Have we really thought through the implications of Heat Pumps?
Steve Miller, PE
Owner of HVAC Design Solutions, HVAC and Plumbing software packages, eBooks, and apps for tablets.
Have we really thought through the implications of Heat Pumps?
To eliminate the residential use of fossil fuels, the “Global Warming/GHG” people have recommended that everyone switch to electric Heat Pumps in place of gas furnaces.?President Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to increase Heat Pump manufacturing.?Also, S.4139 would hasten Heat Pump manufacture.?
If these recommendations are followed before the electrical grids and microgrids are converted to renewable energy, the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere will be increased, not decreased!??
Regarding the GHG emissions of the residential gas furnaces vs. gas-fired power plants: the gas furnaces only operate as needed during the winter (at 85%+ efficiency), whereas the Heat Pump compressor operates all year in either heating or cooling mode.?Therefore, the HP will be needing the power plants to operate many more hours, yearly, at the 35% efficiency.
?Clean the grid first!?With solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, nuclear, etc.?Plus massive storage systems! Then add the Heat Pumps!
Building Inspector/Plans Examiner at City of Pinellas Park
2 年Same goes for electric cars. The godawful mining practices for battery elements, the petroleum products used in the manufacturing process, and ultimately recharging, at least in the US, will come from a generating station powered by some form of fossil fuel in 75% of the time.
Business Manager at Baldini Plumbing & H.V.A.C., LLC
2 年All political unfortunately. They have destroyed gas rebates that have been successful for years. Small and large plumbing shops will feel the adverse effects this heating season. All plumbers I know have spent there careers helping homeowners convert from electric heat and know magically over the last 12 months are supposed to pretend electric heat is the answer.
Empowering HVAC Excellence: Founder & Creator at HVAC Pro Blog
2 年Why does the argument have to be one or the other first? Can’t we do both?
Senior Mergers & Acquisitions Counsel at HomeServe USA
2 年Obviously not. The California grid can barely sustain the demand for electric power in the summer and we’re adding heat pumps and electric vehicles.
Consultant for Switchgear and Motor Control Systems
2 年Like so many feel good plans, reality is, there is no free lunch. There will be a day of reckoning for these short sighted fools. Transmission lines take decades to approve and complete and the NIMBY’s will still complain and litigate. Let’s not talk about closing nuke plants and sticking the ratepayers with the tab. Look to Great Britain and Europe, it will reach us if we continue down this path.