How Will I Heat and Cool My Home When the Power Goes Out?
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Learn more about staying comfortable in your home, even in the event of a power outage.
Power Outages: A Common Concern
When it comes to heating or cooling a home during a power outage, heat pumps are no different than any other HVAC system. The fact is, furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, and most other common heating and cooling systems all need electricity to start up and circulate their heating or cooling via a pump or fan — so when the power goes out, none of them will work. Supplemental heating that does not require electricity (such as a fireplace, a wood stove, or certain pellet stoves) could be beneficial for any homeowner that is concerned about power outages, regardless of their primary heat source.
Keep in mind that a well-insulated and air-sealed house will hold warmth for hours, even if the power goes out. That means homeowners with proper air sealing and insulation can stay safe and comfortable without the need for a backup heating system. NYSERDA offers a range of programs designed to help New York State residents identify areas where their homes are losing heat and wasting energy. It starts with a no-cost home energy assessment conducted by trained and experienced contractors — learn more.
Energy Storage for Your Home
New Yorkers who have solar panels have the added benefit of being able to incorporate energy (battery) storage into their home’s energy system. By pairing solar projects with energy storage, homeowners can store electricity produced from their solar panels for future use, which means increased resiliency in the event of a power outage — and lower electric bills, too!
Benefits of Pairing Solar and Energy Storage
- Access stored power during grid outages for critical functions like heat, refrigeration, and lighting without the need for a backup generator.
- Save even more money on your electric bill by participating in utility load relief programs or time-of-use electric rates when available.
- Access current federal tax credits for both the energy storage and solar.
Learn more about energy storage options for your home.