{
  "id": 14681178,
  "title": "A new report just busted another myth about heat pumps",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/a-new-report-just-busted-another-myth-about-heat-pumps",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Grist",
    "slug": "grist",
    "url": "https://grist.org/solutions/a-new-report-just-busted-another-myth-about-heat-pumps/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent report has debunked another misconception about heat pumps, which are devices that move warmth from outdoor air to an indoor space instead of generating it like a furnace. Contrary to popular belief, heat pumps can keep you warm even in frigid temperatures, as models designed for cold climates can maintain a comfortable indoor environment during the harshest winters. This notion was supported by the Nordic countries, who have enthusiastically adopted heat pumps despite their chilly winters. Heat pumps are becoming more efficient than ever, but some people still question whether widespread adoption of these appliances could overload the power grid. However, a new report from the energy thinktank RMI suggests this is a misconception as well. The report found that most U.S. homes could switch to heat pumps without putting undue strain on the grid, thanks to \"headroom\" in the system during winter months. This headroom refers to the difference between the grid's generation capacity and demand in colder seasons. Typically, electricity demand is highest in the summer due to millions of air conditioners, but during winter, many households use gas furnaces, freeing up energy and reducing stress on the grid. This means that adding 109 million heat pumps to the grid during winter wouldn't require new gas-fired power plants. The availability of this grid capacity varies by region, as climates differ and local utilities generate electricity differently. For example, Phoenix experiences much hotter summers and milder winters compared to Boston, while the Pacific Northwest and Southeast have less severe winters but rely more on electric resistance heating. To address these regional differences, utilities are investing in battery farms to store energy and exploring the use of electric vehicles as a backup power source. By replacing older electric resistance heating appliances, such as space heaters, with heat pumps, households can save an average of $1,530 per year, according to RMI's previous research. States can encourage this transition through rebates, and building more apartments can also facilitate the widespread adoption of heat pumps. Ultimately, the widespread use of heat pumps across all American climates, including Alaska, could lead to lower electricity costs for homeowners, reduced rates overall, and a more flexible power grid.",
  "summary": "Don't worry: There is there plenty of room on the grid for these electrical wonders — and they'll save ratepayers tons of cash.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}