Natural gas hot water boiler convert to electric heat pump? Saves $ overall?

Started by ChrisS24 • 5 replies • 398 views

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ChrisS24 (California)
Posts: 14

Posted:

Hi all --

Here in California, we have rebates from the energy efficiency organizations/government to replace old hot water boilers (natural gas) with electric heat pump boilers.

These are big items (for a building like ours, common circulating hot water, serving 20 units), like a $20,000 project. But for a system that is reaching the end of life, it's something we're considering.

I cannot find great information though -- does switching to this type of boiler reduce energy $ costs overall? Natural gas is cheap (relatively), so even though the project could be subsidized, does it actually save us $?

I wonder if anyone here has had experience with doing this, or even just going through the calculations to see?

Thanks!

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

This would be something may ask a plumber. I would consult a few that could potentially be doing the work. That way can kill two birds with one stone. Have a contractor lined up and costs involved while doing the research.

It really depends to me if the power went out could you still heat water or natural gas still available? Talk to the natural gas providers and ask for some numbers as well. There may be some install expenses hidden for either electric or gas.

Keep in mind, this may still take a special assessment of the homeowners. Which may be the hardest part of the project to get people to contribute a few grand...

Former HOA President

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

I can't answer your question, Chris, but surely the agency or org that gives rebates can answer your questions, right!? Why spud they give rebates if not more efficient?

Another good source is your reserves specialist or analyst. S/he assigned your current system's expected life and should, if any good at all, know some of the pros & cons of the electric system. Your current old system is on your reserve study, right????

Are you on the Board?

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ChrisS24 on 03/22/2021 3:05 PM
Hi all --

Here in California, we have rebates from the energy efficiency organizations/government to replace old hot water boilers (natural gas) with electric heat pump boilers.

These are big items (for a building like ours, common circulating hot water, serving 20 units), like a $20,000 project. But for a system that is reaching the end of life, it's something we're considering.

I cannot find great information though -- does switching to this type of boiler reduce energy $ costs overall? Natural gas is cheap (relatively), so even though the project could be subsidized, does it actually save us $?

I wonder if anyone here has had experience with doing this, or even just going through the calculations to see?

Thanks!

Using a gas boiler, do you currently have hot water if your electricity is cut off?

You'll reduce fossil fuel use by switching to electric, which is important to some people. I'm a fan of natural gas.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Say, Kelly, being from CA, I remained a natural gas fan when living in Charlotte & Hugo hit in the late '80s. As you know, we had nothing at all but cold water.

We do have electric boilers in our high rise now, and an emergency generator.

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