This week, APGA issued a statement expressing disappointment in exclusion of gas appliances from the new ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Program. This new initiative from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to increase household energy affordability, which is also a goal of APGA, but it does not allow for inexpensive natural gas to fuel the appliances that are part of the following six upgrades:
• An ENERGY STAR certified air source heat pump for clean and efficient heating and cooling;
• An ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater for super-efficient hot water;
• An ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat with smart climate controls;
• High-performing ENERGY STAR certified windows and storm windows;
• A well-insulated and sealed attic; and,
• An electric vehicle charger-ready home.
This decision to not include gas appliances also risks energy reliability as homeowners would be subject to the susceptibility of the electric grid; as well, innovation is stifled. Low-carbon fuels like renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen could not be used in homes with only electric appliances. Similarly, there is no consideration of new technologies, like gas heat pumps, which will have comparable efficiencies to electric heat pumps.
APGA appreciates efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and all sources and would like to work on this problem collaboratively with federal government partners. New initiatives like the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Program are not practical ways to achieve emissions decreases. The existing natural gas system and the innovations that utilize it should be part of the solution.
To see the statement,
click here.
For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-544-1334 or by email at
ssaulters@apga.org.