Protect yourself from wildfire smoke

Unfortunately, it is wildfire season again - the National Interagency Fire Center reports that there are 83 large active fires burning over 2 million acres nationwide and many more smaller fires in progress that threaten communities and cause dangerous air pollution even hundreds of miles from the flames.

We can’t control air quality outside, but we can create healthy indoor air where we work, live and sleep. Here are some tips for improving air quality inside your home:

Replace your furnace or heat pump filter and turn your system fan to “on” with your windows closed. This will circulate air through your filters and blow clean air through your home even when the AC or furnace is not active. Make sure your filters are rated at least MERV 9 or higher.
Invest in an air purifier for rooms where you spend a lot of time - living areas and bedrooms. These low cost products will keep indoor air squeaky clean even when outdoor air is dangerous.
Get an air quality monitor to see real time indoor and outdoor air quality levels in your home and neighborhood to help you make decisions about when to use purifiers or when to avoid exercise outside.
If you are thinking about getting AC to fight the heat, install a heat pump instead - you will save money on operating costs, dramatically reduce your carbon emissions, and some new heat pumps will qualify for tax credits that make them cheaper than AC.

Find more ways to improve your comfort, reduce energy bills and dramatically cut carbon emissions

Cooling and Heating in a Small Package

Webinar - August 14th, 12 Noon PT

Learn how easy-to-install, low cost room heat pumps can deliver powerful cooling and efficient supplemental heating.

As summers continue to get hotter, more and more people need air conditioning to beat the heat. Room heat pumps are low cost, easy to install products that deliver powerful cooling, and have the added advantage of providing efficient supplemental heating when outside temperatures fall. In heating mode these products are twice as energy efficient as resistance heaters. They’re a great way to increase comfort and reduce your reliance on gas or expensive electric baseboard heating. Because they are a DIY installation, they can be a great solution for renters.

These units are lower cost than full home heat pumps and are powered by a standard 120V outlet. The models available today typically cost $500-800. They provide energy efficient heating and cooling ideal for apartments or single rooms in larger homes.

Join us to learn about what is available today, how the options compare, and the ideal uses for these products. We will also explore new product developments that promise to deliver even more performance.

Register for our free webinar!

Sales rise, prices decline, charging options grow

Global EV sales are projected to hit 17 million in 2024, meaning one in five cars sold will be electric this year. This growth in sales is eating into oil production and peak oil demand is expected before 2030. Charging infrastructure is growing rapidly - public DC fast charging stations have more than doubled since 2021 in the US.

As the industry grows, battery prices are declining and new reports suggest that the future demand for battery materials may be less than expected due to battery innovations and rapidly growing recycling capacity. Many new EVs cost less than $45K, the average new gas car price in the US, even before tax credits.

Find all the EVs available in the US today
See the 11 lowest cost EVs available today
Find EVs that qualify for tax credits up to $7,500
Find great values on used EVs

More tips on EVs, incentives and more

NW Natural’s empty promises and gas leaks on the rise

For the second year in a row, NW Natural has failed to deliver on its own goals of blending so-called “renewable natural gas” (RNG) into its gas deliveries. RNG has been a cornerstone of gas industry promises to reduce carbon emissions, with this solution accounting for roughly half of NW Natural’s projected emissions reductions. But for the last three years, the company has acquired less than 1% of its methane as RNG, far below its published goal of 5% by 2023.

A new study shows that gas leaks have nearly quadrupled in the US since 2003 as gas pipes age and appliances degrade. Over 200,000 un-combusted methane leaks require an emergency response every year in cities and towns across the country, costing fire departments over $500 Million per year.

Find out why “natural gas” stoves are dangerous for your health

Portland Events

Electrify Portland! - Home Electrification Fair, Sept 15th, Noon-4PM. Come get inspired at the second annual Electrify PDX electrification fair showcasing high efficiency solutions for homeowners and renters, local electrification contractors, product demonstrations, EV testdrives and practical tips, in a festive community setting.

Lake Oswego Electric Home and Vehicle Fair, Sept 28th 10AM-2PM. Discover the advantages of heat pumps, take an EV test drive and chat with EV owners, learn about financial incentives to lower costs and find trusted contractors to help you electrify your home.

Find resources to help you take action

Electrifying your home is the most powerful thing you can do to reduce your carbon emissions and accelerate the world to a clean energy future.

Our Take Action pages have helpful tips, contractor recommendations and other resources to help you electrify your home and transportation.

Electrify Oregon is a great resource for product information, incentive details and trusted contractors across the state.

If you have questions or comments, or need some advice about electrification in your home, please contact us at: brianstewart@electrifynow.net

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