News & Events

Transitioning to a Heat Pump - My Experience

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Published on Sunday November 10th, 2024

Author: Morgan G.

My experience getting a heat pump has been overwhelmingly positive, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering an HVAC upgrade. There were several reasons for my decision to switch to a heat pump.

1. Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence: My primary motivation was to minimize reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to climate change, as well as reducing the environmental impacts associated with the extraction, refining, and transportation of natural gas. As a participant in Ameren's Pure Power wind energy program, I was paying for wind energy, so anything I could electrify in my home meant less fossil fuel consumption overall. The case would be the same for anyone else who participates in a solar or wind program or has rooftop solar. As Ameren moves away from coal generation, electricity will become a cleaner and cleaner source of energy for everyone, reducing impacts to climate and other environmental conditions. Heating and cooling are typically the largest energy consumers in a household, so by upgrading to a heat pump, I could significantly reduce both energy usage and emissions.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Although heat pumps can be pricier up front to purchase and install than traditional systems, it was more efficient than the older systems, which lead to some energy cost savings. Also, I was able to get off natural gas, the prices of which are more subject to unpredictable geopolitical and environmental factors, which can cause billing spikes. I saw my bills stay the same or get cheaper depending on the month, and especially enjoy a cost benefit when gas prices are high.
3. Personal Health & Safety: I was uncomfortable with natural gas in my home due to concerns about gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and managing pilot lights. Even if these risks were extremely low, transitioning to electric heating made me feel safer.

I installed my heat pump in 2021 when my gas furnace was deemed "compromised" during a seasonal inspection and needed replacement. I had purchased my house at the end of 2020 and lived with a gas furnace and electric air conditioner HVAC system for the first year. I knew I wanted to consider electrifying and getting off gas heating, and looked into a heat pump. The gas furnace and air conditioning system were both from the 1980s, and the AC unit had a very low Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of around 5 or 6. A heat pump would replace both the furnace and AC unit, while also offering an efficient solution for heating and cooling.

One word of caution I would give to others considering a heat pump is to be prepared for pushback from HVAC installers. They sell what they know and what they have in stock, so they may recommend conventional technologies over heat pumps. Despite expressing my interest in a heat pump, some contractors still suggested I replace my old gas furnace with a new gas furnace. With heat pumps on the rise as an energy efficient climate solution, I advise others to stand firm in their choice and critically evaluate the reasoning behind recommendations. An HVAC system can work for the next 20 years. If you care about an energy- and emissions-efficient long-term choice, don’t let a little more up-front cost or a contractor pushing older technologies get in the way of a long term benefit. In the end, I was pleased with my chosen contractor, who helped me navigate available rebates and tax incentives. For contractors interested in learning more about heat pumps, the DOE has a new tool to help with selection and installation of heat pumps. 

Keep in mind, the quality of installation significantly impacts a heat pump’s efficiency and longevity, so the experience of the company who installs it matters for the overall functionality of the system over its lifetime. Be sure to choose a company to work with carefully, and work with them closely so they have accountability for their work. I received quotes from three companies, some of which I found through Angi (formerly Angie’s List) and one from Ameren’s website, which provided ratings for contractors based on their ability to work with utility rebates. Ultimately, I selected a contractor from Ameren’s site due to their strong rating and familiarity with available incentives. Although cold-climate heat pumps can work in low temperatures, installers here will likely include an auxiliary heat kit to kick on when it gets really cold. Whether or not this is listed explicitly on their bid, it is commonly done in our region. 

It’s also important to note that whether you have a ducted HVAC system, a ductless mini-split system, or no artificial heating or cooling at all in a space, there is a heat pump for you! They come in both ducted and ductless ‘mini-split’ options. 

Since installing the heat pump, I haven’t noticed a difference in overall home comfort. While the initial investment may be a little higher, the long-term benefits are substantial: the potential to run on renewable energy; energy efficiency and potential savings, especially during periods of high gas prices; and health and safety.

Recycle Yard Signs

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Published on Tuesday October 15th, 2024

Help keep your yard signs out of the landfill this November!

In 2020, the St. Louis region diverted a total of 2,680 pounds of yard signs and 1,200 metal frames from landfills. This year, participation has expanded to almost twentycollection points in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County.

Please do not place yard signs in your single stream recycling bin! The wire frames can impede or jam sorting equipment at the materials recycling facility (MRF), and the panels may not be made of a recyclable material that is accepted at the MRF.

After the election, you can collect the political yard signs from your street or neighborhood and bring them to one of the dropoff locations below. (Please note: ONLY Corrugated Plastic signs will be accepted; NO plastic wrap/film, cardboard, or laminated cardboard signs. Also, volunteers cannot take signs off of private property without permission.) 

