Has it ever occurred to you why the use of gas heat is heavily criticized today? If not, here is why. Gas heaters use natural gas as the main source of fuel. For heat to be released, natural gas has to be burned in large quantities. This releases carbon dioxide, which is believed to be the main cause of climate change. No one wants that.
Luckily, climatologists, HVAC technicians, and other stakeholders realized that switching to renewable energy sources like electricity can reduce carbon emissions significantly, thereby reducing the extent of climate change. Right now, you have the chance to participate in this movement. In return, you could end up earning up to $3,000 in rebates here in California.
The Energy Solutions TECH Rebate Program
The Energy Solutions TECH Incentives program is designed to make it easier for customers to enjoy the benefits of new energy-efficient technologies by offering rebates on qualifying heating and cooling equipment and water heaters. It is a win-win situation where homeowners receive efficient appliances while reducing Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This $3,000 rebate is currently active, and you have a chance of getting it by switching to heat pumps.
Why Switch from Gas Heat to Heat Pumps?
There is much to gain and little to lose from switching from gas heat to heat pumps. We just saw that gas heat is harmful to the environment, non-economical, and unhealthy. On the other hand, heat pumps produce much cleaner energy which saves you money on energy bills. It gets better when you top this with a chance of earning $3,000 in incentives. More so, most gas heaters in use today have outdated technologies making them less effective at heating and cooling by today’s standards. Take a look at the various types of heat pumps and what makes them so effective.
What Types of Heat Pumps Are There?
As the name suggests, heat pumps transfer rather than generate heat. When an enclosed area is humid, they transfer warm heat to it and repeat the process when it’s warmer. This model depends on how the heat exchange occurs. Basically, heat pumps are grouped based on the mechanisms used to exchange heat with the outdoors. There are water or ground source and air source heat pumps.
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Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
These types of heat pumps extract thermal energy from the outdoor air. The pumps can be powered by renewable sources such as solar or wind. While these energy sources are more expensive than gas, the output and performance of heat pumps compensates for the energy use. More so, heat pumps require minimal and inexpensive maintenance to keep them running. In more humid conditions, an ASHP could struggle with heating, so that’s where a GSHP comes in.
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Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)
GSHPs function by transferring heat between your house and the ground or a nearby water source. Given that ground temperatures are constant in most areas, GSHPs are quite effective in heating and cooling. However, this convenience is reflected in the high cost of installation associated with these types of heat pumps. However, before settling on which type to go with, seek consultation from HVAC technicians for an assessment of what best fits you.
Conclusion
Trends show that heat pumps are the new standard in heating and cooling systems in most modern households. Most homeowners know the benefits heat pumps have compared to gas heaters. To recap, you will be saving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and living in a safer home.
Again, this rebate program is beneficial in many ways. It’s a chance for us to give the generations to come a cleaner environment in which to thrive. The state is counting on you not only for that but also to help you save money and earn some more in return. Collectively, we can achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
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