Guides and how-tos

Inside my quest for a climate-friendly bank

When I learned that my bank might be investing my money in fossil fuels, I went looking for an alternative. Here’s how you can too.

By Pearl Marvell . 21 February 2024

A hand putting a coin into a green piggy bank — (wk1003mike/Shutterstock.com)

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

5 New Year’s resolutions to electrify your life

Want to decarbonize your home and commute? Here are some low-stakes steps to kick-start your electrification journey.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 January 2024
Electrification

Yes, it’s possible to electrify a home on just 100 amps

It may require careful planning and efficient appliances like heat pumps, but 100-amp service can be enough to kick fossil fuels out of your home.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 December 2023
Heat pumps

Heat-pump water heaters are a winner for the climate — and your wallet

The tech costs more than conventional options upfront, but federal tax credits, new 120V models and strong savings have made them more appealing than ever.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 November 2023
Energy efficiency

This simple score can help you find an energy-efficient home

A growing number of cities are mandating Home Energy Scores, a metric that makes it easy for potential renters or homebuyers to grasp a home’s energy use.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 November 2023
Video

Career experts answer 6 top questions from climate jobseekers

Want to break into climatetech? Canary Media convened a panel of three industry experts to help you do exactly that.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 29 September 2023
Heat pumps

A beginner’s guide to the different types of heat pumps

Air-source, ducted, mini-split — what does it all mean? Canary Media explains some of the most common heat-pump concepts.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 September 2023
EV charging

Go ahead, rent that EV. Just make a charging plan before setting out

Renting an EV can be a great way to test out the tech before committing to ownership, but there’s a learning curve for drivers, especially around charging.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 August 2023
Guides and how-tos

So you want to electrify your home. Do you need a panel upgrade first?

If your home’s running on 100 amps or below, you might want an electrician to upgrade your panel and electrical service. Here’s what to know.

By Alison F. Takemura . 31 July 2023
Guides and how-tos

What's a home energy audit — and should you get one?

To kick off Canary Media's new Electrified Life column, we break down what to expect from an energy audit and why it's a smart starting point for home electrification.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 July 2023