Carbon-free buildings

California’s new rules will boost heat pumps in commercial buildings

The new building code adopted by the California Energy Commission will also promote heat pumps in new homes — but it falls short on existing ones, advocates say.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 September 2024

Los Angeles, California (Jon B. Lovelace Collection of California Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith's America Project, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division)

Heat pumps

‘Heat-pump coaches’ help neighbors ditch fossil heat in Massachusetts

Since 2020, at least 14 heat-pump coaching programs have sprung up in the state, all with the aim of making it easier to adopt the increasingly popular appliance.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 March 2023
Heat pumps

When it comes to heat pumps, bigger is not always better

A heat pump that's too big raises costs and reduces comfort. Here are some tips for sizing your system right.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 March 2023
Electrification

Electrifying your home can be a huge hassle. Helio Home wants to help

The startup is one of many companies springing up across the U.S. to shepherd consumers through the complicated and multifaceted process of home electrification.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 March 2023
Guest essay

Gas stoves are a health hazard — and induction stoves just work better

Air-quality expert Brady Seals sums up decades of research and dispels some persistent myths.

By Brady Seals . 20 February 2023
Emissions reduction

Carbon credits could soon help fund distributed clean energy projects

Voluntary carbon offset markets are under fire. WattCarbon CEO McGee Young sees heat pump retrofits, demand response and community solar as a better target.

By Jeff St. John . 13 February 2023
Electrification

5 barriers to induction stove adoption — and one clever high-tech fix

It can be complicated and time-consuming to install an induction range. But carbon-free cooking may work for more homes with a bit of help from battery storage.

By Julian Spector . 10 February 2023
Carbon-free buildings

These New York City apartments are affordable — and sustainable

Ultra-efficient high-rises and net-zero neighborhoods now in development could offer a blueprint for cities grappling with rising carbon emissions and dwindling affordable housing.

By Maria Gallucci . 9 February 2023
Guest essay

We need to get fossil gas out of homes, for the climate and our health

Dr. Gaurab Basu electrified his home with incredible results. He believes that with the right policies in place, everyone can do it.

By Gaurab Basu . 9 February 2023
Video

Video: NYC residents have cleaner air after ditching gas stoves

A pilot study at a public-housing complex in the Bronx found that air quality drastically improved in apartments that switched to electric induction stoves.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 February 2023
Electrification

How to get contractors on board with heat pumps and electrification

U.S. homes can’t go all-electric unless lots of contractors know they'll make money doing the work. Here are some companies offering a path to profitability.

By Jeff St. John . 8 February 2023