Forming an energy plan is a mix and match process

By Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

There is a lot of concern these days about our energy future. This is a global concern as much of the world revolves around fuel sourced from the ground. There is plenty of confusion from the top down on what steps are necessary going forward to ensure a steady, reliable supply of power for our homes and businesses. The question of how to budget for these energy needs just adds to the confusion. I have not found anyone that has a well thought out solution to the problem.

There are really only a few energy choices. Fossil fuels, which of course include coal, NG, LP and oil. In addition to the environmental challenges, these fuel sources create political tension, even war, as we try to squeeze the remaining resources from the Earth. Then there are, thankfully, renewable sources, including water power, solar, wind, wood and biomass. Your choice may be limited based on where you chose to live and work. In the rural areas where I have lived, choices were limited. LP or electricity, wood or pellets were the options available from public or private providers. It was not unusual in the rural farm areas to see multiple fuels in use or stored for backup.

However, overall, our options are expanding. Electrification is the buzz word these days. As such, the rush is on to build products for our heating, cooling, and DHW needs that are plug and play. This makes for fun and interesting times in the design and manufacturing sector. I believe the current technology is adequate and getting better to go 100 per cent electric. Electric resistance heat is certainly well known, and equipment is readily available to cover heating and DHW loads. Air to air heat pumps have been around for decades and deliver one of the best energy returns if you need to heat and cool with a single appliance. The mini split systems have opened a lot of doors for both new and retrofit installations.

If just the DHW load is in play for electrification, you have the choice of a tank style water heater with resistance elements or an electric tankless style water heater. Heat pump water heaters are offered by dozens of manufacturers currently to help leverage the electricity used for DHW production.

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 35+ years. A longtime columnist, Bob is involved with training and education at Caleffi North America. You can reach him at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.

Many older buildings do not have the capacity for all-electric without a panel and line upgrade.

The biggest question for many is having adequate power in your home or building to power an all-electric future. Many older buildings do not have the capacity, without a panel and line upgrade. But also, the power needs to be available from the utility to keep the lines “filled.”

So, what is a person to do to ensure they can live comfortably, and affordably in the near future? I’ll share my plan, at least as it exists today. With plumbing and hydronic knowledge, I