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It’s not easy being green. Or is it?

Creating energy efficiency in your home sounds like a potentially daunting task. And though it’s not the simple flip of a switch, it’s entirely possible with the help of the right professionals and resources. Minimizing energy waste in your home offers a multitude of benefits, most notably lowering utility costs and reducing your carbon footprint.

The cost associated with creating an energy efficient home often deters people from taking the proper steps to reduce energy waste, but in New York State, there’s an answer to that dilemma.

EmPower+

In 2023, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) developed a program called EmPower+, dedicated to helping low- and mid-income homeowners and renters decrease energy waste in their homes. The mission is to provide resources to households who may not otherwise have the ability to transform their energy consumption, thus reducing the energy burden on residents and creating greener communities throughout the state.

How do I qualify?

Owners and renters of single to four-unit homes must be considered low or moderate income, which is determined by one of the following:

• Income, which is verified via pay stubs or tax returns
• HEAP or SNAP beneficiaries; participation in either of these programs automatically qualifies you for EmPower+
• Other social service departments can also verify eligibility

Check your eligibility here.

What’s covered?

Eligible households can receive incentives toward energy improvement projects in their home including:

• Attic, wall, and rim joist insulation
• Air sealing to reduce drafts
• Health & safety items
• Mobile home underbelly insulation

For homes that have had air sealing and insulation completed, contractors can make recommendations to upgrade other equipment including:

• Cold climate air source heat pump
• Heat pump hot water tank
• Replacement of low-efficiency heating systems

I’m eligible. What’s next?

It’s time to find the right contractor to help you transform your home’s energy usage. New York State partners with certified, reputable HVAC companies, like Finger Lakes Comfort, to execute the work, from the initial home assessment, to the installation of equipment and everything in between.

Finger Lakes Comfort is a proud partner of the EmPower+ program and our Energy Reduction Program offers a comprehensive solution for those who qualify. We’re well-versed in the New York State program and advocate on your behalf to help you maximize the financial support you receive. Our energy auditors are BPI certified and ready to help you understand how to best eliminate energy waste in your home. To get started, simply complete a brief pre-qualification form and our team will reach out to you to schedule a zero-cost home assessment.