Here’s why they’re great for homeowners – and great for the environment.
If you haven’t yet heard about the benefits of installing a heat pump space heater or heat pump water heater, you soon will. California has also launched an initiative to install 6 million heat pumps by 2030.
Don’t worry, the state won’t come into your home to rip out your furnace! They’re just asking all of us to switch to energy-efficient appliances when the time is right for us. There’s an upside of converting to heat pumps: Saving money on our utility bills.
What Are Heat Pumps?
An electric heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one location to another. During the winter, air source heat pumps move heat from the outdoors to inside your home, even when it is very cold outside. During the summer, the appliance reverses direction. It sends heat outside, cooling your home. Air source heat pumps can also dehumidify indoor spaces and make them more comfortable. The same technology is used in heat pump water heaters.
Infographic source: U.S. Department of Energy
Why Does California Want Us to Install Heat Pumps?
Traditional space heaters and air conditioners use a lot of energy. As much as two-thirds of the energy that single-family homes use goes toward heating water and heating or cooling our homes. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, if we replace furnaces and air conditioners with electric heat pumps we can cut our household’s energy use by 31% to 47%.
There’s a benefit to the environment as well: Today, heating and cooling produce 25% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions. This air pollution comes from electric plants powered by fossil fuels and from household appliances powered by natural gas. Electric heat pumps powered by clean electricity could substantially reduce California’s pollution. However, only 4% of California homes have electric heat pumps right now.
California has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2045. To help us meet that goal, the state wants to make it easier for homes and businesses to switch to energy-efficient electric appliances like heat pumps. That’s why the state formed the private-public California Heat Pump Partnership, which plans to help 6 million California homes and businesses install heat pumps over the next five years.
The Benefit to Your Pocketbook
There’s no beating around the bush: Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters cost more to buy and install. Once these energy-efficient appliances are up and running, however, the savings add up. According to Carbon Switch, the average California home could save $300 a year on their monthly power bills if it switched to an electric heat pump.
In addition, the federal and state government have set up incentive programs and rebates to help Californians cover the costs of upgrading to electric heat pumps. PG&E, which delivers the electricity that VCE purchases for our customers, offers incentives as well.
Want to Learn More About Heat Pumps?
If your home’s furnace, air conditioner, or water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, contact VCE’s free new Electric Advisor service! Our trained Electric Advisors will help you:
Find electric heat pumps (and other energy-saving appliances) that will fit your home and budget.
Point out incentives and rebates that can cover part of the cost. (Some incentives are set aside for low-income households.)
Help you find a local contractor to install the system.
To get started, visit electricadvisor.valleycleanenergy.org or call 855-699-8232.
Electric heat pumps can help us save money, improve the comfort of our homes and businesses, and contribute to our state and national clean-air goals — all at the same time. At VCE, we’re committed to helping our customers achieve all of these benefits.