Deliberate electrification meets ad hoc construction: The Bockover’s journey

Our family and our home

I’m Kate Bockover. My husband Andrew, our two kids and I are residents of Eastland Gardens, where we’ve lived since 2016. While we both have jobs, what really makes our lives meaningful is the time we spend hanging out at home giggling with our two young children. 

Another part of what makes our house a home is the Eastland Gardens Civic Association, where we have leadership roles. Andrew is on the board and Kate organizes social events to bring together residents old and new.

Our house is more than 100 years old, though a large addition had been built by a previous owner to the rear of the house. Some of the work on that addition was haphazard – our daughter’s bedroom lacked a vent and was always getting too hot or cold. 

Kate’s 100 year old home in Eastland Gardens

We also inherited a 1950s breaker box that was struggling. In 2018, after it started to spark, we replaced it with a 150 amp box. Like most homeowners then, we weren’t yet hip to the benefits of electrification, but this upgrade set us up for the work to come. 

Our goals

• We’re deeply concerned about the climate crisis and want to be part of the solution.   

• Still, it was very important to live in a more comfortable house, to avoid the health risks of burning fossil fuels indoors, and to grow our family’s financial security. 

• We saw electrification as a means to achieve all these goals.

Project 1: Fixing the cold rooms (2021-2022)

Kate’s mini split now makes her children’s bedroom more comfortable.

• While adding on a new bed and bath, we knew we also wanted to make our daughter’s bedroom – the one without the vent – more comfortable. 

• Our contractor EZ Build suggested a mini-split heat pump. That “mini” system made a huge difference. One branch heated our new room, and one made up for the lack of central heating vents in our daughter's bedroom. 

• At this point we had gas central heat and air, plus the two ductless mini-split units in the newer rooms.

• We didn’t get any incentives for this project and the cost of the mini-splits was rolled into the construction. 

Project 2: Fixing the cold floor (March 2023)

• After getting a blower door test, we got our house weatherized by Edge Energy. 

• The improvements took just one day and focused on insulating and air sealing the attic and basement. Suddenly, our hot water felt hotter, and I didn’t need thick socks downstairs in the winter. Our basement office became part of the house’s temperature envelope and was more comfortable to work and play in. 

• Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we got a tax rebate to cover the $100 energy audit. The weatherization was $3,724, of which we got $1,200 back. 

• Make sure your paid invoices are itemized for easier tax rebates. 

Project 3: Cooking without flames – or fires (Spring 2023)

Andrew making coffee on the new LG induction stove sourced from Bray and Scarff

• My gas range was already hobbling along, with two of four burners kaput, when we accidentally lit a cutting board on fire by getting it stuck between the oven drawer and the stove bottom. It was time to get a new induction range. In the meantime, I learned to make brownies in the microwave. 

• We purchased a LG 4 burner and convection oven range because it was the second cheapest we could find and the cheapest (Samsung) had bad reviews. We had to get the stove on backorder and Bray and Scarff found it for us. 

• L&MA Construction LLC capped the gas line and installed the 240-volt outlet plug ($650) just in time for the new range to arrive! I plugged it in and boiled water in three minutes to make coffee. 

• While drinking the coffee, we relaxed, knowing we had done what we could to ameliorate our daughter’s asthma.

• The most confusing part of the process was choosing the right plug shape to have installed in my home; even though I knew something about electrification, I had to text back and forth with the contractor in real time to figure out what was needed. 

• Costs (approximate): $2450 total → $1800 for induction range and $650 for electrical upgrades. At this point, there were no incentives for electric stoves available in DC. 

Project 4: Saving money with solar (Summer 2023)

Kate’s 15 solar panels installed by Edge Energy cost her $315/month but make them money thanks to DC’s generous solar renewable energy credits (SREC)

• At this point, we had limited capital but knew we could make money with solar in DC.

• Thanks to our budget software, ynab.com, we had a few years of electric bill data. We financed the purchase of our 15-panel system over 20 years, so that our monthly payments would be roughly equal to our old electric bill, ($315/mo) while having a zero down payment.

• Yet these panels are still earning us money. The monthly payments we receive via Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) have been as high as $850 and as low as zero, when they are covered with snow. 

• Our solar company has since folded, but the warranty is still being honored. We do have to pay for our solar app each year, which we didn’t have to do before. 

• While the Edge Energy crew installed our solar panels and wires, they also put in a Level 2 EV charger, for which we got a tax credit. This turned out to be a waste of money, because our EV came with a free charger.

Project 5: Replacing our dying car (October 2023)

• Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act rebates we could afford an electric car! With the EV charger already in place and our auto loan budgeted, we were able to take advantage of a great offer on the spot. 

• We traded in a Prius with over 200,000 miles on it and bought a new Chevy Volt EUV, which we could afford partly due to the $7500 federal tax credit. We knew exactly what car payment we could afford and the dealer allowed us to use that number, $368/month. 

