“Science is magic that works.”
Kurt Vonnegut
The magical heat pump
Wait a second, warm weather is here (or on the way), so why bring this up now? Because heat pumps are so clever they both heat and cool your home. All without fossil fuels. So maybe this is a good time to spend a minute on the magical heat pump: a climate change solution.
Electric appliances have been all the buzz lately. As the effects of climate change become more and more evident, there is growing urgency to find solutions. Decreasing demand for oil and gas in our homes is a start.
Heat pumps have been around since the 1960’s, but today’s models are a far cry from those throwbacks. And they keep getting better.
How do heat pumps work?
It’s a bit of magic. Heat pumps move air from one place to another instead of heating it by burning fuel. Electricity pushes refrigerant through the system, causing it to compress or expand to either heat or cool the air. That may be all you need to know, but inquiring minds can learn more here.
Pros of heat pumps
- No carbon emissions
- Tackle both heating and cooling
- Less expensive in the long run
- You may be able to get a tax credit
- Highly efficient, use less energy
Cons of heat pumps
- Up-front cost is typically higher than other single-function options
- Not all HVAC companies offer them yet
- In extreme cold (like minus 20) they are not as efficient
What can we do?
Electrifying our homes over the next several years is one of the major ways we can help solve climate change. About half of home energy use is for heating and cooling, so switching to heat pumps can make a big difference with CO2 emissions. And by the way, it will save us money too.
If your systems are running fine, no need to run out and replace them. But it can’t hurt to do a little research to prepare. This is especially important if your units are older. If your air conditioner is failing, this could be the ideal time to consider switching to a heat pump. It might cost a bit more than an AC unit, but keep in mind it will also take the place your furnace.
If you want to learn more, here is one place to start. You could also call some local HVAC providers. It is much better to have a plan in mind so you’re not stuck in the middle of a heat wave or polar vortex with a broken system. Emergency replacement might mean you end up in another long-term relationship with the same less-magical system you have now.
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.