<p>In this episode of <i>Home Green Homes</i>, Izumi Tanaka talks with Nick Grimm — a father, homeowner, and sustainability professional who is gradually transforming his 1953 Los Angeles home into a healthier and more energy-efficient space.</p><p></p><p>Nick didn’t begin with a master sustainability plan. Like many homeowners, his journey started with basic maintenance: replacing appliances when they broke and making upgrades when necessary. But as he learned more about sustainability, each decision became an opportunity to choose better options.</p><p></p><p>So far, Nick and his family have:</p><ul><li>Replaced a gas cooktop with an induction stove</li><li>Installed a heat pump washer/dryer</li><li>Upgraded their electric panel</li><li>Installed solar panels</li><li>Purchased an EV and charger</li><li>Begun planning for heat pump HVAC and water heating</li><li>Started thinking about drought-resilient landscaping<p></p></li></ul><p>One turning point came when Nick used an indoor air quality monitor while cooking on a gas stove — and saw pollution levels spike inside his home. With a young child experiencing asthma, it accelerated their switch to induction cooking.</p><p></p><p>Nick also discusses the <b>real barriers to electrification</b>, including the complexity of rebates and the financial realities many homeowners face.</p><p>Despite those challenges, he believes individual choices still matter. For Nick, the ability to take action — even one appliance at a time — is empowering.</p>