As we kick off winter 2021-2022, you’re probably anticipating a jump in your heating bill due to dropping temperatures. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it’s actually slated to be a warmer winter than usual, with above-average temperatures predicted across most of the U.S. due to LA Niña climate conditions – but you should still be prepared for higher than normal heating and electricity bills due to the rising cost of natural gas – and other fossil fuels – across the world. In this article, we’ll explain why natural gas prices are increasing, where the increases are most dramatic, and how you can protect yourself from the volatility of fossil fuel energy sources (spoiler alert: going solar will help!).
Continue readingTag Archives: air source heat pumps
What is electrification?
As more and more homeowners make the switch to both solar panels and electric vehicles in the US, the clean energy transition is now about more than just increasing clean energy. Increasingly, an important piece of the clean energy transition is electrification. Electrification is a vital piece of any carbon reduction plan, and could have some big implications for the appliances in your home–and your garage!
Continue readingWhy is my gas bill so high?
When winter kicks in, it’s time to once again start heating homes throughout the country. For many homeowners, this means increasing gas consumption and the highest gas bills of the year. If you’re looking for ways to save on your gas bill, a great option is to electrify your home heating systems. Pairing electric heating systems with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system will help to insulate yourself from rising future costs of both gas and electricity.
Continue readingThe HEAT Loan Program: energy efficiency financing in Massachusetts
Investing in energy efficiency upgrades for your home is not only one of the easiest ways to decrease your carbon footprint; it’s also one of the best ways to save money on utility bills. However, despite the clear benefits, some homeowners hesitate to install air source heat pumps, add insulation to their home, or switch to solar hot water technologies because of anticipated upfront costs. Fortunately, this isn’t much of an obstacle in the Bay State: thanks to Mass Save, homeowners throughout Massachusetts can finance these projects at 0 percent interest with the HEAT Loan Program.
Continue readingSaving Energy with EnergySage, part 6: Heating & Cooling
This post is the sixth in our series about how to save on your energy bills even when you’re spending more time at home, as the entire EnergySage team is, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic (here are the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth.) Continue to check our blog for more ideas for how you can take control of your energy bills in the coming weeks.
Continue readingSaving Energy with EnergySage, part 5: Reducing your electricity usage
This post is the fifth in our series about how to save on your energy bills even when you’re spending more time at home, as the entire EnergySage team is, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic (here are the first, second, third, and fourth.) Continue to check our blog for more ideas for how you can take control of your energy bills in the coming weeks.
Continue readingSolar news: March 6th, 2020
In this week’s Solar News Roundup, we’re covering two topics in the broader energy industry with ties to solar: electricity generation trends in 2019 and new projections in New England for electric vehicle and electric heating adoption.
Continue readingAir source heat pumps vs. geothermal heat pumps
Did you know that you can both heat your home in the dead of winter and cool things down during the hottest day of the summer using the same system? Heat pumps are a highly efficient technology that serves the dual purpose of both heating and cooling spaces. But like other types of thermal technology, there are a variety of heat pumps to consider, and some may be better suited for you depending on your property, preferences, and heating and cooling needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the major differences between the two major types of heat pumps: air source heat pumps and ground source/geothermal heat pumps.
Continue readingBenefits of solar-powered air source heat pumps
If you’re already considering installing a solar panel installation, you’re probably familiar with the positive impact it will have on your monthly electricity bill: but what if you could also substantially decrease your monthly heating and cooling bills with your new system? You can maximize your energy bill savings and decrease your carbon footprint by pairing your solar panels with energy-efficient air source heat pumps.
Continue readingPros and cons of air source heat pumps
Choosing how you want to heat and cool your property is an important decision, especially in regards to energy bills: according to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling make up roughly 48 percent of energy consumption in the average U.S. home. Because these technologies make up such a large portion of energy costs, homeowners are increasingly looking to upgrade to newer, smarter, and more energy-efficient technologies like air source heat pumps (ASHPs). In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most important advantages and disadvantages of ASHPs to keep in mind as you’re evaluating heating and cooling technologies for your property.
Continue reading