Amy WesterveltJan 27, 2023
I was not surprised to learn recently that the gas industry has known for 100+ years that gas stoves contributed to dangerous levels of indoor air pollution. I *was* surprised to learn that the government pub'd reports on it and the media covered it in a big way in the 1980s and fuck-all happened. Jesus how many versions of this story are we gonna live through? https://www.drilledpodcast.com/gas-knew-too-everything-you-need-to-know-on-climate-this-week/
Gas Knew, Too + Everything You Need to Know on Climate This Week

As the whole gas stove "culture war" rages on, it's important to remember that gas companies have known for over a century (?!) that breathing gas in your home is quite harmful to human health. Seems like a no-brainer right? But I know I was definitely of the mind that cooking

Drilled
Show threadPamela Barroway – Biz Editor
@amywestervelt I wonder if this applies in some for gas powered appliances too -- like hot water heaters?
Jan 28, 2023 at 2:04amWeb
Show threadTheJenJan 28, 2023

@PamelaBarroway @amywestervelt

It does.

Show threadPamela Barroway – Biz EditorJan 28, 2023
@JenWojcik @amywestervelt Thanks for confirming. My natural gas-powered hot water heater exploded today and I'm trying to convince the hub it's worth the extra bucks (even with IRA incentives) for an electric heat-pump water heater. He's asthmatic, has sleep apnea & uses a CPAP ... so getting rid of gas-powered appliances will only benefit him as time goes by (we're in our 50s currently). https://mstdn.social/@PamelaBarroway/109764322812397544
Pamela Barroway – Biz Editor (@[email protected])

So. My hot water heater exploded this morning and it's been just about as much f-u-n as you can imagine. On the upside, I now have the opportunity to #electrify by replacing my 15yo gas-powered appliance with an energy-efficient electric #HeatPump water heater, and collect some sweet sweet #InflationReductionAct rebates to boot. One issue: the up-front cost is more than replacing with a similar gas-powered version, and my financial advisor hub is balking. Any suggestions on persuasion?

Mastodon 🐘
Show threadTheJenJan 28, 2023

@PamelaBarroway @amywestervelt

Yep. Had I had more time after mine died to research, I would have gone with a heat pump. We are getting rid of the stove, however. I imagine the newer water heaters are a hit better about the fumes, but I don't know.

Show threadPamela Barroway – Biz EditorJan 28, 2023
@JenWojcik @amywestervelt I feel very strongly that we have to do our part, in whatever way possible, to head off climate change. And if that means coughing up extra bucks to electrify for an efficient heat-pump water heater, then so be it.
Show threadTheJenJan 28, 2023

@PamelaBarroway @amywestervelt

I feel the same way. We tried the instant electric, but it just flat won't work here.

Show threadPamela Barroway – Biz EditorJan 28, 2023
@JenWojcik @amywestervelt What does "instant electric" refer to?
Show threadTheJenJan 28, 2023

@PamelaBarroway @amywestervelt

Like these: https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Tankless-Water-Heaters/s?k=Electric+Tankless+Water+Heaters

Show threadPamela Barroway – Biz EditorJan 28, 2023
@JenWojcik @amywestervelt Oh, tankless! I know about those. Unfortunately spacing issues won't allow for that in our current setup.
Show threadTheJenJan 28, 2023

@PamelaBarroway @amywestervelt

Yep. It didn't work for us either. Groundwater is too cold even in summer.

Show threadPamela Barroway – Biz EditorJan 31, 2023
@JenWojcik @amywestervelt We are definitely getting the hybrid electric heat pump water heater. Yay!
Show threadTheJenJan 31, 2023

@PamelaBarroway

Awesome! Keep me updated? Super curious.

Show threadPamela Barroway – Biz EditorJan 31, 2023
@JenWojcik I'll post pics tomorrow or Wed depending on when installation takes place!
Show threadCitizenZJan 30, 2023
@PamelaBarroway @amywestervelt your gas water heater has an exhaust blower that blows the fumes outside. Just like your gas furnace does.