Published Date: September 16, 2024
The United States is on the precipice of a clean energy revolution, and Maryland is among the states leading the way.
Across our country, investments are accelerating the transition to an economy that addresses the climate crisis while creating quality, good paying jobs for millions of American workers. One way to boost our economy and increase climate resilience is by upgrading buildings with state-of-the-art, efficient electric equipment, with a specific focus on how we heat and cool our homes. As we embark on this task, it’s important to make sure all Marylanders receive a slice of the economic benefits this opportunity presents, from job creation to lower energy costs.
To successfully create a sustainable, clean energy economic future, we at the Building Decarbonization Coalition and Carrier Corporation (“Carrier”) are lining up to support Maryland. Our organizations are encouraged by Governor Moore’s recent groundbreaking executive order that ensures more households will be able to upgrade to highly efficient electric equipment such as heat pumps, environmental-friendly “climate superheroes” that offer robust heating and cooling, replacing the need for traditional AC and heaters. We stand ready to complement the governor’s efforts through workforce development programs and consumer education campaigns that yield transformative benefits for every Maryland resident.
Governor Moore’s goal to increase adoption of heat pumps will bring good, family-sustaining jobs to Maryland in the HVAC sector, especially when coupled with training programs for workers. Such programs are already being launched—at Carrier, for example, we’ve recently devoted considerable resources into providing nationwide training and education programs regarding heat pumps to our 2,100 authorized dealers. In Maryland specifically, Carrier has worked with students at the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Energy Engineering’s Design Sustainability program to improve fan coils that are eventually used in ductless heat pump systems.
Carrier’s efforts are part of a joint vision led by the Building Decarbonization Coalition that brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and policymakers to accelerate adoption of efficient heat pumps to more consumers. That joint vision also calls for information campaigns to educate consumers so that households can be confident about the decision to upgrade their homes. We want customers to know that more than 20% of homes in Maryland have already upgraded to highly efficient heat pumps and are reaping the substantial economic benefits. Numerous installation options exist, even for homes that lack existing ductwork. On average, Maryland residents who install a heat pump for home heating and cooling could save $705 per year, money that can be used to pay for life-saving medication or affording childcare services.
Heat pump adoption also provides several health benefits, including a reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ozone. These pollutants disproportionately impact low-income Black and brown communities in the Baltimore area. Installing heat pumps can reduce costly trips to the doctor’s office and emergency room. As for climate benefits, heat pumps can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly half – more specifically by 38-53% over a 15-year period and reduce 20-year global warming potential by 53-67% compared to a gas furnace. Meaning, you can contribute to the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
For Maryland residents, this is the best time to upgrade to a heat pump as federal and state incentives lower the upfront costs of heat pump installation. These incentives include Maryland’s EmPOWER program, federal HEAR rebates that offer up to $8,000 for low- and moderate-income households, as well as additional savings from seasonal manufacturer and local utility rebates. As part of his executive order, Governor Moore has also directed agencies to consider Justice40 goals to advance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities that have often been overlooked. Going forward, it’s critical that we perform outreach to these communities so that they are aware of the financial incentives and rebates available that will lower the upfront cost of heat pump installation.
Governor Moore has laid out an ambitious plan for Maryland. It’s a plan that we wholeheartedly support because the future of our state depends on developing a 21st century clean energy economy. Our organizations plan to continue our workforce training programs and information campaigns so that all HVAC manufacturers, contractors, and residents have the backing they need to upgrade Maryland’s homes with the latest 21st century clean energy technology.
Now is the time to invest in a clean energy economy to build the healthier, prosperous future that our state deserves. The result of our collective efforts will be good-paying jobs, lower energy costs, enhanced climate resiliency, and healthier air for Maryland’s residents and families.
Authors: Kyle Gilley is the VP of Government Relations at Carrier Corporation. Brian Jenkins is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager at the Building Decarbonization Coalition.