Heat pumps a hot topic at LWV energy conservation forum
Heat pumps a hot topic at LWV energy conservation forum NUjournal
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League of Women Voters Energy Conservation Forum
Introduction
The League of Women Voters (LWV) recently held their final forum in a conservation series, focusing on energy efficiency. The forum featured a discussion led by Mike Daniels, senior advisor at Auer Steel & Heating Supply Company, who provided insights on the benefits of air source heat pumps.
Air Source Heat Pumps: An Energy Efficient Option
Daniels, with 48 years of experience in the HVAC business, highlighted the growing popularity of air-source heat pumps due to their energy efficiency. However, he noted that many people are still unaware of the advantages of heat pumps.
Dispelling Misconceptions
Daniels aimed to clarify how heat pump systems work and dispel misconceptions surrounding them. One common misconception is the name itself. Daniels prefers referring to heat pumps as reverse cycle air conditioners, as they function similarly to air conditioners but can transfer heat in two directions.
Heat Pump Functionality
Heat pumps have the ability to transfer heat into or out of a home. They can perform all the functions of an air conditioner and also bring heat into a home during winter.
Regional Differences in Heat Pump Usage
Heat pumps have traditionally been more popular in southern states with milder winters. In these regions, heat pumps can effectively serve as electrical heaters. However, in colder states like Minnesota, heat pumps are less popular as they cannot provide sufficient heating when temperatures drop below freezing. Nevertheless, when paired with a gas furnace, the dual system can compensate for the limitations of heat pumps in cold climates.
Dual Heat Pump Furnace System
A properly installed dual heat pump furnace system can be automated. The heat pump operates during mild cold weather, and if the temperature drops below freezing, the furnace takes over heating. This setup is highly efficient, as most home furnaces are designed to run at lower temperatures. Running a gas furnace in mildly cold weather leads to frequent cycling and inefficiency, whereas a heat pump performs best in mild weather.
Electric Efficiency of Heat Pumps
Another advantage of using heat pumps is their electric efficiency. Heat pumps run on electricity and can generate heat at three times the rate of traditional gas furnaces. For example, a gas furnace may produce 3,400 BTUs of heat from one kilowatt (kW) of energy, while a heat pump can transfer the equivalent of 10,000 BTUs from the same kW of energy.
Public Awareness and Consumer Choices
Despite the efficiency of air-source heat pumps, the general public is often unaware of these options. Daniels explained that consumers typically only purchase heating and cooling units twice in a lifetime, resulting in limited knowledge about available choices. He emphasized the importance of housing contractors offering different heating/cooling options to customers and presenting the various possibilities. However, most new home constructions tend to opt for the lowest entry-level products, such as single-stage furnaces and air conditioners.
Promoting Energy Efficiency
Daniels suggested that offering comparisons on utility bills could encourage consumers to consider more energy-efficient options. By choosing an air source heat pump, homeowners may be able to afford better houses while lowering their utility bills. Interestingly, new apartment buildings seem to be embracing the heat pump/furnace hybrid model, indicating a shift towards greater energy efficiency in the construction industry.
Cost Considerations and Incentives
The cost of installing heat pump systems has been a factor in their slower adoption. These systems are approximately $2,000 more expensive than traditional air conditioner furnaces. However, this cost difference is changing, as the federal government now offers tax credits to cover the additional expenses of installing air source heat pumps. Some local communities also provide additional rebates. These incentives are part of a broader effort to promote greater energy efficiency in the United States.
Conclusion
The LWV’s energy conservation forum series concluded with a special writing and art contest. Students were prompted to imagine a future environment that people would want to live in and how to influence others to share that goal. The winners of the writing and art contests were Grace Barie, a student from New Ulm High School, and Dylan Swingford, Jack Stoner, and Brayden Malcolm from River Bend Education District, respectively.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. No Poverty
– Target 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social, and environmental shocks and disasters.
– Indicator 1.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
– Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
– Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities.
13. Climate Action
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
17. Partnerships for the Goals
– Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
– Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| No Poverty | Target 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social, and environmental shocks and disasters. | Indicator 1.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. |
| Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption. |
| Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities. |
| Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. |
| Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships. |
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Fuente: nujournal.com
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