Guides and how-tos

Solar

What to know before you get balcony solar

States are starting to embrace plug-and-play solar. Get up to speed on the cost, payback, and safety bona fides of the systems before they hit shelves near you.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 April 2026

"Electrified Life" in a yellow triangle in the top left corner with an image of two solar panels hanging on a balcony — Plug-in solar could be coming soon to a balcony near you. (Yuma Solar/Unsplash; Binh Nguyen/Canary Media)

Heat pumps

How to keep your heat pump humming in the freezing cold

Plenty of heat pumps work well even in subzero temps. But these expert tips will help your heat pump work even better on the coldest days of the year.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 February 2026
Electrification

Electrify your home with our handy roundup before tax credits expire

You could save thousands of dollars on heat pumps, solar, and other home energy updates if you act before Dec. 31. Our explainers and guides will get you up to speed fast.

By Alison F. Takemura . 21 November 2025
Electrification

‘Use it or lose it’: These clean-energy tax credits will be gone soon

The GOP is eliminating tax credits that cut the costs of solar, EVs, heat pumps, and more — but if you act fast, you can still get discounts. Here’s how.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 July 2025
Electric vehicles

What’s the best time to buy an EV? Right now.

Trump’s megabill ends the consumer tax credits for EVs in September. But until then, shoppers can still use them to lock in lower prices — and great lease deals.

By Alison F. Takemura . 10 July 2025
Heat pumps

Need air conditioning? Consider the heat pump.

Heat pumps provide both cooling and heating, typically pay for themselves in energy bill savings, and can allow you to sidestep the cost of replacing a furnace.

By Alison F. Takemura . 3 July 2025
Carbon-free buildings

How to decarbonize every building everywhere — just not all at once

To become climate-friendly, buildings need heat pumps, energy-efficiency measures, cleaner construction, and tech that makes their power use more flexible.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 March 2025
Electric vehicles

How to get the most out of your electric vehicle in the winter

Your EV will probably perform just fine in the cold, but these tips will help make sure you maximize your car’s range when it’s frosty outside.

By Alison F. Takemura . 10 February 2025
Solar

Solar is helping schools save big. Your district could be next.

Nearly 9,000 K-12 schools nationwide have installed solar panels. Here’s how you can help your district tap into the cheap, clean energy source.

By Akielly Hu . 31 October 2024
Energy efficiency

Weatherization can keep you cool this summer — and warm next winter

Insulating, weatherstripping, and sealing your home could make it much more energy efficient, keeping you comfy for less money while helping out the grid.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 July 2024
Fossil fuels

Just how bad are gas appliances for your health?

It's not all about the climate. There are loads of reasons to ditch gas stoves and appliances — and health concerns may be at the top of the list.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 June 2024