Electrified Life | Demystifying home electrification

cutout of top half of a heat-pump water heater, a metal cylinder, against colored background with words 'Electrified Life'

Heat pumps

Heat-pump water heaters are a winner for the climate — and your wallet

The tech costs more than conventional options upfront, but federal tax credits, new 120V models and strong savings have made them more appealing than ever.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 November 2023

1-story gray house with slanted roof, yellow door, covered entryway, and green bushes.

Energy efficiency

This simple score can help you find an energy-efficient home

A growing number of cities are mandating Home Energy Scores, a metric that makes it easy for potential renters or homebuyers to grasp a home’s energy use.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 November 2023

Woman with brown curly hair stands with load of laundry in front of gleaming metal stacked clothes dryer and washer..

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are everywhere — even in clothes dryers

Using heat pumps to dry clothes is dramatically more energy-efficient. Thanks to new rebates, the appliance could be coming soon to a laundry room near you.

By Alison F. Takemura . 31 October 2023

Electrification

Here's why electric lawn mowers are cutting down the gas-fueled competition

Making the leap to battery-powered lawn equipment can help you ditch the noise, fumes and hassle of gas models — and slash your carbon emissions, too.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 October 2023

A long white appliance mounted on a wall with its cover popped open, revealing bluish material inside.

Heat pumps

A beginner’s guide to the different types of heat pumps

Air-source, ducted, mini-split — what does it all mean? Canary Media explains some of the most common heat-pump concepts.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 September 2023

Solar

He couldn't install solar at home, so he helps nonprofits do it instead

This solar champion shows community groups how to tap Inflation Reduction Act incentives so they can afford solar panels.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 September 2023

White Teslas available for rent in a Hertz parking structure.

EV charging

Go ahead, rent that EV. Just make a charging plan before setting out

Renting an EV can be a great way to test out the tech before committing to ownership, but there’s a learning curve for drivers, especially around charging.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 August 2023

Two people install silicon solar panels on a residential roof in Florida. A yellow graphic frame says Electrified Life

Electrification

Your cheat sheet to the climate law’s consumer incentives

The Inflation Reduction Act has a bevy of programs to help you install everything from a heat pump to better insulation. Here’s how to navigate it all.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 August 2023

A person's arm reaches out to a circuit breaker inside of they gray metal box of an electrical panel.

Guides and how-tos

So you want to electrify your home. Do you need a panel upgrade first?

If your home’s running on 100 amps or below, you might want an electrician to upgrade your panel and electrical service. Here’s what to know.

By Alison F. Takemura . 31 July 2023

A small bungalow home has a red fabric curtain and fan inserted into its front door opening

Guides and how-tos

What's a home energy audit — and should you get one?

To kick off Canary Media's new Electrified Life column, we break down what to expect from an energy audit and why it's a smart starting point for home electrification.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 July 2023