5 pointsby rustoo6 hours ago2 comments

hash06 hours ago
Can someone explain to me in simple terms what the deal is with heat pumps - and why we have not implemented them on a large scale before? It sounds to me like a "reverse refridgerator", so the technology surely has been around for a couple of decades at least?
- throwaway_26265 hours ago
  It's literally the same technology as a refrigerator.
  At least in Europe, much of the current expansion is fueled by the parallel rise of PV solar installs in households (even without subsidies, both combined result in cheaper heating than gas).
  - hash05 hours ago
    So, in essence, it's about heating my appartment using electricity rather than heating water and distributing that around radiators? Let me guess: This has not been very prevalent in Europe because until a couple of years ago, fossil fuels were cheap enough to out-compete electrically generated heat?
    happymellon3 hours ago
    Exactly.
    Even now with 10+ years to break even on the installation it's hard to justify if you think you might move in the next decade.
    Here in the UK it would cost £7k-£14k for an air source heat pump, and you'd get between £200-300 reduction on your bills.
    If you are moving from a fossil fuel heat source, rather than electricity, then you do get a £7.5k grant. But if not, fuck you.
jqpabc1234 hours ago
The war with Iran has done what US policy refused to do --- promote cleaner (and cheaper) energy.