1 of 15

Tom Konrad, Ph.D., CFA

Chair, Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission

Energy Coach, New Yorkers for Clean Power

​

Tom Konrad, PhD, CFA, is a portfolio manager, financial analyst, and freelance writer specializing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, to review energy updates and state programs with community members

2 of 15

EV and Heat Pump Expo

5/18/2024

Catskill Interpretive Center

​

Tom Konrad, Ph.D., CFA

Chair, Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission

Energy Coach, New Yorkers for Clean Power

​

3 of 15

Why have a plan? Affordability

Heat Pumps, Evs, etc cost less to run, but what about up-front cost

Replacing working equipment is an extra expense

Replacing equipment near its end-of-life means you can use money you would already have to spend

Having a plan means you will know what to do if something needs to be replaced in a hurry

Don’t get trapped buying fuel oil for another 25 years!

4 of 15

How to Make a Plan

Create a personalized plan at RewiringAmerica.org

Inventory

    • What uses fossil fuels in my home?

​

    • Vehicle
    • Heating
    • Hot Water
    • Cooking
    • Lawnmower
    • Snowblower
    • Back-up generator…

Replacement Option

    • Identify Electrification Alternatives

​

    • EV/PHEV
    • Heat pumps
    • Heat pump water heater
    • Induction
    • Electric yard tools
    • EV to home…
    • Solar Panels

Preparation

    • Preparation
      • Home weatherization
      • Added insulation
      • Electrical Upgrades Needed?
    • Replace before end of life
    • Source green electricity-CDG, ESCOs, solar…

5 of 15

Heat Pumps Can Address Over Half of Household Energy Usage

6 of 15

7 of 15

Heat, A/C, and Hot Water

  • Insulate and Air Seal FIRST!
  • Makes home more comfortable
  • Saves money / reduces fuel use
  • Allows smaller sized units
  • Allows air source heat pumps to work �well even on very cold days
  • Eliminates ice dams
  • LMI - 50% to 100% paid for by state programs
  • Federal tax credits and rebates available

8 of 15

Heat, A/C, and Hot Water Solutions

  • Air Source Heat Pumps + Heat Pump �Water Heater (most common)
    • Requires good home insulation
    • Optional: wood/pellet stove backup for �power outages & very cold nights
    • Requires space for a water heater
  • Radiant heat is difficult with currently available technology
  • Requires space in electric panel
    • $2,000 tax credit for panel
    • LMI rebates later this year
    • Utility rebates (larger if removing fossil heaters)

Photos: Air source heat pump at Sun Creek office building in Stone Ridge

9 of 15

Heat Pump/Hybrid Water Heater

  • ⅓ or less of the energy use of electric water heater
  • Best in unfinished basement
    • Cools & dehumidifies the room around it
      • Great in summer
      • May need to switch to electric mode in winter if near occupied space (but the biggest energy savings are summer)
  • $2000 Federal tax credit
  • CH : $1000 credit NYSEG: $700
  • $200-$1000 annual bill savings

​

10 of 15

Geothermal: Heat, A/C, and Hot Water

  • Geothermal/Ground source heat pump (most efficient)
    • Can do heat, A/C, hot water
    • Usually more expensive
    • Requires air ducts: Can adapt �existing ductwork
    • No outdoor units (aesthetics)
    • Best if building cannot be well �insulated, very large buildings
    • 30% federal tax credit
    • Utility rebates

https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/sites/default/files/geothermal-cooling-and-heating-animated.gif

11 of 15

Financial Incentives: Inflation Reduction Act

Enter your info on this webpage

to see what you qualify for and when it will be available.

www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator

12 of 15

NYS Incentives

  • NYSERDA low-cost loans
    • As low as 3.75%
    • $500 extra cash back for electric vehicles
    • Thruway discount (green pass), Cheaper elec at night using TOU rate or Smart Charge program
  • Rebates through Central Hudson / NYSEG
    • Heat pumps (air-source and geothermal), Hybrid Water heaters

​

13 of 15

Overwhelmed? �Sign Up for Energy Coaching

  • Impartial advice on
    • Solar
    • Heat Pumps
    • Electric & Plug-in electric vehicles
    • Tax Credits
    • Battery back-up
    • Water heating
    • Electric & Plug-in electric vehicles
    • Electric lawnmowers
    • Induction stoves... heat pump dryers… Community solar… EV chargers … snow blowers….

https://nyforcleanpower.org/cleanenergycoaching

Tom Konrad

14 of 15

Sign Up for Energy Coaching

  • Focus on low income and accessing grant funding.

https://midhudsonenergychoices.org/

15 of 15

Resources for Getting Off Fossil Fuels

https://bit.ly/3Pu1YIL