Electrify your heating and hot water
There is no way we can limit global warming to 1.5C if heat and hot water in homes are created by fossil fuel boilers running on gas or oil.
So, our last idea from the big six is to electrify all heat and hot water at home. This can be done by installing a heat pump, solar panels, solar thermal, or a combination of all three. This is another step that requires a large upfront investment and time to manage the project but, even if it’s not for 2023, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the transition this decade.
Although installing a heat pump does cost more, they are 3-5 times more efficient than gas boilers, so you’ll save money on your bills over time. As gas prices increase, the yearly savings go up.
Did you know?
Over one-sixth of global natural gas demand is for heating in buildings–in the European Union, this number is one-third. Heating in buildings is responsible for 10% of global emissions. Heat pumps run on green electricity can cut carbon emissions by 80%. With home heating accounting for more than half of the carbon footprint of a typical home, this could save much more than a tonne every year. With a switch to renewables, it can save even more.
Did you know?
Do heat pumps work in cold climates? In Norway, 60%ofbuildings are equipped with heat pumps, and in Sweden, it’s 40%,so clearly, they do.