Post #4361437
2026-08-03 18:10 UTC
Heat pumps!
Upsides:
- can heat and cool
- 300-500% efficiency
- can run with any electric power, e.g. solar or wind, but even if gas power plant still less emissions than a gas furnace
- max solar energy coincides with need for cooling
- no direct greenhouse emissions
- no need for gas lines or delivery
- can't explode
- can't give you carbon monoxide poisoning
- mechanically simple
- cheap
- closed system w/ no consumables
- can double as air filters
- long-lasting
- need little maintenance
- DIY install options (window unit)
- mobile units can serve to keep one room cool if there's no budget to install whole-house
- no need to import gas from evil countries
Downsides:
- replyguys will try to tell you only "vulnerable" people need AC
Replies (1)
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@AndrewX192@infosec.exchange 2026-08-04 00:26
@thomasfuchs@hachyderm.io Two reasons I've seen my heat pump recommendations fail: Urban area noise code: In Seattle it is often possible to get AC installed with a special use agreement, but heat pumps are held to a different noise standard due to night time operation. https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDCI/Codes/ACUseAgreement.pdf Locked Rotor Amp calculations: PSE and other major utilities base their construction charges and transformer sizing based on LRA - often far more impactful than sq ft alone. transformation charges can exceed 10-20k plus traffic control and permits.