In the next decade, millions of New York homes will switch to heat pumps for cleaner, greener heating and cooling. We want to ensure everyone can make the switch.
In an effort to learn how to better serve low-to-moderate income (LMI) households in the transition to heat pump technology, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recently announced a Heat Pump Pilot study. Through the study, approximately 500 income-eligible households can access additional incentives for Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, Heat Pump Water Heaters, panel box upgrades and heating system distribution (i.e. ductwork) improvements. These incentives can be added to the available utility incentives! We expect spaces in this program to be filled quickly. Do not delay!
We’ve crunched the numbers
Moderate income households can expect systems installed for ~50% off.
Low-income households may have the cost covered IN FULL.
This is help for the households struggling with old inefficient systems.
This is energy justice.
The Details
This study is open to all LMI households that are not currently heated with natural gas. Current heating systems must also be at least 5 years old to qualify. Income eligibility is determined by the Assisted Home Performance income guidelines and the EmPower income guidelines, as described in the table below. If you make less than the stated income maximum for your household size, you qualify!
wpDataTable with provided ID not found!Please note that Assisted Home Performance eligibility is temporarily extended to households earning 120% of the area median income, but only through December 31, 2020.
Each participating home must first meet minimum insulation levels which will be verified by a contractor with an energy audit. This is to ensure that heat pumps are properly sized and homes reach maximum levels of comfort!
If homes do not currently meet required insulation levels, homeowners can work with contractors through the Assisted Home Performance and/or EmPower programs which provide incentives to cover up to 50-100% of the cost of energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation, for LMI households.
An Example
A household that currently heats with propane is in need of $10,000-worth of insulation and is interested in converting to heating and cooling with a 3-ton air source heat pump. This also requires a $2,000 upgrade to the electric panel box. The following incentives are available in this case:
| Incentive | EmPower Eligible Customer | AHP Eligible Customer |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation Incentives | $10,000 until 12/31 or $7,000 after 12/31 | $5,000 until 12/31 or $4,000 after 12/31 |
| Utility incentives for air source heat pump | $3,600 | $3,600 |
| Heat Pump Pilot Study Incentives for air source heat pump | $11,520 | $5,400 |
| Heat Pump PIlot Study Incentives for electri panel box upgrades | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Total Incentives | $27,120 until 12/31 or $24,120 after 12/31 | $15,000 until 12/31 or $14,000 after 12/31 |
How to Apply
This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out. That may happen quickly!
- If you have already received a quote from a HeatSmart CNY installer, contact them directly, let them know you want to be included in the Heat Pump Demonstration Study.
- If you have not yet, enroll with HeatSmart CNY!
If your income is between 80-120% of area median income (see chart above) – download and submit the Assisted Home Performance income verification application ASAP.
If you have questions, please reach out to Lindsay Speer or Dick Kornbluth at 315-313-5050.