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Should we be trying to electrify everything? Is it practical for existing and new buildings with the technologies we have now? Two engineers with different takes on these questions will debate electrifying residential buildings, from small single-family to high-rise apartments. Both speakers have years of experience with heat pump technologies (mini-splits, PTHPs, water-source HPs, VRF, and several types of heat-pump water heaters). They’ll present examples of buildings where these systems worked wonderfully, where performance was less than ideal, and a few absolute failures. Too often, building professionals – designers, engineers, contractors, building owners/operators, utilities, and even manufacturers – don’t fully understand how these new systems work. Come  learn from others’ mistakes, understand how these systems can be used well, and consider: Are there buildings where electrification doesn’t yet make sense?

Boston 2020 Areas of Focus

Skill Level
2 (some prior experience/knowledge helpful)
Time Slot
7

Session Chairs

Session Speakers

Room / Location
Harbor II
Learning Objectives
Select heating & cooling equipment of the right size and type to meet comfort and efficiency goals
List the most common pitfalls of heat pump water heaters
Describe the impact of refrigerant on water heater performance
Weigh climate impacts along with practical implications of electric heat and hot water systems
CEU Information

AIA 1.5 LU/HSW
BPI 1.5 hours
GBCI BD+C, ID+C, WELL 1.5 hours
MA CSL 1.5 hour, Energy

Session ID
BOS20-102
Event Start Time
Event End Time