102. A Father's Journey for Green Home with Nick Grimm

In this episode of Home Green Homes, 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.

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.

So far, Nick and his family have:

• Replaced a gas cooktop with an induction stove
• Installed a heat pump washer/dryer
• Upgraded their electric panel
• Installed solar panels
• Purchased an EV and charger
• Begun planning for heat pump HVAC and water heating
• Started thinking about drought-resilient landscaping

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.

Nick also discusses the real barriers to electrification, including the complexity of rebates and the financial realities many homeowners face.

Despite those challenges, he believes individual choices still matter. For Nick, the ability to take action — even one appliance at a time — is empowering.