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 translates into electric vehicles. In heating buildings and hot water, this translates into heat pumps.
Renewable energy currently produces only a small portion of the electricity used in the United Sates. Generation of
enough clean electricity in the future to meet not only current electric loads but also those
added through electrification of transportation and heating, is not
likely without significant increases in energy efficiency and some reduction in consumerism as well.
Otherwise, electrification is likely to lead to shortages of electricity
and/or an electric grid which continues to depend on significant amounts of fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Electric resistance heat is 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 energy efficient heat pumps, properly applied.
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. Many, including window upgrades
and 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.
See a NEW BLOG that encourages a careful, successful application of heat pumps: https://makingheatpumpssuccessful.blogspot.com/
7/17/24
