Heat pumps have emerged as the unsung heroes of the decarbonization movement, offering an all-electric alternative to conventional oil and gas HVAC systems. However, here in the US there’s a catch. Over the years,have garnered a reputation for only functioning effectively in mild-weather southern states. Now the race is on to prove they can outperform oil and gas in the cold winters of the US north, too.
According to data compiled by Davis, only 7% of households with incomes under $20,000 used heat pumps as a primary heating source in 2015. By 2020, the percentage jumped to 14%.the United States Climate Alliance “When I took office in 2019, I set a goal of installing 100,000 heat pumps in Maine by 2025,” Maine Governor Janet Mills points out. “After reaching that goal two years ahead of schedule, we are now on our way to achieving our new target of 275,000 heat pump installations by the time I leave office in 2027.”
“The Consortium will foster entrepreneurship and a culture of problem-solving through enhanced research and development,” they stated, adding that the new Consortium will “facilitate collaboration among LG innovators, university researchers, local industry and government agencies to help drive market transformation through research on heat pump technology and electrification.”
“Working with the University of Alaska will further accelerate LG’s efforts to drive market transformation supporting the decarbonization of buildings throughout North America and around the world,” he added, further twisting the knife on oil and gas HVAC systems..