Energy Efficiency for the Home and Office: More Ways to Save On Energy Upgrades and Costs 

Since opening its doors in 1928, Standard has prioritized improving the comfort and efficiency of homes and businesses throughout the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley. The time to improve energy efficiency is better now than ever before, with a number of incentives, including grants and rebates, available to make energy upgrades accessible.  

Let’s explore some key homeowner benefits, tax credits, and other energy saving tips for residents and commercial managers.  

More Ways to Save Energy Costs 

Before you start exploring ways to lower energy costs, it’s essential to evaluate how your property uses energy now. With an energy audit, Standard’s NATE-certified technicians start by performing a detailed visual inspection. They will also perform specialized testing to determine the best ways to save on energy costs for your unique property. The results of the audit are important, particularly if you apply for programs like EmPower New York, which provides free or low-cost energy upgrades for qualifying applicants and rebates that require an audit as a starting point.  

Energy Efficiency 

Standard can help you explore all the financial incentives available to you, from grants and rebates to special financing. Our goal today is the same as it ever was — to save you money and help you live more comfortably and efficiently. It may be even more imperative as New York State strives to achieve zero emissions by 2035.  

In the United States, homes and commercial buildings make up about 40% of the country’s energy use. Those with energy efficient upgrades consume substantially less energy, which saves money and reduces greenhouse gases. Additionally, energy efficient homes typically sell faster and for several percentage points more than those without upgrades. 

A few energy saving tips to point you in the right direction include the following: 

• Upgrading insulation in the attic can reduce energy bills between 10% and 50%. 
• Professional air sealing can eliminate drafts, improve indoor air quality, and save 25% to 40% of the energy lost in your heating and cooling system. 
• Switching to a heat pump, which draws energy from the air, can reduce energy use by approximately 50% compared to traditional heating and cooling systems. 
• Engaging in routine servicing of HVAC equipment can increase your existing system’s efficiency by 30%. 

Inflation Reduction Act Savings 

The United States government passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, providing $370 billion in clean energy and environmental initiatives across the country. Eligible New York residents and business owners may be able to leverage energy efficiency-related tax credits and rebates that make upgrading to clean energy more affordable. The IRA tax credits, which reduce the amount of Federal income taxes you owe, are available from January 1, 2023, through 2032.  

During that period, customers receive rebates, which are on-the-spot discounts they receive immediately or shortly after making eligible purchases. The tax credit provides 30%, or up to $3,200, of the cost of efficiency upgrades each year. This includes savings on insulation, upgrades of HVAC equipment, and installation of other energy efficient equipment, including windows and doors. 

Offers for Landlords or Co-ops 

Homeowners aren’t the only ones with incentives that can help save money on upgrades to achieve lower energy costs. NYSERDA has programs available for co-op boards, landlords, and housing associations that want to make energy efficiency for the home and office accessible to everyone. Whether you are a landlord or a homeowner who deals with landlords or co-ops, the following are some offers to consider: 

Multifamily Buildings Low-Carbon Pathways Program: This NYSERDA program offers incentive packages for upgrades to the building’s envelope, appliances, domestic hot water, and heating and cooling system. This NYSERDA program pays up to 50% of the cost of eligible upgrades.  

New York State Clean Heat: Find incentives, including rebates, tax credits, and financing options, along with resources to learn about how to choose the best heat pump for every scenario. 

Home Energy Efficiency Financing: This NYSERDA program begins with an energy audit. Afterward, NYSERDA will help make the necessary upgrades affordable through various loans and financing options. 

Multifamily Building Programs: Owners of multifamily buildings can access numerous incentives and resources directly from NYSERDA. This program helps identify strategies for reducing energy use and costs to make residents more comfortable and enhance building values. Some of the available programs include the Flexible Technical Assistance Program, offering up to 50% to 75% cost share.  

Regional Clean Energy Hubs 

New York State takes the 2019 Climate Act and its goals for clean energy adoption seriously. As the state works to transition to a more inclusive economy powered by clean energy, it will create career opportunities, rebates for improvements for homes and businesses, and resources to help you make sense of it all. Each Hub is backed by experts with extensive experience with energy efficiency, housing, economic development, and more.  

Hubs provide information, including details about ways to save on energy costs, various clean energy resources, and qualified contractors who can help with making energy efficient upgrades. Find information about Hubs here.  

Free Service Call 

Need yet another way for Standard to help you save more? We offer free service calls, including furnace and air conditioner inspections and minor repairs. If the visit takes less than an hour and doesn’t require parts, it’s completely free. This is an excellent incentive for keeping up with servicing equipment, which can extend a system’s life and keep it running at peak efficiency.  

Contact Standard to Get Started 

Schedule your free service call or free in-home consultation to begin exploring the energy upgrades that will make the biggest impact on your home or commercial property. Contact Standard today to learn more.