Heat pumps

Heat-pump water heaters just keep getting better

Manufacturers are rolling out models that heat up at times when power is cheap, fit into tighter spaces, and aggressively cut energy bills.

By Alison F. Takemura . 27 August 2026

Two people in blue shirts and grey pants install a black water heater tank inside an unfinished utility space. — Reservoir’s in-house technicians install the startup’s heat-pump water heater at a Boston-area home. (Reservoir)

Heat pumps

US apartment buildings have tipped toward heat pumps

The climate-friendly appliances are becoming the norm among American home builders. Here are the factors driving the shift.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 August 2026
Geothermal

Boston explores sea- and river-source heat pumps for big buildings

The city is testing the waters with three projects that will use thermal energy in Boston Harbor and the Charles and Mystic rivers for heating and cooling needs.

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 August 2026
Heat pumps

World’s oldest cheddar-maker slashes energy bills with novel heat pumps

Innovative tech from U.K.-based Arkaya Energy cools fresh milk and redirects the resulting heat, saving Barber’s Farmhouse Cheesemakers more than $90,000 a year.

By Alison F. Takemura . 10 August 2026
Clean energy manufacturing

US factories are struggling to get cleaner heat. These ideas may help.

Many manufacturers burn fossil fuels to make snacks, materials, and chemicals. High electricity costs are complicating their efforts to switch to cleaner technologies.

By Maria Gallucci . 27 July 2026
Electrification

New Trump rules make it more costly to electrify North Carolina homes

The Department of Energy recently announced new guidance that prevents “fuel switching,” scrambling the state’s first-ever electrification program.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 July 2026
Electrification

How an NYC high-rise is keeping cool with geothermal energy

New York City’s green building laws are pushing developers toward cleaner technologies — even as state policymakers backtrack on climate change targets.

By Maria Gallucci . 1 July 2026
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
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