Why Heat Pumps?
Sustainable energy systems rely on two major principles: efficient end-use and efficient use of renewable energy sources. In this scenario, the heat pump is a brilliant invention which is adaptable for a multitude of applications relating to both efficient end-use (say, in the home) and renewable energy supply. The energy source used by a heat pump can be renewable energy from ground, air, water and waste heat sources. The most prevalent use of heat pumps is for cooling, e.g. the common household refrigerator or air conditioner, but heat pumps are fully capable of upgrading heat to comfortable temperatures for entire homes. In applications paired with proper home insulation and air sealing, when both heating and cooling are needed, it is a win-win situation which virtually doubles the cost-effectiveness of a heat pump installation. Incentives and tax breaks exist. More incentives and tax breaks exist now than ever before for insulating homes and installing heat pump systems. For an average residential customer, a significant cost of insulation and air sealing and a variety of heat pump systems are covered by these incentives. It is simple to confirm one's ability to utilize these incentives and tax breaks, and most of the paperwork is done by the Installer Partner you chose. There are familiar and affordable ways to acquire or finance a heat pump system. Currently, there are several affordable ways to harness the efficiency of heat pumps. The main options are to purchase a system at an affordable upfront price after all incentives and to purchase a system through a low-interest loan product. Both home improvement and home equity loans in addition to other financing mechanisms are typically available by our Installer Partners and several options are available to county residents via Tompkins Trust Company and Alternatives Federal Credit Union. More information on state and federal incentives, tax credits, financing and which options might be best for you can be found in our Home Energy and Heat Pump FAQ. Now is the time to do your part in mitigating the worst aspects of climate change and reducing other pollution associated with fossil fuels. We are forcing the changing of the climate through our greenhouse gas emissions and the effects will be incredibly devastating, destabilizing, and irreversible for our families and communities. To avoid rising sea levels that can displace people and their communities, rising temperatures and changing water patterns that cause droughts, fires, and crop failures, and mass extinctions in our oceans, forests, and other land ecosystems, action is required to drastically reduce our personal and collective greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy behaviors and practices. |
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