In many states of our country, legislators have embarked on an all-out effort to electrify everything, including the way we heat our homes. They mistakenly believe that converting away from all fossil fuels and installing electric heat pumps is the answer.
These plans are gaining momentum because state governments believe this is the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
All of us at Vaughn Oil want to solve the massive challenges we face with climate change. The concern we have with the current direction lawmakers are taking is that it’s not really a solution to the problem at hand. Here’s why.
When it’s really cold, there isn’t generally enough heat energy outside for a heat pump to keep a home comfortable. The house just never seems to warm up.
To stay warm, people have found that they need to rely on a backup energy source. A recent study conducted in Massachusetts showed that 9 out of 10 people who have converted to a heat pump actually keep their existing heating system (heating oil, natural gas, etc.) as a backup. And for good reason—83% said they were unhappy with their heat pump’s performance in very cold weather.*
Plus, according to the same study, the cost alone to convert from another heating source to an electric heat pump can top $21,000. That’s guaranteed to make you shiver even more.
It’s also little-known fact is that electricity production generates the second-largest share of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA. (Transportation holds first place.)
As we continue in the effort to address climate change, we are proud to offer a 5% blend of Bioheat fuel to all of our customers. A blend of renewable biodiesel and ultra-low-sulfur heating oil, Bioheat fuel produces far fewer emissions than electricity.
Because of this, we want to see more engagement between lawmakers and the heating oil industry—and we want to be a part of the effort to educate them about the steps we are taking to reach the heating oil industry’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
We can’t rely on breakthroughs that have not yet taken place—on an already unreliable electric grid. If we do, we’ll see more overload. The electric grid is simply not ready for countless people switching over to electric heat pumps.
Contact us to learn why heating your home with clean-burning Bioheat fuel—whether it’s an oil furnace or an oil-fired boiler– is a better choice for warming your home rather than converting to an electric heat pump.
