By
Varsha Madapooosi
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For a long time, the biggest hurdle to going all-electric wasn’t the technology—it was the "panel problem." Many homeowners want to ditch gas, but they dread the phone call to an electrician to spend $5,000+ upgrading their electrical panel just to handle the new load.
Well, the barrier just got a whole lot lower. As reported by Canary Media, a new wave of "plug-in" appliances—including 120-volt heat pumps and induction stoves—is hitting the California market. These devices are designed to plug into a standard outlet, bypassing the need for heavy-duty 240-volt circuits and massive panel upgrades.
The Canary Media piece highlights that for many, "electrification" felt like a luxury project for people with new homes or deep pockets. By utilizing 120-volt tech and smart circuit-sharing, the door is open for renters and owners of older homes to join the transition without a construction crew moving in.
It’s about making the right choice the easy choice.
We’re big fans of any tech that lowers the barrier to entry. In fact, "lower load" is part of the Harvest DNA.
While these plug-in 120v units are great for smaller spaces or quick fixes, the Harvest system solves the "panel problem" through data & load shifting. Because Harvest uses a thermal battery to shift heating and hot water to the middle of the day, it reduces the "peak" demand on your home’s electrical system.
In many cases, a Harvest system can run on a 15-amp circuit—similar to a toaster—allowing homeowners to get whole-home, high-performance heating and cooling without a massive electrical overhaul.
The "all-electric" lifestyle is becoming less about heavy infrastructure and more about smart design. Whether it’s a plug-in stove or a Harvest thermal battery, the goal is the same: getting the gas out without breaking the bank (or the panel).
Tired of worrying about your electrical panel? See how Harvest’s low-load system fits your home.