Electrified Life | Demystifying home electrification

The Latest

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  Solar

  Clean energy is getting its own national day of action. It’s about time.

  The first-ever “Sun Day” is coming up Sept. 21. You can get involved in one of the more than 150 events across the country — or plan your own.

  By Alison F. Takemura  .  25 August 2025

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  Electrification

  Colorado landscapers are discovering the perks of electric lawn equipment

  State regulations limiting gas-powered lawn equipment for public properties went into effect this month. Users are warming up to the cleaner, quieter tools.

  By Alison F. Takemura  .  23 June 2025

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  Heat pumps

  Electrifying this affordable housing complex made financial sense

  In Sacramento, California, property owner BRIDGE Housing moved ahead with a heat-pump-plus retrofit designed to save both itself and its residents money.

  By Alison F. Takemura  .  30 May 2025

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  Heat pumps

  Meet one of NYC’s first housing co-ops to electrify heating and cooling

  The 1962 building hit its emissions reduction targets well ahead of Local Law 97's first reporting deadline on May 1. Here’s how.

  By Alison F. Takemura  .  22 April 2025

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  Heat pumps

  For one Minnesotan, a new heat pump brings comfort and savings

  Even in one of the coldest cities in the U.S., Kathy Palmer’s heat pump helps displace gas heating, lowers heating bills, and makes her home more comfortable.

  By Alison F. Takemura  .  20 February 2025

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  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

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  Heat pumps

  Geothermal heat pumps are crazy efficient. Should you get one?

  The appliances are more expensive and less common than air-source heat pumps. But big incentives and superb efficiency can make up for the price tag.

  By Alison F. Takemura  .  3 February 2025