Geothermal Energy Installers in Albany, New York
Luckily, there are multiple great options for geothermal energy in Albany, New York. You should see if your home qualifies, compare the installers and check out the available savings programs.
What Are the Benefits of Geothermal Energy?
You use over 50% of your home’s energy on heating and cooling. Most Albany residents use propane, oil or natural gas, which are nonrenewable. Geothermal energy is a more sustainable, reliable and efficient alternative.
A geothermal pump uses underground heat sources to warm and cool your home, so the prices won’t fluctuate based on demand. Plus, it will always be available no matter what happens to other fuel sources around the world because it’s a renewable resource.
If you’re unsure if you qualify for geothermal heating, use the interactive quiz on the state’s Clean Heat website. You only have to answer three questions to figure out what options are available to you. Plus, it has many helpful pictures and descriptions.
Is Albany, New York Investing in Geothermal Energy?
Even though many Albany residents use fossil fuels to power their homes, geothermal energy is catching on. More residents are switching to it as they see its benefits and the local government is pushing for its expansion.
For instance, Democrat Assemblywoman Pat Fahy advocates for the Renewable Capitol Act, which would overhaul the energy sources of the Empire State Plaza Complex. It aims to completely switch to renewables, lowering fossil fuel combustion by 40% in state-owned buildings.
Although it hasn’t passed as of July 2023, it has an 83% committee approval rating. Many local advocate groups have also agreed with the act since it will benefit the environment and lower costs. Ultimately, it’s a sign that geothermal energy in Albany may soon become very popular.
Geothermal Energy Installers in Albany, New York
While there are only a handful of geothermal energy installers in Albany, the available options provide high-quality service. They’ve all been in business for over a decade, so you know you can trust their expertise and craftsmanship.
Dandelion Energy is the most well-known installer in the state, with over a century of experience in the industry. It sells, installs and services geothermal heat pumps that it claims are 30% more energy efficient than central air conditioning units.
While it says its regular heat pumps last up to 25 years, it provides a decade-long warranty to protect your investment. It’s a good decision if you want a financial safety net. You can use its six-step interactive tool to see if your home qualifies for installation.
Another option for geothermal energy in Albany is ClimateMaster, an installer that’s been in business since the 1950s. It claims you can save up to 70% on your utility bills every year once you switch from an HVAC system to a heat pump.
Geothermal Tech Incorporated runs Catskills Geothermal, an heating and cooling installation company servicing upstate New York. It’s been in business for over 15 years, so there are plenty of experts on staff.
While most geothermal energy installers in Albany are unable to provide quotes because various things about your home can affect the price, Catskills offers to price-match its competitors. Plus, it says it can finish the entire project in as little as two weeks.
Empire State Plumbing is on call at all hours to service your geothermal unit, so it’s an excellent choice if you want to feel more confident in your investment. It also offers a one-year warranty on labor and honors the manufacturer’s warranty for the actual system.
What Will Geothermal Energy in Albany Cost?
You might notice that the businesses above have contact pages instead of quote generators. They can only install units in particular kinds of homes, so you have to fill out a form to see if you qualify. In other words, you won’t get a price estimate until you reach out to them.
How much does geothermal energy in Albany cost? While the price differs depending on your home’s square footage and your current heating unit, the average heat pump costs over $12,700 to install. Still, it ranges from just over $2,000 to upwards of $20,000.
However, there are plenty of ways to make it more affordable. If you want to search for credits and rebates that you can apply for, visit the state’s Clean Heat website to use its interactive tool. You’ll likely find a wide variety of programs to increase your savings significantly.
For example, Con Edison covers up to $20,000 in installation costs if you go with Dandelion Energy. Since the maximum cost of a unit is about that price, you could effectively get it for free. While you’d still have to pay for labor and for the removal of your old heating and cooling system, it’s a fantastic deal.
You still have options even if you go with another service. For instance, you can get a $7,000 rebate from New York State Electric and Gas to cover a heat pump installation. That could cover the entire cost if you get something small.
Is Geothermal Worth It?
The initial price of a unit may seem high, but you use much less energy to get the same heating and cooling functions. Additionally, you might even see performance improvements. As a result, you’ll see your utility bill shrink.
What is the life expectancy for a geothermal unit? Usually, they last between 20 and 25 years, while in-ground versions stay in good shape for more than 50 years. Most installers in Albany have excellent warranties, so you likely won’t have to deal with maintenance issues.
How long does it take for a geothermal unit to pay for itself? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it saves you around $400 to $700 annually, so you’ll likely get your money back within a few years. However, it depends on how much you spend initially and if you receive any credits or rebates.
Can the Government Help With Installation Costs?
Can the government help with installation costs? As of 2023, you can access a few different federal and state funds specifically for residential geothermal installation. For instance, the Inflation Reduction Act that the Biden Administration passed in 2022 gave over $27 billion in funding to help homeowners afford renewable energy installations.
Is there a New York State tax credit for geothermal heat pumps? The state has multiple programs you can use if you want extra savings. For example, you can get up to $5,000 from its geothermal energy system credit.
Choosing Geothermal Energy in Albany, New York
You have a lot of great options if you’re considering installing geothermal energy in Albany. Get a quote from each installer and check out the available credits and rebates before you make your decision to maximize your savings.