<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/how-heat-pumps-became-americas-hottest-home-energy-system/>
"Electric heat pumps, one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool
homes, perform a feat of seeming magic. In the winter, they extract heat from
the outside air (even when it’s below zero), run it through a compressor, and
then pump it indoors. During the balmy days of summer, a heat pump reverses
this technology, essentially turning the heater into an air conditioner. (To do
this it pulls heat from inside a building and releases it outside, leaving
indoor spaces cooler.)
If that’s not awesome enough, electric heat pumps are also safer for human
health than fossil-fuel-burning furnaces. In addition to contributing to global
warming, these older technologies also release smog-forming nitrogen oxides and
fine particulate matter that increase the risk of heart attack, asthma and many
other health issues. Finally, heat pumps, once they are installed, result in
lower energy bills.
The U.S. has jumped on the heat pump bandwagon: In 2024, heat pumps outsold gas
furnaces for the third year in a row — by 27 percent.
And even though the Trump administration had, at press time, frozen former
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act funding for all kinds of home
electrification efforts including rebate programs and grants, states are still
forging ahead — especially when it comes to heat pumps.
“We’re quite optimistic and excited about the trends that we’re seeing for heat
pump adoption, irrespective of federal support or engagement,” says Zach
Pierce, director of state and local policy for Rewiring America, a nonprofit
that promotes electrification. (Rewiring America sponsors
Reasons to be
Cheerful’s Our Electrifying World series.) “We’re seeing really exciting
growth of the market, due to the bottom-line benefits that folks are seeing in
reduced bills, improved comfort and improved safety of their homes.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
