By
Kiana Kazemi
Home heating is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions—and a new MIT study lays out a familiar solution refrain to solve the problem: electrify, optimize, and improve efficiency. While emissions from the power sector have dropped 34% since 2005, the buildings sector lags behind, with just an 18% reduction. This is because fossil fuel heating-mainly natural gas-is still the norm, especially in colder climates.
The study finds that switching 80% of homes to heat pumps—paired with insulation and air sealing—could cut emissions significantly while lowering energy costs.
But here’s the catch: electrification alone isn’t enough. Without smart energy management, heating demand can double peak electricity loads, straining the grid.
Insulation + Heat Pumps * Smarter Energy Management = <3
The MIT study looks specifically towards New England, where heating demand can double peak electricity loads in winter. Without efficiency upgrades, this put major strains on the grid - which can lead to higher costs and system failures. But when electrification is combined with home improvements and smart energy management, total overall energy demand drops by up to 30%. This makes electrification the lowest-cost pathway.
Heat Pumps Work Best When They Work Smarter
At Harvest, we take this approach even further. Our smart thermal battery stores energy when it’s cheapest, and delivers heat on demand whenever it’s needed. This means lower emissions, lower bills, and a healthier grid. And modern heat pumps work great, even in frigid temps. New England, come at us!
It’s time to make efficient, grid-friendly heat pumps the default choice—and Harvest is helping lead the way.
📖 Read more about MIT’s research HERE.