Our Journey to a Smarter, More Efficient Home
When my family moved to Ashland in December 2024, we arrived just in time for what locals told us was one of the coldest, harshest winters in decades. Instead of the 12 inches of snow we were told to expect for an entire season, we woke up one morning to 18 inches that fell overnight. For new arrivals, it was quite the introduction to Ashland life.
Our home had been empty for several years, and within a month of turning on its 30-year-old gas boiler system, a small drip from the overflow valve turned into a gush of water running down the back hill. That boiler provided both heat and hot water, and replacing it became unavoidable. One option presented to us was a like-for-like custom boiler replacement—at a staggering $63,000.
Knowing we wanted a system that was both more affordable and climate-friendly, we began researching alternatives. It quickly became clear that an electric heat pump was the best choice. With support from the expert team at Metal Masters, we designed a system large enough to serve both our home and our tenant-occupied ADU, while maximizing efficiency.
Replacing a heating system in the dead of winter wasn’t easy. We spent a few days without central heat during installation, but the results were immediate and transformative. Within days, our new heat pump was quietly keeping the house warm, and a smart thermostat allowed us to tailor heating schedules to our daily needs. Unlike traditional systems that blast on and off, our variable-speed heat pump adjusts to the environment, only working as hard as necessary.
The savings have been remarkable. Our gas bill has halved from nearly $200 per month to under $70 in the colder months, particularly when you look at March to April when our installation was completed.
Even better, our electric bill has stayed virtually the same when looking at the same March to April timeframe, meaning we’ve dramatically cut costs while also cutting climate pollution. Now, in the summer months, we’re enjoying the other side of the system: cool, comfortable air conditioning powered by electricity, not gas.
This shift has given us peace of mind. Not only are we saving money, but we know we’re contributing to Ashland’s climate goals by reducing reliance on methane gas, a greenhouse pollutant up to 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide over 20 years.
Looking back, the decision was easy. We’ve gained comfort, and efficiency—all while helping to protect the place we now call home. For anyone facing a similar decision, I can say with confidence: making the switch to electric is worth it.
Sara Dinari is a new board member for the Ashland Climate Collaborative.