Peter Wirth, a resident of Fayetteville, New York, is pursuing sustainability in his home renovations. With a background as a co-founder of the Climate Change Awareness & Action group, Wirth aims to minimize fossil fuel consumption in his residence. His home improvements include renewable energy sources like rooftop solar panels and a tankless water heater.
Wirth recently enhanced his home’s efficiency by integrating an air-sourced heat pump with his existing natural gas furnace. This hybrid system provides both heating and cooling.
“I think once you go to an electric heat pump, you’d never think about doing a gas furnace again,” says Wirth.
Professor Ian Shapiro, associated with Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems, is focused on advocating for heat pumps in homes and businesses. Shapiro explains that heat pumps transfer heat between indoors and outdoors, functioning similarly to a refrigerator.
“That free outdoor heat is renewable,” remarks Shapiro. “And much of the electricity is carbon-free from sources such as hydroelectricity and solar.”
Wirth’s home also serves as a “living lab” for Shapiro’s students, providing real-world insights into heat pump technology. Mechanical and aerospace engineering students, like Sameeraa Soltanian-Zadeh and Ji Zhou, explore the performance of these systems in cold climates, aiming to improve their operational efficiency.
As New York state aims for a transition to electric heat, with mandates for new buildings by 2026 and existing ones by 2030, heat pumps are expected to become more prevalent.
Wirth emphasizes the importance of personal commitment to sustainable practices. “For me to recommend to other people to do things without doing them myself, I just can’t do it,” he says.
The video was captured, edited, and produced by Amy Manley, a senior multimedia producer.
