By the Bronxville Green Committee

March 1, 2023: Is your furnace nearing the end of its life? Do you have persistent hot or cold spots in your home? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your utility bills?

If yes, there’s good news!

This winter, Bronxville is partnering with Sustainable Westchester, a nonprofit consortium of local municipalities, to help residents utilize and benefit from clean, renewable energy. This Energy Smart Homes program provides access to information about clean energy technologies and financial incentives, NYSERDA certified contractors, local resident testimonials and one-on-one assistance to help you make your home more energy efficient.  Look for previous articles about the program and home energy audits under My Hometown Bronxville’s Sustainable Living tab.

Bronxville’s beautiful older homes can be retrofitted with the latest, most energy efficient technologies and air-source heat pumps could be the answer!

Heat pumps do not create heat through combustion; rather they move heat in the ambient air from one place to another. This process is powered by electricity, which can be produced from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydro.

-Air source heat pumps are incredibly efficient. The seasonal efficiency of heat pumps ranges from two to three times more efficient than conventional methods. That means that for every 1 unit of electricity used, 2.2 to 3 units of heat are transferred into the home. By comparison, when using electric resistance heating, for every 1 unit of electricity used, 1 is transferred (source: Sustainable Westchester).

-Heat pumps designed for winter weather can comfortably heat your home even in our cold climate. They also provide efficient cooling, comparable to the highest-efficiency air conditioners. Ductless heat pumps, also called “mini-splits,” eliminate the need for noisy window air conditioners.

-Air source heat pumps are not inexpensive, but recently passed legislation means that their upfront costs are often offset by rebates and tax credits. Your contractor will explain in detail what energy efficiencies you can expect to realize and how much money you can expect to save over time.

-Even though renewable energy accounts for only 12% of the grid today, a heat pump system powered by grid electricity will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions from heating by 40-60%. These emissions will continue to decrease from year to year as our grid becomes greener, whereas the emissions from fossil fuels will stay the same.

Making energy upgrades to your home can be complicated and confusing.  We’re available to provide further resources and help sort through your options. If you’re already installing new clean energy equipment, or scheduling a home energy audit, email us to confirm you’re receiving the maximum discounts and rebate benefits and put your name on the Village list of residents working to decrease our environmental footprint.

Don’t wait until an emergency—learn about your options now!

Learn more about the Energy Smart Homes program on our website and CONTACT US to get started. Comfort, safety, lower costs, and reducing your carbon footprint – a great way to start the new year!

The Bronxville Green Committee is a volunteer organization that is part of the Village of Bronxville. We work to propose and implement environmentally sustainable programs in our community. Visit our website and follow us on Instagram @bxvgreencommittee to learn more. Please consider joining our efforts.