As California advances towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly future, the discussion of renewable versus nonrenewable energy is becoming increasingly significant. Over the next few years, California will be updating many regulations to ensure the state’s environmental goals are met. One such change is the eventual requirement for all new construction, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), to be entirely electric—covering everything from water heaters to dryers and stovetops.
These upcoming regulations will impact new construction, including ADUs, also known as guest houses, casitas, granny flats, companion units, or additional dwelling units. This article explores the costs, benefits, and implications of opting for all-electric utilities in your ADU, bypassing natural gas altogether.
Why Consider All-Electric in an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
There are several compelling reasons to choose all-electric utilities for your ADU. Some homeowners aim to install solar panels to reduce their monthly bills, while others seek to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by using renewable energy sources. California’s mandate for energy-efficient new construction, which includes the installation of solar panels on most new detached ADUs, aligns with the shift towards all-electric power. Additionally, some homeowners want to proactively meet upcoming regulations that will require all new ADUs to be fully electric.
Speculation exists that the California building code may soon require all-electric power. New organizations like the San Diego Building Electrification Coalition are emerging to support this transition. Whether these changes become immediate requirements or future mandates, homeowners interested in ADUs should explore available energy-efficient resources now.
Benefits of Going All-Electric in an ADU
Cost Efficiency
By eliminating gas, the reduction in utility infrastructure complexity can translate to savings during construction. Put simply, there is less work since gas lines do not need to be connected to the ADU.
Nearly all properties will require a separate electrical meter for an ADU regardless of whether it uses gas or electricity, so opting for an all-electric setup typically doesn’t change this requirement. So overall, an all-electric ADU does not incur higher costs compared to traditional builds.
Be sure to check with your contractor about what considerations might bring your ADU cost up, such as opting for a custom ADU.
Regulatory Compliance and Future-Proofing
Opting for an all-electric ADU ensures compliance with forthcoming California regulations, eliminating the need for future upgrades. This proactive approach means one less utility line to install during construction, simplifying the build process and reducing cost.
Some local governments, such as the City of Encinitas, had previously mandated that new construction must eliminate installation of gas infrastructure. However, “in response to the Ninth Circuit’s ruling in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley, Encinitas City Council temporarily suspended EMC 23.12.110.B and EMC 23.12.110.C, which regulate the use of fuel gas infrastructure in new buildings. If the Ninth Circuit’s ruling is overturned or modified, the City Council will immediately consider reinstating the regulation.”
In 2019, the City of Carlsbad passed a Climate Action Plan to support energy efficiency efforts, including a requirement that all new construction must install electric water heaters or solar-powered water heaters instead of natural gas. We see that many local jurisdictions are looking to increase the overall sustainability of their neighborhoods by making these energy efficient changes.
Environmental Impact
Environmentally conscious homeowners will appreciate that all-electric ADUs support sustainability and eco-friendliness. With solar panels already required on many new ADUs, using electricity further reduces the carbon footprint and leverages renewable energy, significantly lowering utility bills for solar-powered homes. Electric utilities reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Furthermore, integrating smart home technologies and energy-efficient appliances can enhance the sustainability of your ADU. This shift towards renewable energy aligns with broader environmental goals and sets a positive example for the community, showcasing a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
How will going all electric affect my ADU design?
Luckily, going all-electric won’t limit your design options! While there are some considerations to keep in mind, the impact on your overall design is minimal and manageable. Here are a few key aspects to consider:
Concealing the Electric Water Heater
When building an all-electric ADU, you won’t need to run a gas line to the companion unit. However, you will need to design a spot to conceal the tanked electric water heater. This is easily doable and can be seamlessly integrated into your ADU design. Many accessory dwelling units incorporate a pocket into the laundry closet to hide the water heater behind a stacked washer and dryer. This approach keeps the water heater out of sight while maximizing the use of interior space.
Alternatively, if you want to save as much interior space as possible, you can install the water heater on the exterior of the ADU. Adding a galvanized cage around the water heater will protect it from the elements. These cages can be designed to blend in with the exterior of the home, ensuring they do not detract from the overall aesthetics of your ADU.
Kitchen Design Considerations
One significant change when going all-electric is the need for an electric kitchen range instead of a gas one. Culinary enthusiasts might miss the traditional gas range, but modern electric alternatives offer excellent performance and energy efficiency. Induction cooktops, for example, heat up quickly and provide precise temperature control, making them a great option for serious cooks. Discussing these options with your contractor can help you find the best solution to meet your cooking needs without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Maintaining Design Flexibility
Other than these small adjustments, your ADU will be virtually the same whether it is gas or electric. All other ADU design elements, such as layout, finishes, and fixtures, remain unaffected. This means you can still achieve the stylish, functional space you envisioned without compromising on your design preferences. The transition to an all-electric setup can be smooth and straightforward, allowing you to focus on creating a beautiful and efficient living space.
By considering these factors and working closely with your contractor, you can ensure that your all-electric ADU meets your needs and enhances your property’s value and sustainability.
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