New breakthrough technology provides heat for the home with the added benefit of electricity production. The freewatt Micro-CHP (Micro-sized Combined Heat and Power) system allows homeowners to reduce their utility bills as well as curb carbon dioxide emissions while improving overall energy efficiency and comfort. The system is comprised of a cogeneration unit that is paired with a furnace or boiler.
Developed by Honda Power Equipment and Climate Energy, the freewatt Micro-CHP system produces electric power that displaces electricity that consumers would otherwise purchase from the local electric utility. The system can save consumers $500 to $1,000 a year on their electric bills and reduce home energy costs by up to 30 percent. And in states where its allowed, a process called net metering allows homeowners to sell unused electric power back to the utility in the community. The system is environmentally advanced as well. By using electricity provided from the grid, it produces 30 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than a conventional heating system.
Initially, the heat and power units will be available to homes in the Northeastern United States in conjunction with select utility providers. A similar version of an MCHP system is being used in Japan.
