In Vancouver, B.C., where average winter highs were below freezing for most of last week, residents who rely on gas heaters may be contributing significantly to global warming by using them during cold weather when they could instead use electricity or propane.
BC Hydro recently released a report titled, “ Cold comfort: The link between home heating and climate change ,” [PDF, 125 KB] finds more than one-third of British Columbians think natural gas is the most environmentally-friendly way to heat a home. Many of those surveyed appear to be unaware that gas furnaces significantly contribute to climate change.
In addition, many people aren’t aware that they’re using more energy than they need to heat their homes. A study by Environment Canada found that only half of Canadians surveyed knew that heating their homes uses much less electricity when compared to cooling them.
The survey also found that British Columbians have little knowledge about how their household use contributes to climate change. Only 25 per cent of respondents correctly answered that burning fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. About 50 per cent thought that recycling
In British Columbia, 11% of greenhouse gases come from buildings and homes. In BC alone, nearly half (48%) of households rely exclusively on natural gas for heating purposes. Another one third (35%) rely solely on electricity for home heating, and just 7% use both. Natural gas heating prices rose four per cent between 2014 and 2015, according to Statistics Canada figures released last month. Meanwhile, electricity costs dropped three per cent during the same period.
Home heating in BC
In British Columbia (BC), hydroelectric power accounts for almost 100% of its electricity generation. Most of these hydropower plants run entirely off of water flowing through them, Since there’s no burning of fuel for electricity production when using an electric heat pump, switching to them makes people who live here significantly less reliant on coal and natural gas than they would be otherwise. Only 10 percent of B.C.’s residents use electricity to heat their home, but the majority say they don’t even know what an electrical heater is. And yet, electric heaters offer some of the best environmental benefits when compared to traditional heating methods like oil, wood pellets and propane.
BC Hydro customers can receive a $3,000 rebate top-up if switching from heating a home with natural gas, oil or propane. When combined with the provincial CleanBC rebate and federal rebates customers could save up to $11,000. Some local governments also have additional rebates for their residents.
Looking for ways to cut down your electricity cost and be power smart? Contact MJR Electric for a quote to retrofit your home with an electric heat pump. Our team specializes in any small commercial or residential jobs, located all mainly in the Vancouver and Okanagan area of British Columbia. We have a determined vision to reduce carbon emissions through avenues like solar and LED lighting. We see the demand and potential to provide charging stations for electric vehicles and residential electrical work.