The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority 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, the initiative is the first component of an ASHP sales and training program aimed at increasing the availability of these units in the marketplace.
Officials said 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 the state’s energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.
Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA, said the state “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 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, officials said.
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, according to the state.
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. ASHP systems installed after Aug. 1 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 www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Air-Source-Heat-Pump-Program.