Shift-Catalysts is a nonprofit organization working to create an equitable, regenerative, and democratic energy system grounded in belonging. In this opinion piece, they argue that systems thinking is a critical tool to improve energy equity.
Learn more about what a non-pipe alternative (NPA) means and how it helps utility and energy companies delay or avoid large investments in energy infrastructure.
When it is not possible to carry out deep energy retrofit projects, such as replacing the roof, or upgrading heating and cooling systems – there are still minor retrofits or "low hanging fruit" upgrades and modifications which can reap energy savings.
Rising energy prices and the drive for low carbon fuels are likely to make fuel switching increasingly desirable to homeowners - it can also result in lower operational and maintenance costs. Carbon emissions from buildings can be reduced through fuel switching in residential or commercial buildings.
The most common type of heat pump in North America is an air-source heat pump. In the summer, an air-source heat pump works just like a regular AC: it takes warm air from inside your home and moves it outside. But in the winter, a heat pump works like an AC in reverse.