To burn or not to burn

According to a new report from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), replacing gas-fired heating systems in commercial buildings with efficient electrified heat pumps could reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions of these buildings by 44%. The transformation will allow buildings to eventually become "zero carbon" as the electrical grid transitions to renewables. But the government will need to take action to encourage widespread adoption of heat pumps. ⠀

Buildings account for nearly a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, both from on-site combustion of fuels and from power plants serving buildings. A new report models the impact of replacing several types of gas heating systems in existing commercial buildings with a variety of electric heat pumps. ⠀

In some cases, electrified heating is already paying for itself. In their study, ACEEE found that about 27% of commercial space heated by fossil fuel systems can now be electrified with a simple payback in less than 10 years. ⠀

ACEEE analyzed the conversion of block heating systems, stoves, boilers and heaters for a number of real buildings in all regions. The researchers found that the economics of switching to heat pumps varied greatly. Buildings with the shortest payback are likely to be located in the Southern United States and the Pacific where heating needs are modest, and in buildings across the country that often have medium to long hours of operation, such as healthcare, grocery catering, retail and offices. ⠀

The report also states that the business case for switching to heat pumps can improve for building owners if:

- The state will improve incentives and introduce charges for greenhouse gas emissions

- Building owners will introduce other energy efficiency measures to reduce heat load at the same time heat pumps are installed

- The state invests in research and development, which can reduce the initial cost of heat pumps

But even with government support and incentives offered, electrifying heating in some types of buildings, such as buildings with complex HVAC systems or in cold climates, can be challenging. For many buildings, the report says, a viable strategy in many cases may be to electrify most of the heat load, but still have a fuel-based backup for use on very cold days.