Power Moves:
Electrify With Purpose: Strategy, Not Just Plans

Every home renovation has a plan until you open up that first wall. We’ve all been there. Your Tower Grove South home deserves more than just a plan—it needs a strategy. While plans tell you what to do, strategies tell you why and how. As you consider electrifying your century-old brick beauty, you're not just creating a replacement schedule; you're crafting a vision for how your home will evolve.

Why Strategy Beats Simple Planning

Think about it like this—if you've lived in Tower Grove for any length of time, you know that owning an older home means expecting the unexpected. We can all probably remember that time when we thought we were just replacing that one thing, but ended up with a whole basement project? That's exactly why we're talking strategy, not just planning.

A strategic approach is like having a good conversation with your house. You're asking:

• What do you need most?

• What makes sense to do first?

• How can each change set us up for the next one?

First Step: Get to Know Your Home Better

Before jumping into any electrification project, spend some time understanding what you're working with. It's like dating—you need to really get to know someone before making big commitments!

Try starting with:

• A home energy audit (some utilities offer these for free—seriously!)

• An electrical load calculation from a qualified electrician

• A simple inventory of your appliances' ages and conditions

Yes, there’s an App for that.

There's this really helpful tool from Rewiring America that's like having a strategy coach in your pocket. Their Personal Electrification Planner asks questions about your specific situation and helps you figure out what makes sense for your home, your budget, and your timeline.

It's like those "choose your own adventure" books we had as kids, but for home electrification! The best part? Like some of the other links we’ve shared it shows you rebates and incentives you might qualify for.

Yes, Your 100-Amp Panel Can Support
a Strategic Approach!

"But my house is ancient and only has a 100-amp panel!" We hear you—many of us started there too. Here's the thing about older homes and electrification: it's not as impossible as it seems.

Modern electric appliances are way more efficient than you might think. That new heat pump might actually use less electricity than your old window AC units! And with some smart strategies, even century-old homes with original electrical panels are going all-electric.

• Working with an electrician who understood load management

• Installing smart devices that prevent everything from running at full power simultaneously

• Choosing right-sized equipment instead of oversized systems

We keep saying this because it's true, and our trusted HVAC guy told us to: get a load calculation before assuming you need a panel upgrade. So many people are told they need expensive upgrades, only to get a second opinion and find out their current panel could handle the load just fine.

Building Your Personal Strategy

Consider these strategic questions:

1. What systems in your home are nearing end-of-life? (These present natural transition opportunities)

2. Which improvements would bring the most comfort or cost benefits to your specific household?

3. How can each decision lay groundwork for future electrification steps?

4. Which incentives align with your timeline and budget?

Start with Strategic Wins

Many Tower Grove neighbors begin with "no-regrets" improvements that make sense regardless of your long-term timeline:

• Weatherizing windows and doors

• Installing a smart thermostat

• Replacing small appliances with efficient electric versions

▶︎ These build momentum while you develop your broader strategy.

Ready To Start Now?:

Want to start developing your strategy today? Visit homes.rewiringamerica.org and begin mapping your home's energy future. Have questions about your specific home? Email us at [email protected] and we can try to help answer your questions or refer you to someone who can.

Quick Tips:

• Start Simple: Weatherize windows and doors, install a smart thermostat, and consider a home energy audit.

• Check Your Load: Get a load calculation before assuming you need to upgrade your panel.

• Use the Tool: Rewiring America’s Personal Electrification Planner can reveal hidden rebates.

• Check Rebates: Incentives can slash costs—research federal, state, and local options.

• Good Advice Counts: Consult a qualified electrician for accurate load calculations.

Power Grove

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