Heat pumps

Electrification

Xcel Colorado’s new clean heat plan is a big deal. Here’s why.

The $440M plan to deploy heat pumps and electrify buildings is the product of a state law requiring gas utilities to cut emissions — and is an important test case.

By Carrie Klein . 8 August 2024

(Tristan Spinski for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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
Electrification

Who should foot the huge bill to switch California homes to heat pumps?

Fearful of short-term rate hikes, regulators nixed Southern California Edison’s $744M building electrification plan. Environmental groups say the climate can't wait.

By Jeff St. John . 5 February 2024
Electrification

This new tool will help you plan your home electrification journey

Electrification nonprofit Rewiring America has launched a free tool to help homeowners make a step-by-step plan to get off fossil fuels.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 February 2024
Carbon-free buildings

New York will replace gas pipelines to pump clean heat into buildings

A state law has spurred 13 utility pilot projects aimed at creating neighborhoodwide thermal energy networks — a climate strategy gaining traction nationwide.

By Jeff St. John . 16 January 2024
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
Climatetech finance

UK’s Octopus Energy raises $800M to expand global clean energy push

The clean power provider is now worth nearly $8 billion and has plans to ramp up heat-pump manufacturing and move into overseas markets.

By Julian Spector . 19 December 2023
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
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
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
Heat pumps

New plan aims to quadruple heat-pump adoption in 25 states

The pledge, which covers 55% of the population, calls for accelerating home decarbonization by deploying 20 million heat pumps by 2030.

By Jeff St. John . 21 September 2023