Currently society is attempting to reduce global warming by shifting
from use of fossil fuels to electricity, a transition being referred to
as "electrification". In transportation, this means electric vehicles. In heating buildings and hot water, this means conversion from natural gas to electric heat.
Generation of clean electricity to
meet current electric loads has not yet been achieved. Generation of
clean electricity to meet not only current electric loads but also those
added through electrification of transportation and heating, is not
likely to be possible unless energy efficiency and energy conservation
increase more than enough to offset the electrification process. Otherwise, electrification is likely to lead to shortages of electricity and/or an electric grid in which renewables serve less than half the load.
Electric resistance heat is very inefficient, so where it is currently in use, heat pumps should be considered as a replacement. Where electrification of space and water heating is being pursued, the choice for the electric option should be heat pumps.
The purpose of this blog is to encourage cautious and effective use of heat pumps.
When
purchasing a heat pump, consider also all practical forms of energy
efficiency and conservation in your building. Some, such as low-flow
hot water fixtures, have rapid payback. Some, including window upgrades
or wall and roof insulation, may reduce the size of the heat pump
needed. All are likely to reduce your utility bills and help society
meet future electric loads with cleaner generation methods.
7/17/24