Carbon-free buildings

Heat pumps

Better heat pumps for commercial buildings are coming soon

The Department of Energy is convening manufacturers and customers like IKEA and Amazon to get next-gen heat pumps ready for commercial rooftops by 2027.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 April 2024

A large grey metal HVAC appliance on a rooftop. Image color-treated with red background, the appliance in true color. — Meet the packaged rooftop heat pump. Commercial buildings commonly use packaged rooftop units, though most burn gas for heating, rather than utilize heat-pump technology. (Michael Deru, National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

Electrification

These startups help busy contractors get electrification rebates faster

Rebates help households pay for solar, heat pumps and other climate-friendly upgrades — but contractors get stuck with the paperwork. These businesses are stepping in.

By Alison F. Takemura . 1 April 2024
Geothermal

Geothermal cuts emissions and costs at these Minnesota public schools

With federal incentives, the state’s second-largest school district is using geothermal to revamp school heating and trying out a novel aquifer-based system.

By Frank Jossi . 28 March 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Homes need to electrify. New building codes will make that harder

A nonprofit group that sets U.S. building codes has nixed rules to make new homes ready for EVs and heat pumps. Climate advocates blame fossil gas lobbyists.

By Jeff St. John . 26 March 2024
Electrification

6 burning questions on home electrification, answered

Solar for renters, heat-pump water heaters, home electrification as a service — it's all here in Electrified Life's first mailbag edition.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 March 2024
Heat pumps

Yes, heat pumps slash emissions even if powered by a dirty grid

Installing a heat pump now is better for the climate, even if you run it on U.S. electricity generated mostly by fossil fuels. Here's why.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 March 2024
Electrification

She’s a clean-energy pro. Electrifying her home was still a slog

In just 15 months, Judy Ko got a heat pump, solar, a home battery, insulation, an EV and more. Here’s what was easy about the process — and what was "just crazy."

By Alison F. Takemura . 4 March 2024
Carbon-free buildings

This Colorado community is already living in the all-electric future

In the Geos neighborhood, heat pumps, solar and energy efficiency abound. The net-zero community offers a glimpse into what a decarbonized home can look like.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2024
Heat pumps

Heat pumps outsold gas furnaces again last year — and the gap is growing

While sales of both heat pumps and gas furnaces were down in 2023, heat pumps are proving more popular than ever.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 February 2024
Fossil fuels

New York could rewrite its relationship to fossil gas with this bill

The state needs to downsize its gas infrastructure and electrify its buildings to meet its climate goals. Legislation that would help it do that is gaining momentum.

By Dan McCarthy . 13 February 2024
Heat pumps

Renters, you too can get a heat pump — a micro one, at least

"Micro” heat pumps aren’t as powerful as whole-home versions, but they’re portable, plug into a 120V outlet — and they’re increasingly effective in the cold.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 February 2024