Success Story: Gerald Jones, Embracing Electrification and Comfort
Every success story begins with someone taking the first brave step toward a better future. When Gerald Jones moved into his brick home at 89th Place in 2004, his primary goal was to create a comfortable and lasting home for his family. Two decades later, his house became a model for what is possible when homeowners invest in energy efficiency and electrification. For Gerald, the difference has been life-changing.
“I had been seeing it online and on TV,” Gerald recalled. “I just applied for it, made some calls, and got the ball rolling.”
That call led to an energy assessment through ComEd, which connected him with Elevate and a team of local contractors. What began as a simple insulation upgrade evolved into a comprehensive home electrification project, which included new insulation, a high-efficiency electric furnace, upgraded electrical service, a new washer, dryer, and stove, as well as solar panels on the roof.
Gerald’s home was built in 1955, before insulation was a standard feature in homes. Once Elevate’s team finished insulating every wall, the attic, and even the basement ceiling, the change was immediate.
“There are no breezes now. It’s just comfortable,” he said. “They really insulated the whole house, and that’s the main thing. It makes it more comfortable in here.”
With his new electric system, Gerald noticed not just warmth and quiet but cleaner indoor air. “There’s not so much dust in the house,” he said. “I have an air filter and a humidifier, and that really makes a difference for my health.”
Before the upgrades, Gerald relied on gas for heating and cooking. Now, he no longer has a gas bill. “That’s a good thing,” he said with a laugh. “The money I’m saving is something to be grateful for.”
With his new solar panels, Gerald even generates enough electricity in the summer to send power back to ComEd. “During the summer, I send electricity back to them, and it goes into my account,” he explained. “In the winter, I use some of that electricity. I’m saving money and helping the planet at the same time.”
Home Electrification Process
When asked about the installation process, Gerald didn’t hesitate to praise the teams involved. “Every contractor that came out was professional and personable,” he said. “They did their job, explained everything, and didn’t leave a mess. Even the solar team, consisting of three members, completed all 23 panels in one day. They were perfect.”
He also appreciated how quiet and efficient the new system is. “You can’t even hear the heat pump running,” he said. “Before, you could hear the old compressor outside. Now it’s silent. You could have a conversation right next to it.”
After his experience, Gerald’s message to other homeowners is simple: “Do it. Just do it,” he said, smiling. “You won’t be disappointed.”
His only adjustment was learning to cook on his new induction stove. “That took a little getting used to,” he admitted, “but now I love it. I don’t even use my slow cooker anymore.”
While the savings have been significant, Gerald says his favorite part is knowing his home is better for the environment. “It gets next to me now, thinking about the planet,” he shared. “What I’m doing might be small, but it’s something. I’m saving money, and I’m helping save the planet. It’s a win-win.”
When asked what stood out most, Gerald didn’t hesitate. “The people. Everybody from Elevate and the contractors were kind and professional. They really cared.”
From start to finish, Gerald’s home transformation shows how electrification can improve comfort, reduce costs, and make communities stronger, one home at a time.
Learn more about how Elevate helps homeowners like Gerald make their homes energy-efficient and all-electric at elevatenp.org.
