Get ahead of freezing temperatures and keep cozy this winter

Why cold-climate heat pumps may be the best option for heating and cooling your home

With temperatures beginning to creep toward single digits, it’s time to start thinking about your home’s current heating system. Don't wait until it's time to turn the heat on in case maintenance or upgrades are needed — schedule a service inspection and check on your existing equipment early. When your current system is no longer a viable option, consider a cold-climate heat pump. These clean and energy-efficient systems help you move away from natural gas, inefficient electric resistance, or expensive and dirty oil or propane.

Here’s how to get started: 

1. Schedule an Annual Inspection and Service for Your Current Heating System

Regardless of the heating system your home uses, book a professional inspection of your current heating system. It can extend equipment life, boost efficiency, and flag potential issues. Consider getting a free home energy assessment, which offers a full picture of how your home uses energy and can highlight easy upgrades to improve comfort and potentially reduce costs.

If your system is more than ten years old, it’s time to start planning a replacement.

2. Explore Heat Pump Options That Match Your Home

Consider upgrading to a cold-climate heat pump for heating and cooling your home. Not only do they effectively heat homes in cold climates, heat pumps are a more efficient option, typically costing less than oil, propane, or electric resistance heating. Plus, they eliminate the need to schedule fuel deliveries and worries about fluctuating fuel costs.

Depending on your home, you might install:

• Cold-climate air source heat pumps, which transfer heat between indoor and outdoor air, or

• Geothermal systems, which draw heat from the ground and offer high long-term efficiency.

NYS Clean Heat offers a Heat Pump Planner tool to help you narrow down your options.

3. Look Into Financial Incentives

New Yorkers can offset the installation cost of a new cold-climate heat pump in different ways. Electric utility companies offer upfront rebates, NYSERDA offers low-interest financing options, and there are tax credits* available from the federal government and New York State.

4. Work with a Participating Contractor

To claim incentives, you’ll need a participating NYS Clean Heat contractor. They’ll help design a system that fits your home’s layout, comfort needs, and budget.

5. Map Out Your Timeline

Heat pump installation can take a day or a few weeks depending on your home and system. Start planning your upgrade early to avoid scrambling later. 

6. Install and Settle In

Your contractor will handle installation and teach you how to run your new system. Just set it and forget it. Enjoy steady comfort, cleaner air, and lower energy bills if you're replacing oil, propane, or electric resistance. 

Want to explore your options?

Visit MyEnergy.ny.gov/heatpumps 

*Due to recent federal legislation, tax credits are changing. Consult your tax professional for the latest information.

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