Understanding Energy Equity: A Kitchen Table Perspective
We’re living in a time when energy efficiency and equity are becoming increasingly important in our quest for a sustainable future. As an industry, we engage in comprehensive discussions on these issues with policymakers, organizational leaders, and legislative bodies in board meetings and other forums. We promote clean energy and assist with electrification efforts via rebates and other programs, helping to install better-performing conditioning and hot water equipment, like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. However, for many families, particularly low to moderate-income (LMI) households, the conversations at the kitchen table take on a different tone. Understanding energy equity from this perspective isn’t just about making homes more efficient, it’s about addressing the real, everyday challenges families face when they struggle to keep their homes comfortable (and safe) while trying to keep their energy bills manageable. Monthly bills, including energy costs, can consume a substantial portion of household income, often leaving little room for other necessities like food, clothing, and school supplies. Families sometimes must decide between heating or cooling their homes and buying groceries. To effectively address energy equity, we (installers, policymakers, and program implementers) must understand the impact of these decisions and the role we can play in helping alleviate these burdens.
The Role of Proper Sizing, Installation, and Maintenance of Equipment
One of the most overlooked aspects of energy equity is the importance of proper sizing, installation, commissioning (set up), and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems are vital to maintaining comfortable and safe environments for the occupants, but if we overlook these aspects, the equipment becomes inefficient and costly. For LMI families, this inefficiency translates directly into higher energy bills resulting in greater financial stress.
Ensuring mechanical equipment is designed, installed, and maintained correctly can make a significant difference in reducing operational costs. It’s a simple concept to grasp that when a system operates efficiently, it uses less energy, which can directly lower monthly utility bills. Additionally, when we take the “house as a system” approach and consider the building shell and all other working systems as part of the equation, we not only decrease the burden for the family, but as a secondary benefit, we decrease the overall load on the energy grid, another area of great concern.
Promoting Health and Comfort
The benefits of energy (system) efficiency extend beyond just financial savings. Properly sized and functioning HVAC systems are essential to maintaining healthy indoor environments. Poorly designed and maintained systems can lead to poor indoor air quality which can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma – conditions that are already more prevalent in LMI communities. Including air sealing and other measures can also help decrease cross-contamination from other parts of the home like attics, basements, and garages, typical sources of environmental hazards.
By improving the effectiveness of the whole home, we can help ensure that families live in environments that are not only comfortable but conducive to good health. This, in turn, may reduce the need for medical interventions, helping to lower healthcare costs and further alleviating the financial burden on these households. The additional win here is from an equity standpoint; we can help communities that are most in need and often overlooked.
Empowerment Through Education and Engagement
A key component of advancing energy equity is family & community engagement. Many families are unaware of the benefits of energy-efficient practices and how load reduction, along with proper equipment sizing and installation, can significantly impact their energy bills and environment. By improving access to education on these topics, we can empower families to take control of their energy usage and make informed decisions that benefit their wallets and well-being.
Even more, involving communities in the process of improving energy efficiency cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability. When families understand the importance of these initiatives and see the tangible benefits in their homes, they are more likely to support and advocate for broader energy equity measures.
HVAC & Other Trades – Vital Members of Our Communities and Efforts
When we t about energy equity and the importance of properly designed, installed, and maintained equipment, we cannot overlook the role of HVAC installers and other skilled professionals (e.g., weatherization contractors, plumbers, etc.). These professionals are not just service providers, they are integral members of our communities. They work directly in the homes of families and understand the unique needs and challenges that different households face, making them invaluable partners in efforts to reduce energy burdens and create healthy living environments.
As trusted community members, installers are in a unique position to advocate for energy equity. Their direct interactions with homeowners/occupants give them firsthand experience of the challenges faced by LMI families vs those who may have greater means to support themselves. By engaging in and promoting better practices in the field, HVAC professionals and other installers are advocating for their clients and communities. They are also well-situated to help shape policies and initiatives that promote equitable access to energy-efficient technology and practices.
The “We” of Building a Sustainable and Equitable Future
Addressing energy equity is not just about improving individual homes, it’s about creating a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone. This includes families and community business partners (the “we”). By lowering energy burdens through load reduction and proper equipment sizing and installation along with community-focused solutions, we can also reduce the carbon footprint of our communities, contribute to broader environmental goals, and create a more just and equitable society.
Understanding energy equity from a kitchen table perspective allows us to see the real-life impact of our efforts. It reminds us that behind every energy policy and efficiency measure are families just trying to make ends meet. By reducing energy burdens and ensuring proper sizing, installation, and maintenance of household systems, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and communities, paving the way for a better, more sustainable, and equitable future.
As a contractor, your expertise is invaluable in shaping the programs that drive our industry forward. Your insights and involvement are crucial as we work together to create products and programs that benefit you and the communities you serve. Don’t miss this chance to make a real impact.
Article written by Cindy Zeis – August 29, 2024
