Sustainable Westchester Relaunches EnergySmart Homes Campaign
Visit https://sustainablewestchester.org/energysmarthomes/sign-up to sign up
Westchester County’s trusted clean energy nonprofit makes it easy for residents to take action, with vetted programs, local contractors, and free energy advising
September 16, 2025 – With federal clean energy tax credits set to expire, many homeowners are asking: “Is it still worth upgrading my furnace, boiler, or AC system in Westchester?” The answer is yes.
Through its relaunched EnergySmart Homes campaign, Sustainable Westchester is making it simple for residents to make the switch to clean, efficient home energy systems that make homes more modern, cost-efficient, comfortable, and ready for the future.
“Now is the time for Westchester homeowners to take action,” said Noam Bramson, Executive Director of Sustainable Westchester. “EnergySmart Homes makes the process simple, connects residents with trusted contractors, and ensures they benefit from the best available rebates. Our role is to help homeowners navigate options and move forward with confidence, so they don’t miss out.”
This relaunch comes at a pivotal moment: as federal incentives wind down, energy costs rise, and many households are confronting the high costs of keeping outdated furnaces, boilers, and AC units running. With winter approaching, it’s an ideal time for homeowners to schedule free energy assessments and “button up” their homes with insulation and air sealings to improve comfort and lower bills. As a trusted local nonprofit and municipal partner, Sustainable Westchester provides clear, unbiased guidance to help homeowners make smart energy choices without the guesswork.
What is EnergySmart Homes?
EnergySmart Homes is Sustainable Westchester’s free program that guides homeowners step-by-step through upgrading outdated systems—such as old furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners—with modern clean-energy systems such as:
- Air source heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Energy efficient insulation and air sealing
- Heat pump water heaters
“This campaign is about setting a new standard of efficiency and comfort in Westchester homes,” said Lauren Brois, Director, EnergySmart Homes, Sustainable Westchester. “A modern home feels comfortable year-round, runs efficiently, and uses clean technology instead of outdated fossil-fuel systems. Whether it’s better insulation, air sealing, or upgrading to a heat pump, EnergySmart Homes guides homeowners toward solutions that fit their homes, budgets, and long-term goals.”
Are Clean Energy Rebates Still Available?
With federal tax credits sunsetting, homeowners can still tap into statewide programs like NYSERDA’s Comfort Home and EmPower+, which provide rebates for insulation and weatherization. Utilities such as Con Edison and NYSEG also offer incentives for heat pumps via the Clean Heat Program and offer equipment upgrades and smart thermostats. And with electricity rates rising and technology costs falling, clean energy upgrades often make economic sense even without incentives.
“Westchester residents are hearing mixed messages when it comes to federal incentives,” said Lauren Brois, Director, EnergySmart Homes at Sustainable Westchester. “The truth is: support is still available, the process is simple, and homeowners don’t have to figure it out alone. We guide families step by step, from understanding rebates and improvements to choosing the right contractor.”
Key Benefits of Energy-Smart Upgrades: - Lower bills: More efficient systems often result in lower utility bills. For example, adding insulation and sealing air leaks can save homeowners an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs. (1)
- Greater comfort: Consistent year-round temperatures, gain air conditioning in the summer, and less drafty homes in winter.
- Health & safety: Cleaner and safer living conditions at home and fewer greenhouse gas emissions in the environment.
- Community resilience: Recent analysis in Westchester County found that pairing insulation with heat pumps can reduce peak summer demand by up to 8% and cut outage times by more than 60%, strengthening neighborhoods during extreme weather events. (2)
How Does the EnergySmart Homes Process Work?:
- Sign Up – Residents connect with Sustainable Westchester’s Energy Smart Homes team to get started.
- Assess – A vetted local installer completes a home energy / site assessment and provides a detailed report.
- Review – Homeowners choose improvements and financing options that fit their needs.
- Upgrade – Contractors install the technologies, delivering greater comfort and reduced emissions.
A Westchester Family’s Story
Mike Beilstein and Amy Kwan wanted their 105-year-old Pelham home to be the perfect place to raise their two children — but without air conditioning, poor insulation, and an oil-fired heating system, comfort was hard to come by.
After connecting with Sustainable Westchester’s EnergySmart Homes team, the family installed a geothermal heating and cooling system, a heat pump hot water heater, new insulation, and replacement windows.
“Our home finally feels comfortable in every season,” said Kwan. “The upgrades made a huge difference for our family — and having Sustainable Westchester’s guidance took the stress and guesswork out of the process.”
What Homeowners Can Do Now
Thousands of Westchester neighbors have already made the switch with the help of Sustainable Westchester’s Energy Smart Homes program, strengthening homes, communities, and the planet. Homeowners in Westchester County, New York can get started today with free EnergySmart Homes advising.
