https://www.halcoenergy.com/
Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning Company Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse
2014-06-02T15:00:00.05Z
Halco has 30+ years experience providing high-quality energy solutions to residential and commercial clients in The Finger Lakes including - Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse & nearby. We specialize in heating, air conditioning, insulation, and plumbing & offer 24/7 emergency services. Schedule a FREE estimate today!
© 2014 Halco
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48554-what-is-whole-home-electrification.html
What Is Whole Home Electrification?
2024-03-04T00:00:00.05Z
Serena Rodriguez-Pagano
See what Whole Home Electrification is all about. Transform your Finger Lakes residence with Halco's efficient, all-electric energy solutions.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though our homes already use electricity, it is often not the only source of energy required to keep a home running with all the amenities we need to stay comfortable and healthy. That is changing, however! Electrifying a home is the process of transitioning to equipment that only uses electricity — doing away with the carbon footprint and safety concerns that come with fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is a comprehensive look at what electrifying a whole home here in the Finger Lakes looks like: </span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Insulation & air sealing</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While not an electric upgrade, insulation and air sealing keep your all electric appliances more efficient through better home performance</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/residential-electric.html"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Panel upgrades</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Required to handle the increase in electrical capacity </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All-Electric, Efficient HVAC</span>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pumps</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> offer all-electric heating & cooling in one, which come in ductless versions or can be connected to central ductwork </span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Geothermal</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">takes heating and cooling efficiency to the next level, and is a popular choice for homes in the Finger Lakes</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pump water heater</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pump technology can also be used to heat your water more efficiently </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Induction stovetop</span>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With faster boiling times and cool to the touch safety, induction ranges use less electricity than electric resistance ranges</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar PV</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Generate your own electricity and to offset your energy costs. </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar batteries</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Batteries charged by solar panels allow for off grid operation, power during an outage, and greater energy savings. </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">EV chargers</span>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Charge your current and future electric vehicles at home - ideally using your own solar energy!</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Comprehensive Home Electrification with Halco</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While whole-home electrification doesn't need to happen all at once, it is best done with a comprehensive plan in mind. Halco does it all when it comes to home comfort and efficiency, and our team of experts can put together a plan for you to transition your home to an all-electric future. Call Halco to talk about home electrification in your home! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/cms_images/658/WholeHomeElectrification.png" alt="What Is Whole Home Electrification? - Image 1" width="1275" height="3175" /></span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make a plan for an all-electric home designed for efficiency. Call Halco at [[phone]]</span></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Halcoenergy.com</span></h3>
2024-03-04T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48432-is-solar-worth-it-in-new-york.html
Is Solar Worth It In New York?
2024-02-07T00:00:00.05Z
Serena Rodriguez-Pagano
Is Solar Worth It In New York? | Halco | Syracuse, NY
Explore the financial and environmental benefits of solar panels in New York's Finger Lakes region. Halco installs residential solar PV systems.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">====================================================================</span></p>
<h1 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 20pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is Solar Worth It In New York?</span></h1>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Given the varying levels of sunlight the Finger Lakes area sees throughout the year, it is remarkably common for homeowners interested in </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">solar</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to wonder if installing solar panels is worth it in New York. It is true that New York isn’t historically as sunny as other areas where solar has been popular, like Colorado, California, or Arizona, but there is still plenty of sunshine throughout all four seasons here in the Finger Lakes to make solar financially beneficial to homeowners throughout Ithaca, Rochester, and Syracuse. Let's take a look at how!