California Heat Pump Electrification In 2023

Global leaders are attempting to transition away from fossil fuels in hopes to reduce carbon emissions. President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August of 2022 aiming to fight inflation, lower prescription drug prices, and invest in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy. California Governor Gavin Newsom took immediate action to achieve critical climate goals set in place by the IRA. In this article, we will discuss what the Inflation Reduction Act means for California homeowners and their heating sources.

“Pumping” Into Climate Change

The IRA bill includes $370 billion for clean energy sources that improve energy efficiency. The Act positions to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 40% by 2030. This can be achieved by many steps in place, such as offering homeowners tax credits and rebates for switching to energy efficient heating options. Those who do not qualify for a rebate can receive up to $2,000 in tax credit when choosing to replace their home gas system with an electric heat pump.

The Golden State has set a target of 3 million climate friendly homes and 6 million heat pumps installed by 2030, called by Governor Newsom. If you are looking to install a new heating system for your home in California, now is the time!

How Heat Pumps Benefit California

There is a reason our global leaders are making a change to reduce carbon emissions: to improve air quality and overall human health. Heat pumps are an extremely energy efficient heating and cooling option for homes in most climates, especially California where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. The heating and cooling unit does not require burning fossil fuels to generate heat, as it relies solely on electricity.

What Is A Heat Pump?

The misleading word “heat” in the name leads most to believe the system only produces heat. Contrary to popular belief, heat pumps are a two-in-one system that provide both heating and cooling. To break down the name, the system “pumps heat” from one place to another. In colder months, heat pumps draw heat energy from the air, ground, or water and transfer it inside your home. In warmer temperatures, heat pumps collect heat from inside your home and relocate it outdoors.

Heat pumps have six main components: the outdoor unit, indoor unit, refrigerant, compressor, reversing valve, and expansion valve. All of these components work together to move heat from one place to another.

There are three main types of heat pumps: air-source, water-source, and ground-source. All have similar operation processes, but take advantage of heat from different places.

Advantages Of A Heat Pump

Aside from being environmentally friendly, heat pumps can provide many benefits for you and your home. Below are five advantages to installing a heat pump.

• Lower Running Costs
• Less Maintenance
• Energy Efficient
• Two-In-One System
• Improve Air Quality

Lower Running Costs

Natural gas furnace systems are the most common heating source in the United States. Unfortunately, the price of natural gas has dramatically increased and has not been this high since 2014. As more natural gas is used, the more prices will increase. While furnaces can keep your home comfortable, it may not keep your bills affordable in the future. If you are looking to replace your heating system in Los Angeles, we encourage you to consider heat pumps. Heat pumps require much less electricity when compared to furnaces, which can reduce monthly bills.

Less Maintenance

Like all heating systems, heat pumps should be serviced by a professional once a year. Due to heat pumps providing both heating and cooling, homeowners can just have one system serviced rather than two. Heat pumps are one of the easiest heating systems to maintain, because the unit uses the same components to heat and cool.

Energy Efficient

Due to the process of moving heat rather than generating it, heat pumps consume less energy. According to the U.S. Department Of Energy, air-source heat pumps can save up to 50% of electricity use when compared to heating options such as furnaces. The less energy used, the more you will save.

Two-In-One System

As mentioned, heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling. As most California residents know, winter temperatures can fluctuate. The two-in-one system can be easily changed from heating to cooling with the flip of a switch. This provides flexible heating and cooling for unpredictable weather conditions and can always keep your home comfortable.

Improve Air Quality

The process of a heat pump requires it to constantly move air from one place to another. This can improve air quality due to the constant circulation rather than maintaining musty air in your home. While filtering out dust and pollutants, heat pumps can reduce humidity. Additionally, heat pumps do not release harmful fumes such as carbon monoxide into the air.

California is taking action to help fight climate change and reduce harmful greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere. The Inflation Reduction Act funds the development of renewable energy sources, such as heat pumps for homes. If you are looking to install or replace your heating system in Los Angeles or surrounding areas, give one of Brody Pennell’s technicians a call! We can help make the process a breeze and get you on track to reduce your carbon footprint in 2023.