Step 6. Replace your HVAC with a heat pump
Electric heat pumps are 200-300% more efficient than any other form of heating and cooling.
Modern cold climate heat pumps can easily and comfortably heat and cool your entire home, and heat your hot water too. Reduce your energy expenses as you save on fuel and maintenance costs with efficient, cold climate heat pumps.
Learn more below!
Heat Pump Hot Water Heaters
Heat pump hot water heaters look very similar to traditional standalone water heaters. They heat your water using far less energy than oil, gas, or standard electric models. Although the purchase price is often higher, you’ll save more when you consider the lifecycle cost. That’s because their more efficient use of electricity reduces your energy costs, saving you up to $3500 over its lifecycle.
Currently, you can get a $700-$1,000 utility rebate and a federal tax credit for certified EnergyStar models. That more than covers the additional costs of a heat pump hot water heater.
HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and cooling systems
Heat pumps are the most energy efficient form of heating and cooling, bar none.
In fact, they are 200-300% more efficient than other forms of heating. That’s because they don’t create heat. They simply move existing heat (or thermal differences) around. All HVAC heat pumps work to move heat from outside to inside your building, and can be reversed to cool it like an air conditioner. New heat pumps are also much more efficient than air conditioners.
There are two major types : air source and ground source. Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) operate much like an air conditioner: they take heat from inside your home and move it the air outside. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) differ in that they move heat to and from underground through a set of coiled tubes. Sometimes referred to as “geothermal,” GSHPs are even more efficient than ASHPs, but cost more and can’t be installed everywhere.
Tip: If your home has central air conditioning, you may be able to swap out your old AC compressor for a cold climate heat pump compressor. Once connected to your ductwork, your new heat pump can heat and cool your entire home. That eliminates the need for your old furnace or boiler with one simple retrofit!
Finding a Contractor
As with any home improvement project, it’s wise to get three or more estimates from contractors. For Clean Heating and Cooling projects, it’s also wise to find a NYSERDA-approved contractor (see the button below). If you prefer using a local business, you can check out these local contractors from the NYSERDA-approved contractor list:
- Aaspen
- Bell Mechanical (formerly Bell Heating & Cooling)
- County Comfort
- Healthy Home Energy & Consulting
- Sealed
For more information, click the Clean Heat Contractors button below.
Utility Rebates
Check your utility's residential rebate program to learn what's available for hot water heater and HVAC heat pumps. It pays to learn each rebate requirement before you purchase. Then obtain and save receipts that clearly identify the make and model of equipment installed. Click the blue button for your utility to learn more!
Clean Energy Planning Worksheets
Since HVAC equipment generally lasts 10 years or more, the most economical time to replace it is when it breaks down. Do some research now while you have the time. Use these downloadable planning worksheets to plan ahead for your heat pump purchase and installation!
Select a NYSERDA-approved Contractor
NYSERDA, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority