Most buildings in the United States run on multiple fuels. To power furnaces, boilers and water heaters, buildings rely a lot on fossil fuels such as natural gas or propane. In fact, buildings account for roughly 40% of the country’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Not only that, but nearly half of all homes use natural gas as their primary heating fuel.
For all these reasons, many buildings use electrification as an alternative. The building electrification movement seeks to decarbonize the Earth’s atmosphere and decrease pollution. As one of the top electric panel companies, in this post All Seasons Inc. shares a guide on building electrification.
What Is Building Electrification?
Building electrification refers to the utilization of clean electricity for heating and cooling instead of toxic fossil fuels. Fossil fuels emit plenty of harmful compounds such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and methane, among others. As such, building electrification is one of the most essential components of a clean energy future that delivers climate and health benefits to American homes.
It’s also important to note that building all-electric homes is less expensive than building homes with appliances that run on fossil fuels. This is because mixed-fuel homes rely on gas and use water heaters and air conditioning. On the other hand, all-electric homes utilize a single heat pump system for both heating and cooling. Compared to gas appliances, heat pumps offer more energy savings, helping you save money on utility bills.
What Type of HVAC Is Used for Electrification?
Heat pump and furnace companies would be the first to tell you that heat pumps and heat-recovery systems contribute to a lower carbon footprint. Thus, they’re the enabling technology for widespread building electrification. Some homeowners may think that heat pumps fail in extreme cold, but a recent report from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) found that cold-climate heat pumps can heat homes even at -12 degrees Fahrenheit.
Instead of burning fossil fuels, heat pumps provide heating in a more eco-friendly way. Heat pumps use electricity to send heat where it’s required, as well as remove it from where it’s not. They also offer a two-for-one benefit. For instance, in the winter, heat pumps capture heat from the ground or outdoor air and draw it indoors, and expel heat from the indoors in the summer.
For further inquiries regarding your HVAC system, turn to the experts at All Seasons Inc., one of the leading heating and air conditioning companies in Washington State. We’re more than happy to assist you with building electrification and other projects. Call us today at (253) 879-9144 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in and around Gig Harbor and Tacoma, WA.
