The Electrification of Everything
Information I have learned from reading the Green Building Advisors website over the past two years while building a new house (electric-only although I didn&#x27;t start with that purpose):<p>1) Air source heat pumps have become incredibly efficient even in cold climates.<p>2) Ground source heat pumps are complex and very expensive and probably best suited for large installs like schools.<p>3) Ductless mini splits are the preferred way to heat and cool most USA (tight) homes.<p>4) Modern code dictates a tight (measured by air changes per hour) home and making an existing home tighter is usually the best use of time and money.<p>5) Induction is superior in many ways and air quality points to gas cooking being much worse than previously thought.<p>6) Heat pump hot water heaters (with tank) are the most efficient way to provide hot water.<p>7) Tankless electric is difficult because of the huge spikes of power it needs. Maybe if you have a battery with your solar setup, it can work better.<p>8) Tankless also seems to have more maintenance issues than expected (e.g., it&#x27;s not maintenance free as I imagined).<p>9) Once your house becomes very tight (measured by air changes per hour), you will need to bring in fresh air. An ERV is efficient at exchanging stale, temp-regulated air with outside air.<p>10) Building tight, all-electric, with solar will provide a comfortable, clean, long-lasting house, but it will be quite a bit more expensive. Possibly 30%+ more expensive than using standard contractor choices.