• We’re spending at least $100 less on transportation costs each month. 

• The EV charger was included with the car, but we already had a charger. 

Project 6: Finishing our electrification journey (Completed May 2025)

Kate’s air source heat pump paid for, in part, with DCSEU’s great electrification rebates.

Kate’s heat pump water heater paid for, in part, with DCSEU’s electrification rebates.

• Our furnace and water heater were each about 12 years old. While that put the water heater near the end of its expected life, the high-quality furnace likely had years to go. Still, we knew it would be more efficient to get both replaced at the same time. 

• When we learned about the DCSEU electrification rebates in late 2024, completing the electric switch suddenly became much more affordable. After saving up some money, we got an updated estimate from our contractor Edge Energy, and the new HVAC system and water heater were installed by the end of May 2025. 

• Regrettably, we also had to increase our breaker box to 200 amps to get it up to code; we should have increased it to 200 amps during our 2018  breaker update.

• The contractor warned me the system would be loud, but I can still take work calls in the basement with the heat pump air handler running across the room from me. Elsewhere in the house we have not had any issues. 

• Cost: Just $6,800, after the contractor got 50% rebates for us. 

Enjoying our all-electric home

Now we sleep easy at night. Our home is comfortable, we’re not burning gas inside, and we’ve done our part for climate change.

Kim and Charlie’s Net-Zero Journey: Electrifying a Washington DC Home

On a Saturday afternoon in November, more than 35 people gathered in a home in Upper Brightwood to experience the future of sustainable living. Electrify DC’s first Demonstration Site Open House, in collaboration with the District Department of Buildings and the District Department of Energy and Environment, is an innovative way to meet residents where they are (literally) and answer their questions on home decarbonization. Demonstration Sites are a critical element of Electrify DC’s ecosystem of programs to make it easier, faster and more affordable to decarbonize all homes. 

Excited chatter filled the room as neighbors, real estate agents, and curious homeowners and renters toured a fully electrified, net-zero house, marveling at its practical and accessible features complete with affordable renewable energy technologies. Conversations flowed, with visitors exchanging ideas and posing thoughtful questions about the realities of electrification: 

–How can solar panels power an entire home?
–What are the costs of transitioning to heat pumps and induction stoves?
–Can this model work for every DC neighborhood?
–What incentives are available?

Net-Zero homeowners answer questions before touring their fully electrified home in Washington DC.

The open house was more than just a tour – it was  a gathering united by the shared vision of healthier, more comfortable homes and a greener, more resilient future for the District.

Starting the Journey: Setting Goals

Kim and Charlie moved to Washington, DC in 2011 after getting married. Together with their two sons and their dog, they’ve created a home that reflects their commitment to sustainability. Living in the Upper Brightwood neighborhood, they’ve transformed their 1950s ranch-style house into an energy-efficient and fully electrified residence.

For Kim and Charlie, the path to sustainability started with clear communication, planning, and education:

1. Shared Goals: Sustainability was a shared family priority. Their approach involved aligning goals and including their children in the process.

2. Budgeting and Prioritizing: They assessed what they could afford immediately, what needed financing, and what would have to wait.

3. Creating a Flexible Timeline: To manage costs and tax incentives, they spread projects over several years.

4. Learning and Research: Partnering with Electrify DC and learning from others’ experiences was key.

5. Energy Audit: A professional audit helped identify areas for improvement and prioritize projects.

Here’s the Math: Project by Project

Kim and Charlie tackled a series of projects to reach their electrification goals. Here are some highlights:

1. Solar Panels

Installed in 2022, their 40-panel array (16.2kW) generates more electricity than they use annually, making their home net-positive.

• Net Cost: $33,645 (after tax credits).

• Production: In the first year, they generated 5,705 kWh more than they consumed! They estimate that even now that all of their appliances are electric they will still generate more than they use.

2. Attic Insulation

Addressing air leaks and boosting attic insulation improved efficiency and comfort.

• Cost: $2,235 (post-incentives).

• Result: A measurable increase in energy efficiency, reducing air leakage significantly.

3. Crawlspace Encapsulation

Transforming their crawlspace into a conditioned storage area eliminated cold floors and enhanced energy efficiency.

• Result: A 26% reduction in air leakage, making the space more functional.

4. Electrical Upgrades + Induction Cooking

Switching from gas to an induction range modernized their kitchen and eliminated gas utility bills. You read that right: No Gas Bills!

• Cost: $1,740 for electrical work and $2,120 for the range.

• Benefits: Faster cooking and savings on utility bills.

5. Heat Pump Installation

Replacing their gas furnace with a heat pump ensured year-round comfort with exceptional energy efficiency.

• Cost: $14,650 (after tax credits).

• Result: Quiet operation and full capacity even in extreme cold (-13°F).

What’s Next?

