The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) set aside $4.5 billion for the first-ever federal consumer rebates for the purchase of new electric kitchen appliances, such as ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens, including both electric and induction varieties. It’s the single-largest investment in climate and energy in American history with far-reaching implications for any homeowner interested in not only improving their home’s performance but also increasing its value.
If you’re considering the pros and cons of converting from a gas range to an electric range or an electric induction cooktop, here’s everything you need to know in light of the new legislation.
Electric Ranges Versus Electric Induction Cooktops
Electric ranges and electric induction cooktops often look alike, featuring sleek glass ceramic surfaces, and both, as their names suggest, are powered by electricity. But the key difference lies in how they generate heat and transfer it to your cookware.
Electric ranges send electricity into a resistive coil, which can either be exposed or concealed beneath a glass ceramic surface. Either way, your cookware gets heated from the bottom up.
Electric induction cooktops transfer heat through electromagnetism, creating an oscillating magnetic field that induces currents inside the metal of the cookware itself. This leads to faster cooking times, which is part of the reason it’s an ENERGY STAR® Emerging Technology Award (ETA) recipient — and why converting from an electric range to an electric induction cooktop could lead to savings on your electric bill.
Compared to gas ranges, both electric ranges and electric induction cooktops have considerable advantages, too. For starters, gas ranges only transfer energy with an efficiency of approximately 32%, whereas electric ranges and electric induction cooktops transfer energy with efficiencies of around 75-80% and 85%, respectively, and those differences in efficiency translate to major environmental impact. For example, the emissions produced by gas-burning appliances like ranges and cooktops in the U.S. annually are estimated to have roughly the same climate impact as the tailpipe emissions of 500,000 cars, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Finally, there are rather immediate health considerations to take into account. Most notably, because gas stoves can emit harmful benzene and methane — even when turned off — they’ve been worryingly linked to the prevalence of childhood asthma in the U.S.
Related Post: 10 Ways to Improve Your Kitchen's Efficiency & Sustainability
Conversion Costs — and Cost Savings
The benefits of converting to electric ranges and electric induction cooktops are clear enough. But what about the costs? What might be a realistic estimate in terms of your net financial outlay?
The answer, unfortunately, is that it’s hard to give a specific number. For one thing, there’s the cost of the appliance itself — anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand — on top of the highly variable cost of installation. Replacing an electric range with an induction cooktop, for example, is usually relatively simple, as both appliances require only a traditional (220-240 volt) outlet. But gas stoves, on the other hand, use 120-volt outlets, which means converting from gas to electric could require a more powerful electrical connection from your circuit breaker.
The good news, though, is that new sources of funding available through the IRA can help defray these costs. Specifically, the legislation provides rebates of up to $2,500 for upgrades to your electric wiring, and up to $4,000 for upgrades to your electric load service center — both of which might come into play if you’re converting from gas to electric. And for the installation and electrical work itself, the rebates will also cover up to $500 to pay for contractors.
In other words, the total cost of conversion may actually be lower than you think.
Just note that these rebates aren’t slated to become available until the end of 2023 or early 2024, depending on how each state rolls out its program. (States have until August 2024 to start handing out the rebates or else they forfeit the funding.)
With so many moving pieces and so much left to states’ discretion, just be sure to save receipts and any paperwork related to the purchase or installation of any new appliance! Keeping your documents organized is easy on Pearl’s free Green Door app, using the Documents section.
Related Post: Green Door Update: Shop Sustainable, Certifiable Products on Build with Ferguson
Income and Eligibility
If you earn less than 150% of the median household income in your area, you should be eligible for a rebate. But note that “area” in the preceding sentence refers to a state-specific geographic designation — it could mean your ZIP code, your county, or even your state in its entirety. That’s to be determined on a state-by-state basis.
The federal income-based eligibility requirements for rebates are as follows:
If you earn up to 80% of the median household income in your area, you’re eligible to receive up to 100% of the cost of the new appliance (up to $840).
If you earn more than 80% but less than 150% of the median household income in your area, you’re eligible to receive 50% of the cost of the new appliance.
If you earn more than 150% of the median household income in your area, you’re ineligible for a rebate.
Note that these rebates can only be used once per household and that homeowners may qualify for additional rebates through their utility providers, as well.
Related Post: 10 Ways to Improve Your Kitchen's Efficiency & Sustainability
Rebate-Qualifying Electric Ranges and Electric Induction Cooktops
Most electric ranges and electric induction cooktops should qualify for the rebate. Even if you’re simply replacing an older electric range with a newer model, in fact, you should qualify for the rebate according to the language of the legislation — but that’s ultimately going to be decided on a state-by-state basis. It’s possible that some states will decide these rebates apply exclusively to gas-for-electric-appliance replacements.
Next steps
Converting from a gas range to an electric range or an electric induction cooktop is a smart move, and your best first step is to download Green Door so you can take advantage of every savings opportunity at your disposal with Green Door's Rebates Finder. Creating an account is free, and you'll be able to browse local rebates and tax credits, eligibility criteria, and application details all in one place. Shop for high-quality ranges and cooktops through Green Door’s integration with Build with Ferguson, and Pearl will certify your purchase for free. The app is updated regularly to ensure you always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.
