NYSERDA Announces $10 million for Installation of Clean, Energy Efficient Air Source Heat Pumps for Homes and Businesses
Long Island, NY - August 17, 2017 - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority today announced the availability of $10 million for the installation of program-qualified air-source heat pump systems (ASHPs) in homes and businesses across New York State. Part of a larger statewide strategy focused on renewable heating and cooling, this initiative is the first component of an ASHP sales and training program aimed at increasing the availability of these units in the marketplace.
While ASHPs have been used in warmer climates as an efficient cooling system, recent advances in technology have been incorporated into new models allowing them to meet both the heating and cooling needs for customers in colder climates like New York.
Air source heat pumps provide energy bills savings as well as environmental benefits. Increased use of this technology supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.
Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “New York continues to drive broader adoption of clean technologies, including air-source heat pumps, to help lower energy bills, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This funding strongly supports Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy strategy and will help make energy more affordable for New Yorkers.”
ASHPs collect heat from the exterior air, concentrate it through an outdoor compressor, and distribute it inside through an indoor room unit. Heat pumps require electricity to run, but deliver more energy than they use. In the summer, a heat pump’s operation is reversed to air condition the home by moving heat from indoors to outdoors.
According to the Department of Energy, when properly installed, ASHPs can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electricity it consumes. High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling in summer months.
Participating installers are eligible to receive up to $500 per program-qualified ASHP system on a first-come, first served basis, with up to $500,000 per Participating Installer. The program provides flexibility to participating installers to decide how best to use these incentives to help grow the ASHP portion of the business.
While the technology has advanced rapidly, allowing ASHPs to meet the heating and cooling needs of customers here in New York, a limited number of contractors deploy this solution in the market. The ASHP Program will help to expand the pool of current contractors offering these products, while also helping those contractors to sell more ASHPs to meet customer needs.
The Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Air-Source Heat Pump Working Group has developed a Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump (ccASHP) Specification intended to identify ASHPs that are best suited to heat efficiently in cold climates. To be eligible to receive funding, the ASHP(s) installed and identified in each incentive application must be listed on the ccASHP Specification Listing at the time of installation. Only ASHP systems installed after August 1, 2017 are eligible.
Additional program requirements can be found in the Air Source Heat Pump Program Manual.
ASHP installers interested in participating in the program should complete and submit a Participating Installer Application. Only Participating Installers are eligible to submit incentive applications.
The funding is made available through the State’s Clean Energy Fund. More information about the funding, program manual and application is available at NYSERDA’s website.
About the Clean Energy Fund
The 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund is a core component of New York State's Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to achieve a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. It is designed to deliver on New York State’s commitment to reduce ratepayer collections, drive economic development, and accelerate the use of clean energy and energy innovation. It includes a focused effort to bring more clean energy opportunities and benefits to low- to moderate-income communities throughout the State. The Clean Energy Fund supports the aggressive Clean Energy Standard of 50 percent of the state’s electricity coming from renewable energy resources by 2030.
About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity needs be generated from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven a nearly 800 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, installation and other clean-tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.
About NYSERDA
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.