Kim and Charlie are committed to continuous improvement. Their plans include:

• Heat Pump Water Heater: Transitioning from a regular electric water heater to a more efficient electric water heater that uses heat pump technology.

• Electric Car Charging: Exploring safe installation options for a Level 2 charging station on the street, as they do not own a garage.

• Battery Storage: Investing in backup power solution sto store the excess energy produced by their solar panels.

• Further Weatherization: Enhancing insulation of the existing addition to their home.

Building Community and Sharing Knowledge

Kim and Charlie’s journey doesn’t stop at their doorstep. By sharing their experience, they hope to inspire others to take steps toward sustainability. Their home serves as a model for how DC residents can electrify their homes and reduce their carbon footprint.

Join the Journey
Explore more about sustainable home electrification on ElectrifyDC.org. Let Kim and Charlie’s story spark your path toward a greener future!

SEE THE LATEST IN RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AT THE 2025 HEALTHY HOMES FAIR.

Transforming a 1950s Ranch: A Journey to Net-Zero Living

In the heart of the Brightwood neighborhood of the District of Columbia, a humble 1950s ranch house has undergone an extraordinary transformation. What began as a desire to live more sustainably resulted in achieving net-zero residential energy consumption. With the help of Electrify DC and District agencies, the homeowners, Kim and Charlie, took this remarkable journey to reduce their environmental footprint and to create a model for practical, eco-friendly living. “We composted, used public transportation, and purchased a hybrid car.  We did all the little things, living minimally and involving our kids. Now it was time for bigger projects,” said Kim. Their plan would cut down on dirty fossil fuels, taking advantage of tax incentives.

Solar Panels on the roof provide enough energy for residents needs.

Starting the Transformation

Kim and Charlie purchased their home six years ago. Although the property had been renovated by a developer, they saw it as a canvas for their sustainable lifestyle. Notably, two major appliances were already electric: their water heater and clothes dryer. Their commitment to climate justice and sustainable living drove them to make green upgrades to their home. 

After receiving several mailers from solar energy companies, Kim and Charlie began investigating solar. “Because of the style of our house, we have a lot of roof to work with and installed a total of 40 panels on the north and south facing roofs,” said Charlie. The SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) and tax incentives from their solar array went a long way to fund what came next.

Building on Success

With the solar panels up and running, the next step was continuing to improve the home's energy efficiency using the income from the energy they were producing. Their focus shifted to enhancing their home’s envelope. They hired a home energy auditor who created a checklist of priorities identifying areas where their home was drafty and not properly insulated creating wasted energy. They undertook several key projects:

1. Attic and Crawl Space Insulation: Kim and Charlie assessed their home’s building envelope and energy use and discovered significant inefficiencies. They upgraded insulation in the attic and crawl space, sealing gaps and enhancing the overall thermal envelope of the house. This work was crucial in reducing heating and cooling demands, paving the way for future electrification efforts.

2. Heat Pump Installation: Kim and Charlie installed a heat pump, updating their HVAC and eliminating gas usage. They worked closely with their electrician to ensure their home was ready with new circuitry, and avoiding the need to upgrade their entire panel. By August 2024, their new heat pump was up and running, replacing an aging natural gas furnace and air conditioning unit that they were able to pass along were able to donate to their neighbor.

3. Electrifying the Kitchen: Alongside the heat pump installation, they electrified their gas kitchen to an induction stove and oven they just purchased at Costco during the Labor day sales!

Lessons Learned and Future Plans

Throughout their journey, Kim and Charlie learned valuable lessons about managing costs, working with contractors, and strategically using incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and the DC Department of Buildings, straddling calendar years to avoid caps and working within their household cash flow. They also realized that maintaining flexibility and not rushing decisions leads to better outcomes. Charlie said, “It makes sense to talk with two or three contractors for each project. They looked at the job, met with both of us, and followed up with their proposals. The extra time saved us money and headaches.”

With this patient mindset, Kim and Charlie’s efforts have paid off. Over the last year, they sold 15 SRECs for approximately $400 each. The electricity produced by their solar panels effectively covers their energy needs, and they no longer receive a gas bill. Their home is significantly more energy-efficient, and of course, no longer burning dirty pollutants which improves the indoor air quality and safety for them, their children, and their dog.

Community Impact and Inspiration

Kim and Charlie’s story is resonating beyond their immediate circle. Their experience serves as a textbook of how a family can transition to sustainable living in a manageable and financially viable way.

Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond their home; it’s a family value that they’re passing on to their children. By integrating these practices into their daily lives and sharing their story, Kim and Charlie are contributing to a larger movement towards using our homes to fight climate change and demonstrating that substantial change is possible with careful planning and dedication.

Interested in Learning more?

Kim and Charlie’s net-zero home is the first of several of Electrify DC’s demonstration sites to showcase the possibilities of sustainable living. Book your free ticket to visit Kim and Charlie’s house here.