Are Heat Pumps the Answer for Clean Heat? It Depends

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Heat pumps have been around for residential heating and cooling for decades, but the movement toward carbon-free energy has made them more relevant than ever. Compared to purely electric heat, heat pumps are four to five times more efficient. But can they actually replace the combustion of fossil fuels like natural gas, propane or kerosene?

That depends on multiple factors, including the sophistication of the heat pump, the ambient temperatures expected in winter, and whether or not an auxiliary combustion heater will still be needed. If the latter is true, the capital cost of two systems may argue for expenditures to reduce heat loss, rather than replacing the heat source.

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*ABOUT END OF THE LINE:*
Manufacturing veteran James Anderton expresses his compelling and unique opinions about the state of the manufacturing sector and the engineering industry more broadly. He shares his thoughts and insights to help engineering and manufacturing professionals navigate through the challenges of world events, the blending old with new technologies, evolving processes, gaps in skilled labour, in an effort to help maximize productivity of their daily operations. Occasionally, he just likes to vent.

James is a former editor of trade publications in the automotive, metalworking and plastics industries with contributions to a wide range of print and on-line publications. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and manufacturing for a Tier One automotive supplier.

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