- Identify areas where your home is wasting energy
- Prioritize upgrades for maximum impact on efficiency and comfort
- Unlock access to NYSERDA rebates and incentives like EmPower+
As a New York City homeowner, you have a unique opportunity to save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable through a NYSERDA home energy audit. By undergoing this comprehensive assessment, you’ll gain valuable insights into your home’s energy performance and unlock access to exclusive programs like EmPower+, which provides no-cost efficiency upgrades to income-eligible households.
What to Expect During Your NYSERDA Home Energy Audit
A NYSERDA home energy audit is a thorough evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency, conducted by a certified energy auditor. The process typically takes 2-4 hours and includes:
- Blower door test to measure air leakage
- Thermal imaging to detect heat loss through walls, ceilings, and floors
- Inspection of insulation levels in attics, walls, and crawl spaces
- Assessment of heating and cooling systems for efficiency and safety
- Evaluation of lighting and appliances for energy consumption
Your auditor will also ask about your energy usage habits and any comfort issues you’ve noticed. Be sure to share this information, as it will help them provide more targeted recommendations.
Preparing for Your Home Energy Assessment
To get the most out of your NYSERDA energy audit, gather relevant documents in advance, such as:
- Utility bills from the past year
- Records of any past efficiency upgrades or repairs
- A list of any drafty rooms or old appliances
Also take some time to address minor issues like burned-out light bulbs or blocked vents. This will help your auditor focus on the most impactful opportunities.
Reviewing Your Home Energy Report
After the assessment, you’ll receive a customized report detailing your home’s energy performance and recommended upgrades. Your auditor will go through the findings with you and answer any questions.
The report will prioritize improvements based on their potential for energy savings and comfort. Common recommendations include:
- Air sealing and insulation
- Heating system repairs or replacements
- Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
- Water-saving fixtures
Incentives Through EmPower+
For income-eligible homeowners and renters, the EmPower+ program provides 100% free energy efficiency upgrades based on the results of your NYSERDA home energy audit. In 2022 alone, EmPower+ served over 14,000 New York households, with upgrades worth up to $10,000 per home.
To qualify for EmPower+, your household income must be below 80% of the State/Area Median Income. You may also be eligible if you participate in a utility payment assistance program.
If approved for EmPower+, you’ll work with a participating contractor to complete the recommended efficiency improvements at no cost. Upgrades may include:
- Air sealing and insulation to reduce drafts and heat loss
- Heating system repairs or replacement for improved efficiency and safety
- Energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs
- Water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce hot water usage
- Replacement of old, inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR certified models
These improvements will not only save you money on energy bills, but also make your home more comfortable year-round.
Take the First Step Toward Energy Savings
Whether you qualify for EmPower+ or not, every NYC homeowner can benefit from a NYSERDA home energy audit. By identifying inefficiencies and prioritizing upgrades, you’ll be well on your way to a more comfortable, affordable home.
Don’t wait to start saving – book your no-cost energy assessment through NYSERDA today! A more energy-efficient home is within reach.
Schedule Your NYSERDA Home Energy Audit Today!
Uncover opportunities to save money and improve your home's comfort.
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Do you Qualify for Empower+ program for free upgrades?
If you receive HEAP, SNAP and/or TANF and fall within the income bracket specified in the table to the right, you may be eligible.