October 29, 2024 Sustainability Lab @ T-REX

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Published on Tuesday October 8th, 2024

Technical Assistance for Grants

Tuesday, October 29, 2024
3:45pm-5:00pm Presentation & Discussion (join in person or on Zoom)
5:00pm-6:00pm Networking (in person only)

Join in Person:
T-REX (911 Washington Ave. in downtown St. Louis)
Sharptooth Boardroom (5th Floor)
Plan your trip using public transit here.

Register and Join on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrfu-qqTktGNElSdl8yon0HPlS61PGonSO

At this Lab, we will learn about our local Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTACs), which provide training and other assistance to build capacity for applying for and managing grant funding. These centers are intended to remove barriers and improve accessibility for communities with environmental justice concerns. Speakers will include:

• Olivia Smith, Community Outreach Associate with EPN Region 5, a partner of the Great Lakes TCTAC that serves Illinois
• Beth Gutzler, Lead Environmental Justice Organizer with Metropolitan Congregations United, a partner of the Heartlands Environmental Justice Center TCTAC that serves Missouri
• Rayan Makarem, Community Outreach Associate with EPN Region 7, a partner of the Heartlands Environmental Justice Center TCTAC that serves Missouri

Click here to save this event to your calendar.

Zero Waste Month Spotlight: CircularSTL

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Published on Monday October 7th, 2024

Author: Anna Chott, East-West Gateway Council of Governments

On September 24, CircularSTL hosted a symposium at Cortex to showcase initiatives that support a circular economy in St. Louis. A circular economy is one in which products are less resource intensive and 'waste' is recaptured as a resource to manufacture new materials and products. You can be part of the solution and eliminate waste that is littering and piling up in our region's alleys, streets, landfills, and waterways! You can make a difference by supporting many local organizations that allow you to compost and reduce wasted food; participate in community clothing swaps; give a second life to used sports gear; and switch to and advocate for reusable options over single-use cafeteria trays and other serveware.

The CircularSTL Symposium highlighted organizations that are innovating to reduce waste and make sustainability ‘fun.’ For example, Perennial’s Community Clothing Swaps offer opportunities to donate and take home new-to-you clothing, putting a stop to the enormous amount of waste from ‘fast fashion’ and diverting more than 1,000 pounds from the landfill per swap. Passback is a 501c3 startup that collects and refurbishes surplus sports gear and redistributes it, creating a circular economy for sports gear and textiles. Colin Hale shared how CannonDesign is building toward a circular economy by designing buildings for deconstruction and reuse. Morph Bags identifies waste materials (such as excess material from diving equipment or flags) and makes it into products like bags and yoga mats. Ripple Glass offers drop off bins for around St. Louis that can accept all types of glass for recycling, including candles, drinking glasses, windows, and even broken glass. Their model addresses the fact that glass is difficult to handle and sort in single stream recycling. (Unlike other materials like aluminum - 75% of aluminum ever produced is still in use, due to recycling!)

Food waste was highlighted as an important resource and opportunity. Sustain-a-Plate works with grocery stores to reduce food waste and simplify inventory management. In one case study, they reduced the time one grocery store spent tracking expiration dates from 2 days to instantly. Show-Me Green Schools programs work with an incredible number of schools that are reducing their food waste and growing their own food. The OneSTL Food Waste Diversion Committee is working on a regional Food Waste Prevention and Recovery Plan. New Earth Farm contributes to these collaborative efforts and education, alongside their operation of a community composting program that offers drop off bins and pickup services (with two new electric vans!). In 2023, the Green Dining Alliance’s Food Waste Challenge engaged 8 restaurants and over 250 employees to divert over 17,000 lbs of food waste from landfills. The challenge is now recruiting restaurants for October 2024. 

Reuse was also presented as a solution to build a circular economy. Earthday365 has provided grants to Pershing Elementary and Bayless Schools for reusable cafeteria trays. Reusable trays not only reduce waste, but can also replace polystyrene single-use trays, which are associated with health concerns. The ending keynote speaker Mike Martin, founder of r.World, has spent his life making events greener and found that reuse is the ideal environmental solution for events. Martin pointed out that the reusable options they offer have the lowest climate impact of any option for live events; single-use aluminum cups have a higher climate impact even than single-use plastic.

October is Zero Waste Month, an opportunity for you to make a change to reduce your waste, join with these organizations to have an impact - and have FUN!

September 24, 2024 Sustainability Lab @ T-REX

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Published on Monday September 9th, 2024

Save $ with Solar

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
3:45pm-5:00pm Presentation & Discussion (join in person or on Zoom)
5:00pm-6:00pm Networking (in person only)

Join in Person:
T-REX (911 Washington Ave. in downtown St. Louis)
Sharptooth Boardroom (5th Floor)
Plan your trip using public transit here.

