The analysis of some of the glitches Massachusetts is currently encountering in our drive to cut greenhouse gas emissions by switching to heat pumps illustrates the complexities of installing a new home heating and air conditioning system (“Public slow to warm to heat pumps,” Recorder, Jan 8). The great example set by Maine’s citizens helps to show our way forward. Maine, a state that previously had over 50% reliance on fuel oil for home heat, also set an ambitious heat pump goal. By February 2023, they had exceeded their goal of 100,000 homes with heat pumps (about 20% of occupied housing units vs. 1% currently in Massachusetts) two years ahead of time. And their current goal is 50% of homes by 2027. Word-of-mouth led to rapid uptake. Mainers wisely disregarded doubts sown by the fossil fuel industry, installed the money-saving heat pumps, and collected their rebates and tax incentives. If Maine can do this, so can Massachusetts.

Bill Beckett

Watertown