Electrification

Getting a heat pump took some effort. Here’s what I learned.

Millions of Americans will have to switch out their boilers and furnaces for heat pumps in the years to come. These are my main takeaways from getting one.

By Dan McCarthy . 30 September 2024

Electrification

Span's plan to get its smart electrical panels into more homes

The startup is expanding its product line to help small homes and apartments add heat pumps, induction stoves and EVs — and help utilities manage them.

By Jeff St. John . 7 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
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
Electrification

Who should foot the huge bill to switch California homes to heat pumps?

Fearful of short-term rate hikes, regulators nixed Southern California Edison’s $744M building electrification plan. Environmental groups say the climate can't wait.

By Jeff St. John . 5 February 2024
Electrification

This new tool will help you plan your home electrification journey

Electrification nonprofit Rewiring America has launched a free tool to help homeowners make a step-by-step plan to get off fossil fuels.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 February 2024
Hydrogen

Is there any place for fossil fuels in the clean hydrogen future?

Fossil fuel interests want to shape the emerging clean hydrogen economy to serve their business needs — a desire in conflict with climate goals.

By Jeff St. John . 1 February 2024
Hydrogen

Is clean hydrogen a climate solution? Depends how it’s made — and used

Clean hydrogen can help decarbonize the world. But only if it’s made in an emissions-free way and used to do the stuff electricity can’t handle.

By Alison F. Takemura . 30 January 2024
Electrification

How to get people to kick fossil fuels out of their homes

A new study of 10,000 Americans suggests decarbonization programs should focus on reducing upfront costs and emphasize health, comfort — and even aesthetic benefits.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 January 2024