As we move to electrify our housing stock and replace fossil fuel-burning furnaces and boilers with heat pumps, it's important to think about the building envelope. Both the initial cost and the operating cost of a heat pump will be lower if the house is completely insulated and air leakage is brought down to reasonable levels. How good does the envelope need to be in order for the house to be "heat pump ready?" We'll explore the effects of insulation and air sealing on the home's heating requirements. We'll also look at how the kind of detailed data gathered by home performance contractors can improve heat load calculations and equipment choice. We'll also touch on other aspects of heat pump readiness: Are of customers informed about how heat pumps may differ from their older heating systems? Can the house's electric service support the additional loads? Will existing ductwork work with a new heat pump? And are there air quality problems that can be addressed as part of the electrification project?
Learning Objectives:
By attending this session, attendees will:
Explain how insulation and air sealing contribute to a successful electrification project.
List data needed to plan a heat pump retrofit, including envelope components, electrical service details, and ductwork.
Explain the importance of accurate sizing calculations for efficiency and comfort.
.jpg "Jon Harrod (he/him/his) photo")