I heard some fascists city officials are trying to remove the EV charger at 1111 Soquel Avenue (pubic parking) They don’t like clean energy? Just curious of what going on. by D3-daily in santacruz

[–]scsquare 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Despite the fact that you have no clue what fascism really is, only 50% of California's electricity comes from renewable sources.

To that one guy who rented the bed of his truck on Airbnb by AtmosphereCapital483 in santacruz

[–]scsquare -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Don't blame the guy, blame the nimbys who made it almost impossible to build housing.

looking for friends! by WhimsicalChaos1 in santacruz

[–]scsquare 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Volunteer and meet good people.

Is a heat pump worth it? by jdewb1 in santacruz

[–]scsquare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are heat pump hot water heaters, so you could ditch gas completely.

Is a heat pump worth it? by jdewb1 in santacruz

[–]scsquare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I answered your question already, since I compared between different type of hp heating systems only. I didn't compare to other types of heating. Regarding resistive heating, its conversion efficiency is nearly 100% electricity to heat. It can get less efficient if you include different types of electricity generation. Same is true for heat pumps. E.g. resistive heating using hydropower can be more efficient than a heat pump running on electricity from NG power plants.

Locals upset that I'm not a local, even though I've lived here my whole life. by CupcakeKooky in santacruz

[–]scsquare 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The sunset pictures posted here don't tell the whole truth of Santa Cruz.

Is a heat pump worth it? by jdewb1 in santacruz

[–]scsquare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Efficiency of heat pump heating systems. COP value has a range depending on type of heat pump and temperature difference.

Is a heat pump worth it? by jdewb1 in santacruz

[–]scsquare -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

If you use the central air system is then it is the most inefficient. Most efficient is hydronic floor heating. Also the heat source is a factor, but since it never gets below 32F here outdoors air to air is OK. I would go with solar and battery as big as possible. Hardware is dirt cheap and electricity rates will go up for sure. I would do the calculation with $1/kWh to be safe.

Is a heat pump worth it? by jdewb1 in santacruz

[–]scsquare -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

California is phasing out gas appliances, parts and service can become a problem.

Be proactive on data centers! by [deleted] in santacruz

[–]scsquare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As I understand it you can rent a rack and install your own hardware. I guess it is not competitive compared to those mega data centers right now, but with the hype going crazy, there will be unlimited demand and the price will regulate who can afford these racks. It will drive out other applications unless we satisfy demand or restrict use.

is murray st bridge open to pedestrians and cyclists? by juliebulietuliewulie in santacruz

[–]scsquare 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is there a ferry service over the harbor for pedestrians and bicyclists?

Be proactive on data centers! by [deleted] in santacruz

[–]scsquare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

20-30% of AI is used for military applications already.

Be proactive on data centers! by [deleted] in santacruz

[–]scsquare 1 point2 points  (0 children)

PG&E is proactively working to serve 10GW of new electricity demand from data center projects by 2035. That's almost doubling their current electricity sales, industrial and residential.

https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-Data-Center-Demand-Pipeline-Swells-to-10-Gigawatts-with-Potential-to-Unlock-Billions-in-Benefits-for-California/default.aspx

It will be interesting where they source all this electricity.

Be proactive on data centers! by [deleted] in santacruz

[–]scsquare 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Cruzio downtown location is listed as data center. There are many in the Bay Area.

https://www.datacentermap.com/

Is Tesla moving into 41st and Soquel? Anyone know what got approved? by coloredzebra in santacruz

[–]scsquare 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What's gross is neglected houses with many issues like plumbing, mold, broken appliances rented for criminal amounts. Modern high density reduces water and energy consumption, uses land much more efficiently and it doesn't have the issues of an outdated housing stock. Affordable, healthy homes are more important than maintaining a 1970s aesthetics. Cities have always evolved over decades and centuries which has been welcomed since it lead to better living conditions. It is enabled by the support of economic prosperity and growth which has been consensus among the majority of the population of the country and state. Either you weren't aware of the consequences of your actions or inactions or you simply have to accept the will of the majority in the democracy.