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Going Electric

7/4/2018

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I saw a blog recently that really resonated with me (https://www.treehugger.com/energy-policy/reduce-demand-clean-electricity-electrify-everything.html). In addition to reducing demand, the blog discusses concerns with energy sources, efficiency trends,  and consumer choices.

As a homeowner who strives for efficiency I have been grappling with these issues whenever we face a replacement. I have never been able to frame the issues so succinctly as in that blog.

For example, a few years ago we researched mini-splits to heat our home (our decades old boiler was at the end of its useful life). At that time, the mini split technology was not advanced enough to be a single heat solution in Maine (that has since changed). Because of that limitation, we elected to switch from oil heat to a wood pellet-based boiler. I don't regret that decision, but I would probably reach a different conclusion, were I facing that decision again today.

We have gone all in with electricity otherwise-- we are part of a community solar farm (as I mentioned in a previous blog post, our home is oriented badly for rooftop solar). Our stove is induction (which Bert loves) and our water heater is an air-source heat pump. Our cars are still gas (mine is a hybrid), but I expect we will buy electric when they need to be replaced (I don't see the point of getting rid of a paid-for and perfectly useful car just to buy an electric one). 

So we heat with pellets (we use about 2 tons/year on average) and support the Maine forest products industry and generate excess electricity for a few years before we get an electric car. I can accept that. If you are replacing your boiler or building a new home, I would strongly encourage you to consider a mini split. 

Cheers,
Mark
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    Mark Follansbee

    Vermicomposting and beyond! Check out what I've been up to on my blog.

    Please note that I'm migrating my blog from its original site. I'll be reposting previous entries until the move is complete. Click here to visit the full Blog Archive.


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