What is a Heat Pump?
Residential air source heat pumps are highly energy efficient heating and cooling systems for homes.
Heat pumps run on electricity but move heat rather than generate it. A new generation of cold-climate heat pumps has made this technology an appropriate choice for our colder, mountain regions. The cost to operate a heat pump in the winter is much less than oil, propane, or electric resistance heating. In fact, the operating cost is similar to heating with natural gas. However, unlike natural gas, heat pumps do not require transporting fossil fuels and only need an electrical connection to operate. Combined with a cleaner grid (depending on the electric utility and its energy portfolio) and renewable-energy systems, heat pump systems are a key part of beneficial electrification.
Interested in Learning More?
Check out this podcast: Electrify This!
View the contractor training we hosted on 12/16/20
And these consumer talks held in January:
- Cold Climate Heat Pumps – Electric held on 1/12/21
- Cold Climate Heat Pumps – Propane held on 1/19/21
- Cold Climate Heat Pumps – Natural Gas held on 1/26/21 and 1/30/21
What is Beneficial Electrification?
Electrification means switching appliances and equipment that would otherwise run on natural gas – such as furnaces, water heating, stoves, and clothes dryers – to clean and efficiency electric versions.
Natural gas, propane, and other fossil fuels that have to be transported to homes have a number of problems, from environmental pollution from carbon emissions and leaks to creating dangerous gas byproducts in the home.
The concept of beneficial electrification is that through a more efficient use of electrical energy (such as replacing conventional heating systems with heat pumps), homeowners can save money, improve home safety, and reduce environmental harm when compared to natural gas, propane, and oil.
It is important to note that beneficial electrification is a moving target and that success will depend on several changes at once, from home efficiency improvements to cleaner electrical generation from renewable energy.
Ultimately, the use of electricity in the home, for transportation, and in society offers a clear path forward for a more sustainable energy future.
Electrification applications and technologies include:
- Cold climate air source heat pumps
- Heat pump water heaters
- Induction cooktops
Learn more from our colleagues at WMSC about these technologies
Several Energy Smart partners are offering increased incentives for residents to reduce carbon emissions by choosing electric measures rather than natural gas, propane or fossil fuel alternatives.
Click on your Energy Smart partner to learn more about their beneficial electrification rebates.
Southwest Colorado
Boulder County
Eagle Valley including Eagle County
Roaring Fork Valley including Pitkin & Garfield Counties
Summit County
Click on your electric utility provider to view electrification rebates available directly from your utility company.
Energy Smart Colorado transforms the local energy efficiency market and stimulates home and business energy improvements through access to information, capital and a skilled workforce.
CALL US:
1.833.372.4372
EMAIL:
info@energysmartcolorado.com
MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 4842 • Frisco, Colorado 80443