Heat pumps

More heat pumps would actually be good for the grid, researchers find

In states with extra grid capacity in winter, heat pumps would help lower residential electricity rates by spreading out fixed costs, according to a new RMI study.

By Alison F. Takemura . 28 October 2026

A man kneels on a lawn next to a heat pump buy the side of a house — A technician installs a minisplit heat pump. (Vernon Air Conditioning, CC BY 4.0, via Flickr)

Heat pumps

Heat pumps have so far withstood the death of federal tax credits

Demand for the climate-friendly HVAC tech has persisted even after Republicans killed incentives, with 2026 set to be another good year for the sector.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 9 October 2026
Carbon-free buildings

California cities face months of delays in building code approvals

State law AB 130 has stalled local building efficiency rules for up to nearly a year, hampering progress on climate goals.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 October 2026
Heat pumps

Massachusetts ups winter energy discounts for homes with heat pumps

It’s the only state that makes big utilities offer lower seasonal rates for heat pump owners, in an effort to boost adoption and create a fairer system.

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 September 2026
Heat pumps

California moves to cut red tape for heat pumps, solar, and more

Two bills on Gov. Newsom’s desk would reduce hurdles to heat pumps and home solar and batteries, which could reduce fees by $1,000 or more per project.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 September 2026
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
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