Electrified Homes Are Simply Better Homes

Special Guest: Jeff Aalfs

Ever wonder how you're supposed to navigate electrified homes, green building, sustainability, and energy efficiency when even the words "climate change" feel like a political landmine? Yeah, same here. Turns out, even poor Kermit the Frog isn't safe anymore.

On this week’s Energy Show we’re diving headfirst into the complicated world of green buildings. The rules from Title 24 and building codes are still in play... but they're harder than ever to follow in today's upside-down political climate. So, what do you do if you still want to build smarter, save money, and future-proof your home without getting tangled in a morass of building code red tape?

To help decode these regulations, we’re joined by green building expert Jeff Aalfs — a true insider who gets both the tech and the politics. With 17 years on the Portola Valley Town Council and leadership experience at Peninsula Clean Energy, Jeff knows exactly where policy meets your wallet. We’ll be covering everything from solar and batteries to heat pumps and EVs. Jeff will also discuss how new policies — and a new energy sheriff in DC -- are shifting the landscape for homeowners, suppliers and builders.

If you've been wondering:

- Why some rebates feel like a scam (hello, costly permits)

- How you can actually save money and electrify your home

- Why electrification feels so different now (hint: tariffs, tariffs, tariffs)

- And what the biggest homeowner mistakes are when trying to go green...

Then you’re going to want to listen all the way through.

Please tune into this week’s Energy Show for real world and — dare we say it — Green Building advice.

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Transcript Below:

🎙️ Episode Summary: The Real-World State of Green Building, Electrification & Policy with Jeff Aalfs

This week’s episode dives deep into the real-world challenges and opportunities in the green building and home electrification space—especially as the political climate shifts in 2025.

🔧 The State of Energy Codes & Green Building

• California’s Title 24 energy code remains crucial for guiding energy efficiency but is complex and ever-evolving.

• The energy code updates every three years and often lags behind technological advancements.

• Products like heat pump water heaters and mini-splits have moved from fringe to mainstream, despite initial resistance from contractors and inspectors.

• Retrofit projects (versus new builds) often face outdated preferences from contractors who default to familiar gas systems.

⚡ Electrification Momentum & Misconceptions

• Electrification (heat pumps, EVs, induction cooktops) is gaining momentum as better-performing and safer alternatives to fossil fuel systems.

• Induction cooktops, for example, outperform gas in safety, efficiency, and ease of use.

• Comfort upgrades with heat pumps mean quieter, more consistent temperature control compared to traditional HVAC systems.

🏘️ Challenges in Implementation

• Contractor inertia remains a barrier—many will install only what they’re used to (typically gas systems).

• Oversizing systems is a common mistake; homeowners should seek room-by-room load calculations to avoid inefficiencies.

• Panel upgrades can be costly (up to $20K for underground service) and delay projects significantly. Proper load management can often avoid these upgrades.

🏛️ Policy, Rebates, and Financing

• Despite political headwinds, state-level rebates and programs from Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) like Peninsula Clean Energy are helping accelerate electrification.

• CCA programs offer:

  • Rebates for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and EV chargers

  • A Home Upgrade concierge program to guide homeowners through their electrification journey

  • On-bill financing, which allows customers to pay for upgrades through their utility bills—though it's still emerging

🏡 Net Zero Is Doable

• Net zero homes are achievable when approached holistically:

  • Combine solar + battery systems

  • Prioritize building envelope improvements (insulation, air sealing, efficient windows)

  • Use efficient electric appliances (heat pumps, induction ranges)

• Thoughtful planning—not just technology—is the key to cost-effective electrification.

🧠 Jeff Aalfs' Background

• Jeff is a Title 24 and green building consultant through his firm, Arcturus.

• He served 17 years on the Portola Valley Town Council and is a board member at Peninsula Clean Energy.

• Formerly a biochemist, Jeff pivoted to energy consulting after his daughter was born and he embarked on a two-year sustainable remodel of his own home.

💡 Final Takeaway: Electrification isn’t just a trend—it’s a smarter, more comfortable, and cleaner way to live. With the right support, policy frameworks, and informed contractors, homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint and even reach net zero.