March 3 Newsletter: Home comfort is our jam

If there's one thing the cold winter here in New York is telling us, it is that a well-insulated home is your best protection against winter weather damage and high energy bills. Ice dams on roofs can cause tremendous damage, water infiltration, and mold. Here is a resource for some steps you can take to protect your roof, the most important step of all is ensuring that your roof is properly insulated and ventilated. 

Fortunately, there's never been a better time to enroll with HeatSmart and get a free assessment for an insulation upgrade! Until June, income-qualified households are eligible for grants to pay for insulation and air sealing. If you're in a higher earning category, ask us whether the Comfort Home program might be right for you.
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It's not too late to be a part of the Heat Pump Demonstration Pilot Study now being conducted by NYSERDA. There has been tremendous interest in this short-term opportunity, so don't delay! Scroll down to see some real examples of heat pump systems installed with grant money through the study. Join our Heat Pump Pilot Study webinar on March 10 at noon to learn more. 

​Heat Pump Pilot Study Examples

Heat Pump Pilot Study Examples
EmPower Customer in Chemung County
"Edwina" lives in a mobile home which she heats with wood, oil, and electric space heaters. 

Insulation and Air Sealing
6" of cellulose insulation in the attic
2" of spray foam under the floor
Miscellaneous air sealing in the living space
Seal and insulate rim joist
Install Tyvek on garage ceiling
Install insulation vent baffles in attic
Install an insulated hatch door assembly in attic
Properly vent dryer

Total cost to EmPower: $12,598.44
Cost to Edwina: $0.00

Heating and Cooling
Mitsubishi cold climate ductless mini split heat pump system with 4 indoor heads. Will provide heating and air conditioning.

System cost: $21,600
NYSEG Rebate: ($5,400)
Heat Pump Study Grant ($17,200)
Cost to Edwina: $0.00

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Assisted Home Performance Customer in Tompkins County

"Brandon and Elise" live with their young family in a 175 year old farmhouse which they heat with oil, wood and a pellet stove. After evaluating the two proposals, Brandon and Elise decided to go with the ground source heat pump system which is more efficient and long lasting. "Brandon and Elise" can finance their cost share through a low interest Green Jobs, Green NY loan.

They got two proposals from their installer:

Proposal #1 - Air Source Heat Pumps:
System Cost: $16,674
NYSEG Rebate ($3890)
Heat Pump Study Grant ($5835)
Cost to Brandon and Elise: $6949

Proposal #2 - Ground Source Heat Pumps:
System Cost $37,175
NYSEG Rebate ($7150)
Heat Pump Study Grant ($16,340)
Upfront Cost to Brandon and Elise: $13,685
Cost to Brandon after 26% federal tax credit: $10,126

Brandon and Elise are also eligible for up to $5000 in matching grants to improve his home's insulation and air sealing.

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Events

Register for an upcoming webinar on clean heating and cooling
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​Weds, March 10 from noon-1pm :: Register Now
Heat Pump Pilot Study
NYSERDA is conducting a Heat Pump Pilot Study to learn how heat pumps can benefit low-to-moderate income households in NY. Join the  HeatSmart team to learn if you're a good candidate for this short term opportunity that will provide deeply discounted heat pumps to low-to-moderate income households that are heating with any fuel except gas.

Weds, March 24 from 7-8pm :: Register Now
Getting the Most out of Your Heat Pump System
Congratulations! You just got a new heat pump system (or you are about to get one)! This webinar will go over how to use your system to maximize comfort and efficiency. We will also go over best practices for maintenance.

Weds, April 14 from noon-1pm :: Register Now
Tax Time!
Join us to learn about federal tax credits for heat pumps and other clean energy technologies. A basic overview of heat pumps will also be provided.

Weds, April 28 from 7-8pm :: Register Now
Campaign for Clean Heat
Join the HeatSmart team to learn about the movement for clean heat at the local level, the state level and the national level. #HeatPumpsNotPipelines

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Become an Energy Navigator!

Want to help spread the word about steps that households can take toward energy efficiency, renewable heating, and going solar? Interested to know who qualifies for assistance programs from the state and other sources?

Our friends at Get Your Greenback Tompkins are now accepting applications for the 2021 volunteer cohort. This year's free training will be held online via Zoom, on 8 consecutive Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm, starting April 14th.

Applications are due Friday, March 19th.

learn more & apply

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Recent Webinars

From our fall webinar series: "Air Source or Ground Source: How to Decide."
View more from our webinar archive and virtual home tours.

View Lisa Marshall from HeatSmart Tompkins' presentation on heat pumps given on 1/28 as part of Cornell's Sustainability at Home series. Watch video on Cornell's website.