</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Does New York Get Enough Sun for Solar?</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A common misconception is that solar panels require constant, direct sunlight to be cost effective. This isn't entirely true. While solar panels perform best under direct sunlight, they still generate electricity on cloudy days. Low or indirect sunlight can still be converted into electricity by solar panels, at a much lower efficiency. Even under a light snowfall, solar panels will turn some of the diffused light into electricity - meaning New York does in fact get enough sunshine to make solar worth it. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This hasn’t always been the case, however. Over the years, solar technology has advanced significantly. Modern solar panels are more efficient than ever, capable of converting a higher percentage of sunlight into electricity. This advancement opens up solar to more areas of the world that previously were too gloomy to make solar panels worth it. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Financial Viability of Solar Panels in NY</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When designed correctly, a residential solar PV system should produce enough to cover all of your energy usage even on the cloudiest days. This reduces, if not eliminates, your energy costs and decreases the time it takes to pay back the cost of installation. By utilizing energy efficient heating and cooling systems like </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heat pumps</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and improving the overall efficiency of your home through </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">insulation and air sealing services</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, you can reduce the amount of solar panels required to cover your energy usage.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, there are incentives like tax credits available to reduce the cost of installation, making the barrier to solar viability even lower.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Federal and NY Solar Incentives</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 25C Tax credit allows homeowners to take a deduction on their federal tax liability that is equal to 30% of their solar installation costs. And if that deduction is more than what you own in federal taxes for the year your system was installed, you can roll over the remainder for another year. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) also offers incentives and financing options to make solar installation more affordable for residents. The Affordable Solar program offers additional incentives for households earning less than 80% of the area's median income. Financing options include On-Bill Recovery Loans, Smart Energy Loans, and Renewable Energy Tax Credit Bridge Loans, with varying terms and interest rates based on credit qualifications.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Long-term Savings</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While all payback scenarios will be different, just as not two homes are exactly alike when it comes to energy usage, most solar panel systems pay for themselves after 7 to 15 years. Solar panels come with an industry-standard warranty of 25 years, meaning more than half of their lifetime is spent putting money back in your pocket.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maximizing Solar Efficiency with Solar Batteries</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar batteries store energy generated by solar panels, allowing that energy to be used at other times of day. Solar battery storage systems can be installed to operate independent of the electric grid, eliminating energy bills entirely. Solar PV systems that include solar batteries do come with a higher price tag, but offer large energy savings from day one, and will keep your lights on during a grid power outage. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(This is not true for grid-tied solar PV systems, as safety regulations require any panel connected to the electric grid be shut off)</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sustainable Energy Source</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar energy is sustainable and renewable. By investing in solar panels, you are ensuring a continuous, eco-friendly power source for your home.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before making a decision, it's essential to assess your home's solar potential. This includes factors like roof orientation, shading, and local climate conditions. A solar consult from Halco will provide you with a customized assessment and help you understand the potential benefits and limitations of your specific situation.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">New York may not be the sunniest state, but the advancements in solar technology, financial incentives, and the ability to store and use solar energy efficiently make solar power a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the Finger Lakes. Embracing solar energy not only benefits you financially but also contributes to a healthier environment.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want to know if your home is good for solar installation? We can help you do the math. Call Halco for solar installation at [[phone]] </span></h3>
<p> </p>
2024-02-07T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48431-what-40-years-in-business-has-taught-halco-about-customer-service.html
What 40 Years In Business Has Taught Halco About Customer Service
2024-02-07T00:00:00.05Z
Serena Rodriguez-Pagano
Halco Celebrates 40 Years in Business | Halco | Ithaca, NY
Discover Halco's 40-year journey in the Finger Lakes: expanding from plumbing to full home energy solutions with a focus on efficiency, comfort, and customer service.
