Electrification

Heat pumps

Heat pumps may soon outsell air conditioners in US

For years, heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces in the U.S. — and now the superefficient appliances are coming for conventional ACs, too.

By Dan McCarthy . 26 June 2026

Chart titled "Heat pumps are closing the gap with ACs" with years from 2012 to 2025

Heat pumps

Installing a heat pump might increase the value of your home

A new report finds that mentioning all-electric heat pumps in real estate listings delivers a sales premium. But most agents don't note the appliance.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 June 2026
Heat pumps

Want a deal on a heat pump? Team up with your neighbors.

Bulk buying is a tried-and-true way to get discounts on rooftop solar. Now programs aimed at heat pumps are popping up too, helping people save thousands of dollars.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 June 2026
Electrification

DOE bars homes from using rebates to ditch fossil-fueled heating

The Trump admin’s new rules block Americans from accessing rebates for electric heat pumps if they previously had oil, natural gas, or propane systems.

By Dan Gearino . 3 June 2026
Electrification

Bay Area looks to exempt some households from gas water-heater phaseout

The region is finalizing its first-in-the-nation rule to limit the sale of polluting gas water heaters, which will take effect next year.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 May 2026
Heat pumps

Amazon bets on what could be a game-changing heat pump

The tech giant signed a multiyear contract with Transaera, a startup with MIT roots, for next-gen heat pumps that will help reduce energy costs and emissions.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 May 2026
Clean industry

Industry can dodge fuel shocks by electrifying. What’s the holdup?

As the Iran war spikes fossil fuel prices, Oxford University experts demystify electric tech’s vast potential to decarbonize industry — and how policy can help.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 May 2026
Heat pumps

New winter rates saved at least $37M for Massachusetts heat-pump owners

Rhode Island and New York are in the early stages of considering similar discounts for households that install the electric, clean-heating technology.

By Sarah Shemkus . 30 April 2026
Electrification

Local policies to get buildings off gas keep winning in court

Even though a court struck down Berkeley, California’s pioneering gas ban in 2023, similar lawsuits against electric building and appliance standards are flailing.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 April 2026
Electrification

San Francisco helps home child care centers wean off gas

The city launched a $300,000 pilot to swap gas water heaters for electric heat-pump versions at child care facilities in disadvantaged communities.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 April 2026
Solar

Why smartphone cameras could unlock cheaper, faster rooftop solar

Remote virtual inspections are now a well-tested tool for contractors and building agencies alike. Solar and electrification advocates want more states to adopt them.

By Jeff St. John . 22 April 2026