Today, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) celebrates Energy Efficiency Day by urging Americans to get active and take active steps to improve energy efficiency. Consider joining the CFA and hundreds of other organizations, cities, businesses, and individuals in a nationwide effort to become more independent, improve the environment, and save hundreds of dollars in unnecessary energy bills. This year, CFA is promoting electric heat pumps, a particularly energy-efficient device that most homeowners and landlords should consider buying, especially if they have older heating or central air conditioning systems. Starting today, we’re also publishing ten easy tips to help you cut your utility bills.
While many consumers have realized that replacing old incandescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs with more efficient LED bulbs or installing a programmable thermostat that adjusts the heating or cooling temperature in their home based on demand and occupancy can result in significant savings. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), along with the rebates and tax credits it contains, has prompted more and more homeowners to consider replacing their central air conditioners with air or ground source heat pumps, especially as their AC power has reached its end. its useful life. It’s wise to plan ahead rather than waiting for your system to freeze so you can make well-thought-out choices, rather than in emergencies where you may be faced with limited, less efficient options.
The heat pump works in the same way as central air conditioning in the summer and provides heating during the colder months. This could reduce or even eliminate the use of combustible fuels for home heating. In heating mode, a heat pump is about three times more efficient than a gas oven. As renewable energy continues to play an increasing role in the energy system, using efficient heat pumps for most home heating will significantly reduce a home’s carbon footprint. A recent study showed savings of 45-50% on existing homes. [one]
Compared to replacing a traditional central air conditioning system, the initial cost of installing a heat pump system of the same size would add about $1,800 to the average home. However, the IRA offers a 30 percent tax credit on heat pumps and heat pump water heaters—up to $2,000 per taxpayer. With the efficient heat (and cooling!) provided by these systems, consumers can save 45-50% on existing utility bills! [2]
Heat pumps are a prime example of the type of energy efficiency investment a homeowner should make, especially if they are replacing or installing a new air conditioning system. With the passage of the IRA, installing heat pumps will cost less, save a lot on monthly utility bills, and greatly help reduce the home’s carbon footprint, and support our nation’s aging grid and infrastructure. Promise today to heat and cool your home with products that don’t warm the planet: efficient and affordable heat pumps.
Want to celebrate Energy Efficiency Day by doing something effective to reduce your home’s energy use and carbon footprint while saving money? Promise to make your next central air system a heat pump!