra"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "info@urban-pioneering.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:06:33"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(21) "Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(180609)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We’ve done it a few times, particularly in passive house renovations. As Ed Kopel said, if the house is well insulated, then heat pumps are sufficient. In a passive house, that’s a given. They are well insulated and have high efficiency, often triple-glazed windows. We use condensing hot water heaters and electric induction ranges/cooktops. When the house is sealed up like that, burning a fossil fuel inside is discouraged.

And even in a non-passive house, with decent insulation and windows, heat pumps with hyper-heat condensers, are sufficient for year-round heating and cooling.

As you alluded to, eliminating gas piping can save a significant amount of money, not just in terms of the actual work, but it also eliminates the minimum monthly payments and meter fees incurred even when the gas isn’t used.

agdipierro

in General Discussion 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#4871 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4881 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193981"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "agdipierro"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjDTuwCj4tgSBxiRfyvL5BfmyXSBWO."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "agdipierro"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "alyssagdipierro@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:51:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(31) "Alyssa diPierro Alyssa diPierro"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193981)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Nothing wrong with doing an all electric house if it’s engineered properly. In general, though I find clients reluctant to forgo gas for cooking. Most are not interested in induction cooktops and ranges.

chemosphere | 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4878 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4873 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "180501"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bym7xqSisQdtaWFx8p2q7DWXNAtg0D/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jg@jacobgarchik.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:09:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(180501)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Conventional wisdom seems to be that, in NYC, unless your house is very well insulated (like the article above) you will have trouble making the house comfortable with only electric on a handful of the coldest days of the year.

mozeeatupu | 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4881 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4874 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176749"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BHO3bQekVGtCrXmPMzpkzkalt5eAQl/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "grandzu@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/mozeeatupu/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176749)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We did it for our back house.
All electric heat, stove, and laundry, specifically to avoid issues with NYC gas., from the utility and the local regulations.

hkapstein | 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4871 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4877 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "197623"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "hkapstein"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bi/rarQU.AidQ5DWnWIzXSi7UikLcx/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(31) "boerumamaemailnotprovided-local"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "hkapstein@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2018-06-15 18:43:24"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Helen Kapstein"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(197623)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’ve been installing heatpumps and electric stove outlets on my properties. I’m holding off on making the swap, but I’m ready to go, and hoping/expecting electric will be be cheaper than gas in the not to distant future. I hate dealing with gas, and I’ve found electricians are much easier to deal with than plumbers.

cobblehillhome | 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4878 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4865 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "178978"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "cobblehillhome"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BOUeOqRDqhvYmYxMf8DsOr2vJ8Eigq0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "cobblehillhome"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "joshpanas@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(29) "/forums/users/cobblehillhome/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:38:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "cobblehillhome"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(178978)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Not sure if there is a trend, but these architects did it: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/realestate/a-19th-century-home-in-brooklyn-gets-a-21st-century-makeover.html

cobblehillhome | 4 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4881 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4870 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "178978"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "cobblehillhome"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BOUeOqRDqhvYmYxMf8DsOr2vJ8Eigq0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "cobblehillhome"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "joshpanas@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(29) "/forums/users/cobblehillhome/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:38:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "cobblehillhome"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(178978)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Not sure if there is a trend, but these architects did it: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/realestate/a-19th-century-home-in-brooklyn-gets-a-21st-century-makeover.html