The 21st century demands that we think about new and efficient ways to power our lives, including clean energy systems to heat and cool our homes.
The ways we power our homes generate a large portion of greenhouse gases that are warming the climate, while buildings account for approximately one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in New York State. The science is clear: we must stop burning fossil fuels to curb the climate crisis. We must electrify our homes. But how do we go about that?
At the moment, the great majority of Long Island homes are powered by gas and oil. Building electrification includes the conversion of fossil fuel appliances for space heating and cooling, water heaters, stoves and dryers into high-efficiency electric appliances.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heating and cooling make up about 43% of a home’s monthly utility costs.
Thankfully the clean energy revolution is accelerating exponentially, and heat pumps hold great promise in the clean energy transition.
Heat pumps?
Yes, the quiet revolution in heating and cooling over the past several decades has been a rapidly evolving reverse refrigerator-like technology that dramatically increases energy efficiency and reduces our demand for fossil fuels to power our household needs.
Heat pumps ensure stable and clean energy operation at a much lower monthly cost than dependence on gas or oil.
Given the geopolitical stressors affecting the price of fossil fuels, many homeowners are turning towards clean energy for rate stabilization and reliability. Of course, their motivation may also simply be to protect the environment for future generations!
Air source heat pumps are two to three times more energy efficient than propane or oil. Likewise, heat pump water heaters are two to three times more efficient than standard heaters.
Installing them in your basement will have the added benefit of dehumidifying the space. You could also replace your gas dryer with a heat pump dryer that uses less energy, doesn’t require ventilation and is gentler on clothes.
But what about cost? The Biden-Harris administration is supporting homeowners in the clean energy transition with Inflation Reduction Act incentives. Rewiring America cleverly states on their website that “you miss 100% of the tax credits you don’t claim.”
If you already installed a heat pump, rooftop solar, bought an electric vehicle or weatherized your home in 2023, you qualify for tax credits (you can still amend if you already filed.) So here’s the deal: the government is encouraging you to save money on heating and cooling while protecting the environment for your kids. Are you in?
The first step towards home energy efficiency is weatherization. You must make sure your home is insulated and take steps to prevent leaks.
Schedule a home energy audit to assess whether your home is drafty and learn what steps you have to take to make your home more energy efficient.
By making your home more efficient and investing in clean energy, you can reduce your monthly utility bill, reduce both indoor and outdoor pollution and improve your home’s health and comfort. It’s never been more affordable to transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable technologies in your home.
The Residential Energy Affordability Program is designed to meet the needs of low-income families and PSEG-LI offers free weatherization, air/duct sealing and insulation for qualifying customers who also receive a $50 bill credit.
The Town of North Hempstead offered a virtual webinar last month dedicated to your home’s energy efficiency.
You can visit the town’s website for a recording of this webinar to learn about: electrifying your home, solar options, electric vehicles and the regional Long Island Clean Energy Hub that’s dedicated to supporting the transition to clean energy with personalized assistance at no cost.
But beware of the push by Big Oil to convince the public that natural gas is the solution to our energy problems.
Because I’m an energy nerd, I’ve been intently watching a bill on the West coast, introduced by Democratic California state Sen. Henry Stern, who demands “natural gas” be named “methane” throughout all of the state’s energy codes. This change accentuates the fact that “natural gas” is indeed a potent greenhouse gas.
For Sen. Stern it’s personal. Wildfires destroyed his home. Wildfires are now more prevalent and devastating in a changing climate.
A fierce champion of the environment, he isn’t new to battling Big Oil. He led an effort to successfully shut down a natural gas storage facility notorious for methane leaks. He has placed special emphasis on climate justice, supporting those most vulnerable in a changing climate.
As responsible 21st century citizens of the global economy in a changing climate, we must clean up our energy sources and offer affordable, clean and equitable electricity for all. Solar and wind power is readily available here on Long Island; we don’t need to frack for fossilized plant materials anymore.
Clean energy technologies are already here and the transition is happening. Renewable technologies are focusing efforts on improved recyclability and closing the loop from dirty, linear to clean and sustainable, circular economy.
Who’s your local environmental champion? Who stands out on Long Island as the most critical voice on climate? Make sure you discover your local heroes and support them with your votes. And when casting your vote in November, there’s no doubt who’s going to be our clean energy president. Make sure you vote.