Register and Join on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlf-2tqj0sGdFBcTx1tDpmLizht1yhnmwk

At this Lab, we will hear from a local school, church, and municipality that have installed solar, and the financial and other benefits they have seen. By learning from each other, more organizations can realize the financial savings, climate resilience benefits, and educational opportunities offered by solar energy. This event is a great opportunity for entities who are considering solar to meet and learn from a peer that has completed a project, and for all who are interested in learning more. Speakers will include:

• Mayor Brian K. Jackson, co-chair of 24:1 Municipal Partnership and mayor of City of Beverly Hills
• Susan Zareh, teacher and founding member of the green committee at Forsyth Elementary School
• Darian Wigfall, Executive Director of St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Click here to save this event to your calendar. 

Drive Electric Week Spotlight: Why I Chose an EV for My Next and Only Car

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Published on Sunday September 8th, 2024

Author: Jim Jordan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: CNET. CNET asked industry experts if it was cheaper to charge an electric vehicle vs. fueling a gas-powered car, and theses are the results they found.

 

My name is Jim Jordan and I have been an electric vehicle (EV) owner since 2017. My first EV was a Nissan Leaf (~100 mile range) and it was one of two vehicles I owned. In late 2022, I wanted to go down to just one vehicle, an EV only. I needed an SUV to transport a chair and other equipment. I purchased a VW ID.4 in the spring of 2023. There were very few EV SUV’s available in early 2023 because of supply chain delays. The ID.4 was the only one I knew would be eligible for the Federal Tax credit of $7500 as it was built in a new VW plant in Chattanooga, TN. It cost ~50,000 before the $7,500 tax credit. Comparable SUVs were about the same price. (This may not be true for sedans.) So with the tax credit, it was actually cheaper. 

 

Many people feel a need for an internal combustion engine (ICE) car for long trips, but it did not make sense to own two vehicles. Sixteen months later, I have no regrets, and with quick chargers now prevalent along interstates, I will travel to upstate NY and back in October without any issues.

 

There are three ways to “fuel” an EV. Using a home charger (level 1 – 110 v and level 2 – 200v) costs about one-third of gasoline (see the image above). If I use a quick charger (DC fast charge) it is about equivalent to purchasing gasoline. My ID.4 has a range of ~250 miles/charge. There are also a host of free level 2 chargers at cultural institutions and municipalities throughout St Louis. I also have solar panels so I charge my car mostly with photons! As Ameren adds more renewable energy in Missouri and Illinois, all cars powered by electricity will have a lower carbon footprint. It is estimated that the ID.4 fuel economy is around 31 kWh=100 miles. It costs about a gallon of gas to charge 33 kWh, which puts the ID.4 at around 100 mpg efficiency, compared to a Subaru’s 25mpg.

 

According to Ameren Missouri, electric vehicles can save drivers up to $1200 annually. This is because there is no need for oil changes, air filters, tune ups, etc. There are fewer moving parts and components to break or need replacement. All you need is a battery check every year, monitor brakes and ac/heater unit. I feel I save closer to $500/year, because I only drive ~10,000 mi/year. (While there is the potential for savings, costs will vary depending on each situation. Keep reading to learn about a calculator to estimate how much you could save.)

 

So, my EV is a hands down winner in all areas – fuel costs, maintenance, original cost and less carbon emissions (remember I charge with mostly solar produced electricity). I also have an all-electric house that uses 85% solar-produced electricity for both my car and abode. Mid July – mid August my total energy bill was $60 (over $12 was for fees and taxes). I bet your gasoline powered car used more than $60 for the month! 

 

You can estimate how much you could save annually with an electric vehicle using an online calculator available for Missouri and Illinois. Then you can find out more about which vehicles qualify for federal tax credits: $7,500 back on new electric vehicles, and $4,000 back on used electric vehicles. In addition, EV buyers can use the credits to effectively lower the vehicle’s purchase price by having it act as a payment on their vehicle at the point of sale. Be advised, not all vehicles qualify, so you should do your research or talk to an expert to make sure you are making an eligible purchase.

 

Drive Electric Week is Sept 27-Oct 6. This is the perfect time to learn about electric vehicles, whether they are right for your next car, and how much you could save. A local Drive Electric event in Troy (in Madison County, IL) offers an opportunity to talk to EV owners about their experience. You can also talk to electric vehicle owners on the St. Louis Sustainable Backyard Tour, which happens every summer. I have hosted the tour at my home, and you can find other EV owners near you who want to give a tour and show off their vehicle.

 

Photo credit: Jim Jordan. Jim Jordan feels that his EV is a hands down winner and has no regrets about going electric.