Electrification

Heat pumps

A call to replace air conditioners with heat pumps in California

Advocates want new building codes to include a heat-pump provision that could benefit consumers and the climate. But regulators have cooled on the proposal.

By Alison F. Takemura . 28 May 2024
Electrification

Can electric woks produce great stir-fry?

Many chefs are asking what a future without gas will mean for culinary traditions.

By Akielly Hu . 17 May 2024
Electrification

Why heat-pump water heaters could soon take off

New federal efficiency standards, local air quality regulations, and government incentives are spurring a shift toward the up-and-coming clean energy tech.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 May 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Need help electrifying your home? This startup has an app for that

Zero Homes aims to make electrification easier and cheaper by quoting projects — to install heat pumps, EV chargers, and more — without setting foot in your house.

By Alison F. Takemura . 9 May 2024
Clean energy

Clean energy in rural America gets another big boost of federal funding

The Biden administration announced $78 million — the latest from a $1 billion program — to install solar, batteries, and more in rural communities.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 May 2024
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
Electrification

This new tool makes it easier to crunch the costs of energy upgrades

Heat pumps, solar panels and EVs can save households money and slash emissions. A new calculator from RMI helps contractors figure out by how much.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 April 2024
Clean industry

New DOE-backed projects tackle factory emissions with heat pumps and more

The Biden admin is directing $500M toward factories that will use heat pumps, electric boilers and thermal energy storage to provide clean industrial heat.

By Jeff St. John . 1 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
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