Why Now Is a Good Time to Upgrade Your Home’s Energy Efficiency 

With climate change looming as a serious global issue, Americans are increasingly supporting sustainable energy technology. Data from Pew Research Center reveals that nearly 70% of Americans support becoming carbon neutral and developing alternative energy solutions. 

Although the responsibility weighs heavily on corporations and the energy industry, governments are playing an equal part. New York State is leading the charge for electrification, as announced by Governor Hochul in January 2022. The plans call for a minimum of one million homes to switch to electric power by 2030, with new construction reducing its emissions to zero by 2027.  

The ambitious plan also makes it possible for homeowners to have access to the upgrades necessary to make a difference. Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating is a trusted energy partner that has served the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region since 1928.  

As more homeowners look to upgrade their homes, Standard stands strong in connecting them with grants, rebates, and incentives to make those upgrades affordable. Let’s explore why now is an excellent time to upgrade your home energy efficiency.  

Reasons to Upgrade 

Energy security concerns and the challenges of soaring fossil fuel prices are significant motivators for upgrading your home. Increasing energy efficiency and switching to alternative energy solutions other than gas and oil can save substantial sums of money every year. Switching to electricity can boost energy efficiency while supporting decreased energy consumption. As a result, each household could save anywhere from $1,050 to $2,600.  

Saving money is only one of several compelling reasons to upgrade your home. Other motivators for making changes include the following: 

Prepare for the Future 

To meet Governor Hochul’s call for the electrification of at least one million homes, some big changes need to happen. Outdated systems and those that run on gas or oil must be replaced, but those upgrades aren’t simply a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they require some future-forward thinking, which Standard provides in the form of custom services.  

To achieve optimal results, each homeowner must choose the options that best meet their homes’ unique needs. As a result, homeowners are also better prepared for heating and cooling both now and in the future.  

Reduce Your Home’s Carbon Footprint 

Did you know that commercial and residential buildings make up 13% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions? Heating and cooling, cooking appliances, lighting, and electronics are among the largest culprits contributing to your home’s carbon footprint.  

In New York State alone, energy efficient upgrades and adopting electrification can reduce each home’s carbon emissions by about 24%. That’s the equivalent of 3.6 tons of carbon dioxide per home annually. 

Live More Comfortably 

Saving money and living a greener lifestyle aren’t the only reasons to invest in home upgrades. By eliminating drafts, installing insulation, and updating HVAC equipment, homeowners (and renters) can enjoy steadier temperatures in every season. Stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer — all while using less energy to achieve optimal temperatures.  

Alternative Energy Benefits 

Electrification is a seamless way to embrace alternative energy. While fossil fuels are finite, renewable energy sources, including the wind and sun, are naturally replenished and essentially infinite. Additionally, switching to electricity as your primary energy source can yield quieter operations, improved temperature control and precision, and lower maintenance costs. 

Americans are increasingly embracing alternative energy solutions in the face of climate change and the steady rise of fossil fuel prices. In just a few years, experts expect clean and renewable energy sources to take over as the primary source for electricity. With rising demand, capacity and infrastructure continues growing, making these solutions more available to a wider population.  

Here in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region, Standard provides expert service and support to homeowners and businesses making the shift toward alternative energy. Lower operating costs, improved real estate market values, and reducing the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry are among the chief benefits.  

Why Now Is the Time to Upgrade 

As New York State embraces electrification and more homeowners become interested in upgrades, attractive incentives make it more accessible and affordable than ever. Programs like EmPower+ provide free upgrades to qualified homeowners and renters. For those who don’t qualify for the EmPower+ Program, EmPower Plus offers to help consumers with up to 50% of the cost of alternative energy solutions.  

Now is the time to begin living more comfortably and saving money while preparing for the future of home energy.  

Next Steps for Achieving Cleaner Energy 

Are you ready to start powering your home with cleaner energy? Start with a free energy audit from Standard. This specialized service brings BPI-certified technicians to your home. In addition to a thorough visual inspection, auditors perform specialized testing and use infrared scans to assess how your home uses energy. Technicians can also detect potential safety concerns and develop a plan that is specifically tailored to your home.  

Contact Standard to Learn More 

Not only has Standard been a trusted name in the region for nearly a century, but we also stand out with our commitment to looking at the entire property. We look at how your insulation and HVAC work together, and we assess the air leakage in your home and customize our approach to make sure we achieve optimal efficiency and comfort. Best of all, we do it all while saving you money.  

Call us today at 855-923-5154 or contact us online to schedule your free energy audit.