By the Bronxville Green Committee

March 16, 2023: A recent study of Bronxville’s greenhouse gas emissions revealed that our homes are the greatest source of emissions in the Village.  Specifically, in base year 2018 our residential heating and cooling systems, which burn fuel oil, natural gas, and propane, released just under 24,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.  Scientists tell us that to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we must significantly reduce emissions now. New York State’s climate law sets a goal of 40% reduction by 2030.

The solution lies with us!

Lowering local emissions to fight climate change will depend, in part, on the willingness of residents to retrofit the heating and cooling systems in their homes. As an incentive, many government agencies and local utilities now offer generous tax breaks and upfront rebates when you improve the energy efficiency of your home.

This winter, Bronxville is partnering with Sustainable Westchester, a nonprofit consortium of local municipalities, to help residents utilize and benefit from clean, renewable energy. Find previous articles about the Energy Smart Homes program in My Hometown Bronxville’s Sustainable Living tab.

First Steps:

Addressing your home’s heating and cooling system can be a complex process. This program provides resources to help answer your questions as you navigate your options – you don’t have to do all the work yourself! 

Assess: A home energy audit provides a complete top-to-bottom assessment of where your home is wasting energy. Contractors on our list typically offer assessments for FREE with the option of additional testing, such as a blower door test, for a one-time additional charge.

Review: Once you’ve identified your home’s particular concerns, choose the improvements and financing that fit your needs.  Insulation and air sealing may tighten the “envelope” of your home, a heat pump hot water heater might save you money, and air-source or geothermal heat pumps might allow you to ditch fossil fuel completely!

Upgrade:  A certified contractor can install the technologies in your home; you enjoy comfort, safety, and cost savings, and we all benefit from your home’s reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Free One-On-One Energy Coach:

Bedford2030, a nonprofit organization based in Bedford that is leading the way on energy upgrades for homeowners, is offering Bronxville residents free phone consultations with Energy Coach Bob Fischman.  Our colleagues have found him to be a wonderful resource, willing to speak about your particular home for up to 45 minutes.  Sign up HERE and you’ll be directed to book an appointment. 

New York For Clean Energy, another nonprofit, offers free phone consultations with Tom Konrad. Sign up HERE.

Tax incentive and rebates fall into three major categories:

*Inflation Reduction Act: Some of the details of this federal legislation, passed last summer, are still being worked out, but already major incentives are being offered.  This IRA Guide for Homeowners explains what’s available now and what you can expect later.

*New York State: New York State offers incentives through NYSERDA’s Comfort Homes, New York Clean Heat, and Energy Star programs.  These programs require that you choose from NYSERDA’s list of certified contractors.  Energy efficiency improvements are reimbursed according to exactly what work is done and range from $500-4,000, with additional incentives available for installing heat pumps.  Additional programs are available for Low to Moderate Income Families. 

*ConEd: A pool of $10 million for rebates became available to homeowners on January 17, 2023. Projects must lower energy usage by 15% to qualify and you must use a contractor from ConEd’s approved list of contractors.

Click below for the latest rebates for each type of project:

-Air Source Heat Pump Rebate Summary Sheet

-Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate Summary Sheet

-Heat Pump Hot Water Heater Rebate Summary Sheet

-Insulation and Air Sealing Rebate Summary Sheet 

Can you claim incentives from more than one of these programs—yes!

Making energy upgrades to your heating and cooling system is not easy!  Through the Energy Smart Homes program, we can guide you to 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 rebate benefits and put your name on the Village list of residents working to decrease our environmental footprint.

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 – great goals for you and for the environment!

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.