Environmental Impacts: Does all-electric equipment help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Numerous studies have documented how efficient air-source heat pumps reduce emissions relative to their natural gas counterparts. This advantage will increase over time as we transition our energy grid to carbon-free energy sources. Find out how we’re building the foundation for a net-zero emissions future.
Cold Temperatures: Do heat pumps work at cold temperatures?
Yes. Heat pump technology has continued improving thanks to the compressor and motor technology advancements and improved coil design. “Cold climate heat pumps” can operate well even when outdoor temperatures fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to minimum insulation requirements, new construction offers a great opportunity to install heat pumps. Heat pumps can also work for retrofits, and in some cases, homeowners opt to include backup heating such as electric resistance or a supplementary furnace.
Electric Bills: Will going all-electric reduce my energy bills?
Home electricity bills are based on a combination of the types of equipment installed and plug-in and user behavior - such as how you control your thermostat. However, when efficient equipment is installed, electric technologies like heat pumps can maintain or improve affordability over gas.
Ground-Source Heat Pumps: What are ground-source (a.k.a. geothermal) heat pumps?
Ground-source heat pumps offer customers another avenue to electrify and provide efficient space heating and cooling. These options often have a higher upfront installation cost and unique design considerations, but they can be a great fit for many homes and property types.
Grid Impacts: Can the electric grid handle households go all-electric?
Rocky Mountain Power is well equipped to handle the energy needs of all-electric new construction. Additionally, we’re investing and conducting analyses to ensure grid reliability as customers electrify existing equipment and transition to electric vehicles. To reduce grid impacts, it’s best to use home equipment and charge electric vehicles during off-peak hours when the electricity demand is lower. Learn about Time of Day options and Time of Use for EV drivers.
Energy Solutions: What else can I do to lower my environmental footprint?
Rocky Mountain Power offers several ways to help customers reduce energy use and create a healthier environment.
- Cool Keeper: Utah customers along the Wasatch Front with central air conditioning can participate in the Cool Keeper program to reduce energy use during peak times in the summer. Customers earn an incentive to participate.
- Renewable energy: You can support additional renewable energy through our Blue Sky or Subscriber Solar programs.
- Wattsmart® Battery: If you have on-site solar generation, you can earn incentives for allowing us to automatically manage your battery as a part of our smart grid.