Electrified Life | Demystifying home electrification

Electrification

Why heat-pump water heaters could soon take off

New federal efficiency standards, local air quality regulations, and government incentives are spurring a shift toward the up-and-coming clean energy tech.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 May 2024

Woman with dark hair talks to man with white sideburns and beard on the sidewalk.

Electrification

Need help breaking up with fossil fuels? Ask an ‘electric coach’

Electrification is hard. That’s why Rewiring America is training 1,000 coaches this year to guide neighbors through getting heat pumps, solar and more.

By Alison F. Takemura . 25 April 2024

Heat pump on concrete blocks outside a home in the sun.

Heat pumps

Will a heat pump save you money? It depends

There’s no doubt that heat pumps are planet-friendly, but whether they make pure financial sense is a more complex — and personal — question. Here's what to consider.

By Alison F. Takemura . 4 April 2024

collage of heat-pump water heater, solar, heat pump heater/AC, and single-family home.

Electrification

6 burning questions on home electrification, answered

Solar for renters, heat-pump water heaters, home electrification as a service — it's all here in Electrified Life's first mailbag edition.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 March 2024

Heat pumps

Yes, heat pumps slash emissions even if powered by a dirty grid

Installing a heat pump now is better for the climate, even if you run it on U.S. electricity generated mostly by fossil fuels. Here's why.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 March 2024

Collage of solar panels on a roof, cityscape and skyline color-treated green and blue, with a photo of a woman with glasses.

Electrification

She’s a clean-energy pro. Electrifying her home was still a slog

In just 15 months, Judy Ko got a heat pump, solar, a home battery, insulation, an EV and more. Here’s what was easy about the process — and what was "just crazy."

By Alison F. Takemura . 4 March 2024

An aerial view of a modern subdivision whose houses have rooftop solar panels. A graphic overlay says ELECTRIFIED LIFE.

Carbon-free buildings

This Colorado community is already living in the all-electric future

In the Geos neighborhood, heat pumps, solar and energy efficiency abound. The net-zero community offers a glimpse into what a decarbonized home can look like.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2024

Living room with white and black micro heat pump, a.k.a. portable AC with heat, with a hose fit into into the window frame.

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

3 geometric pendant lights superimposed over the number 2024. A yellow electrical-cord border says Electrified Life.

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

inside a 100-amp electrical panel. A graphic overlay says "Electrified Life."

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