Last week the state unveiled its aggressive plan to phase out heating systems that use natural gas or other fossil fuels.
It all hinges on one question: Can heat pumps, which are common in the U.S. south, keep homes warm in Upstate New York?
The answer will depend on how wide and fast adoption is of the state’s phase-out of fossil fuel systems.
Gas stoves, or propane powered systems would also be banned under the plan.
Getting back to heat pumps though, the biggest challenge is going to be cost. Even with subsidies – the cost to go that direction is significant. Even more significant when retrofitting an older home.
The first phase of this ‘phase-out’ begins in 2025 when newly constructed single-family homes and low-rise apartment buildings will need to be heated with heat pumps. Larger structures – including commercial builds would require heat pumps between 2028 and 2030.
By 2030 the state anticipates 1-2 million heat pumps will have been installed. After rebates, the average homeowner currently pays $15,000 to $16,000 for a heat pump. Without the subsidies it costs upwards of $25,000.
Some advocates hope that as technology becomes better and more easily produced that the cost will come down.
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