Step up clean energy use to cut air pollution from heating and cooling systems, says study
Published 2025-01-07 14:28
Air pollution from home heating and cooling systems is a major public health problem, causing respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and other health issues.
A new study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology finds that switching to clean energy sources, such as solar and geothermal energy, can significantly reduce air pollution from these systems.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, looked at data from over 100,000 homes in the United States. They found that homes that used clean energy sources had significantly lower levels of air pollution than homes that used fossil fuels, such as natural gas or oil.
Specifically, the study found that homes that used solar energy had 60% lower levels of air pollution than homes that used natural gas. Homes that used geothermal energy had 70% lower levels of air pollution than homes that used oil.
The researchers also found that the benefits of clean energy were greatest in areas with high levels of air pollution. In areas with the highest levels of air pollution, homes that used solar energy had 80% lower levels of air pollution than homes that used fossil fuels.
“This study shows that switching to clean energy sources can significantly reduce air pollution from home heating and cooling systems,” said study lead author Dr. Edward Avol. “This is an important step that we can take to protect public health.”
The study findings are consistent with other research that has shown that clean energy can reduce air pollution. A study published in the journal The Lancet in 2021 found that air pollution from fossil fuels causes over 8 million premature deaths each year.
“The evidence is clear: clean energy is essential for protecting public health,” said Avol. “We need to make the switch to clean energy as quickly as possible.”
Here are some tips for switching to clean energy in your home:
- Install solar panels. Solar panels can generate electricity from the sun, which can be used to power your home’s heating and cooling systems.
- Install a geothermal heat pump. Geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s natural heat to warm and cool your home.
- Switch to an electric heat pump. Electric heat pumps are more efficient than traditional gas or oil furnaces.
- Improve your home’s insulation. Good insulation can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can reduce the need for heating and cooling.
- Use energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy, which can reduce air pollution.
By switching to clean energy, you can help to protect your health and the environment.
Step up clean energy use to cut air pollution from heating and cooling systems, says study
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