Building Emissions Could Be Cut in Half with Heating Electrification

The American Council on Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) published a report that outlined how carbon emissions could dramatically reduce if space heating were converted to electricity. In order to meet long-term goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel burning to heat homes and buildings needs to be moderated or eliminated. High-efficiency electric heat pumps (generated from renewable energy) are one way to fulfill this need. The report models the effects of substituting several types of gas-based heating systems in commercial buildings with different electric heat pump systems.

Heating electrification in buildings encompasses replacing electric technologies for combustion-fuel where other fuels are being used. (i.e., space heating and water heating.) Industrial electrification consists of fueling a wide range of industrial processes by electricity instead of combustion fuels.

The different types of Electric Resistance Heating as outlined by the U.S. Department of Energy include:

Electric furnaces: require extra energy to distribute the heated air throughout the home, which makes them more expensive to operate. Air flows through ducts and the furnace’s heating elements activate in stages to avoid overloading a whole-house electrical system.

Electric baseboard heaters: zonal heaters controlled by thermostats are located within individual rooms. Metal pipes encase heating elements that run the length of the baseboard’s housing unit. These are usually installed under windows and can be noisy, giving poor temperature control.

Electric wall heaters: an electric element with a rear reflector pushes heat out into a room through a fan. These are installed on mainly interior walls, as exterior walls are difficult to insulate.

ACEE published a document describing different programs to electrify space heating in homes and buildings. By promoting the programs used to electrify space heating in homes and buildings, the public will become more aware of the options, opportunities, and advantages available. Rebate incentives also increase participation, emphasizing growth within the residential sector.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Policy and Systems Analysis under the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Contract prepared a document that outlines the drivers, barriers, prospects, and policy approaches regarding the electrification of buildings and industry in the U.S.

For all your electrical equipment needs, contact J&P Electrical today. 

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.