Carbon-free buildings

Fossil fuels

Just how bad are gas appliances for your health?

It’s not all about the climate. There are loads of reasons to ditch gas stoves and appliances — and health concerns may be at the top of the list.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 June 2024

(Rob Jackson, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability; Binh Nguyen/Canary Media)

Electrification

Need help breaking up with fossil fuels? Ask an ‘electric coach’

Electrification is hard. That’s why Rewiring America is training 1,000 coaches this year to guide neighbors through getting heat pumps, solar and more.

By Alison F. Takemura . 25 April 2024
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
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