<h1 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 20pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What 40 Years In Business Has Taught Halco About Customer Service</span></h1>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As Halco celebrates its 40th anniversary, we wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on our journey and growth as a company. Beginning as a residential </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/plumbing.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plumbing</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/heating.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heating</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> service and installation contractor, we've expanded significantly over the past four decades. From a small startup to a leading name in the home services industry in the Finger Lakes area, the Halco story is one of dedication and constant evolution. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Expanding Services for Comprehensive Energy Solutions</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In our quest to meet all of the home comfort and energy needs of our neighbors, family, and friends in Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse, and the rest of the Finger Lakes, we quickly realized the need to broaden our horizons. It wasn't just about providing plumbing, heating, and </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-conditioning.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cooling</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> solutions; it was about embracing a holistic approach to home energy needs. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This realization led us to expand our services to incorporate </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">insulation, air sealing,</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> electrical, solar, and geothermal solutions. Our goal was clear - to address the comprehensive energy needs of homes, minimizing energy loss while installing and maintaining energy-efficient equipment. This expansion not only allowed us to offer a wider range of services but also positioned us as a one-stop solution for all home energy efficiency needs.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deepening Local Ties and Technological Expertise</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Experience, they say, is the best teacher. At Halco, this rings especially true. Our four decades of service have not just been about growing our business, but also about deepening our understanding of customer service. Being ingrained in the local community has given us an intimate knowledge of the unique climate challenges faced in the Finger Lakes region. This local expertise, combined with our continuous adoption of the latest technologies and techniques, ensures that we keep homes comfortable and energy efficient. Our longstanding presence has helped us build trust and rapport with our clients, making us a preferred choice in the community.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/testimonials.html"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hear what our customers have to say in on our testimonials page</span></a></h3>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Planning for an Energy-Efficient and Comfortable Future</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have had a front-row seat to see how technology and building science have advanced home comfort and energy use. Looking ahead, we recognize that planning for an energy-efficient future is not just a trend, but a necessity. In the climatically challenging Finger Lakes region, achieving this balance requires a comprehensive approach. We focus on enhancing home energy efficiency through multiple avenues. This includes upgrading insulation and air sealing to minimize energy loss, replacing outdated heating and cooling systems with more efficient, and sometimes </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all-electric</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, alternatives, and integrating sustainable energy sources like </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">geothermal </span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">solar power</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Such measures not only reduce dependency on the traditional power grid but also significantly lower the carbon footprint of homes.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Halco Does It All</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At Halco, we believe that exceptional customer service is about understanding and anticipating our clients' needs. That’s why we offer customized solutions tailored to each home's unique requirements. Our team of certified professionals is trained to provide not just service, but solutions that add value to your home and life. Whether it's a routine maintenance check or a complex installation, we ensure transparency, reliability, and unparalleled professionalism.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moreover, we are committed to staying abreast of the latest industry developments. Our team regularly undergoes training and certification to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to handle the latest equipment and technologies. This commitment to ongoing education and improvement means that we are always ready to offer the most advanced and effective solutions to our clients.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we look back on these 40 years, we are filled with gratitude for the trust and support of our community. Your belief in us has been the driving force behind our growth and success. As we step into the future, we pledge to continue evolving, learning, and serving you with the same passion and commitment that marked our humble beginnings. Our journey so far has been remarkable, but we believe the best is yet to come.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If it involves your home comfort and energy use, Halco does it! Call Halco Energy at [[phone]]</span></h3>
<p> </p>
2024-02-07T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48325-how-heat-pumps-reduce-your-carbon-footprint.html
How Heat Pumps Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
2024-01-11T00:00:00.05Z
Rachel Pierce
Discover how cold climate heat pumps reduce your carbon footprint and improve home efficiency. Halco Energy installs heat pumps and mini splits in the Finger Lakes.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/shutterstock2133474061-1_1704987302.jpg" alt="air source heat pump outside home" width="640" height="426" /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Homeowners in the Finger Lakes area are starting to prioritize living in more sustainable homes and taking on a responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint. One effective way to do this is by installing a space heating and cooling system that is both efficient and does not require fossil fuels.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cold climate heat pump systems are a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their impact on the environment while improving their home's comfort. In this blog, we'll explore how heat pumps can help reduce your carbon footprint and why they are an ideal choice for homeowners in the Finger Lakes area.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Understanding Heat Pump Efficiency</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before we dive into their environmental benefits, it's important to understand how heat pumps work. Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home. They operate by transferring heat from one area to another, which requires less energy than it takes to create hot or cold air from nothing. There are two main types of heat pumps:</span></p>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> These systems extract heat from the outside air and send it into your home during the winter, and vice versa in the summer.</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) or Geothermal Heat Pumps</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> GSHPs use the stable temperature of the ground to provide heating and cooling, making them highly energy-efficient.</span></li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This process of absorbing heat from the ground or the air gives a heat pump a running start when it comes to space heating and cooling, enough to make them much more efficient than other heating and cooling solutions. Ducted heat pumps can be installed in homes with central ductwork as a whole-home heating solution, while ductless mini splits can be put in rooms or areas of your home without duct access. Or, multiple mini split indoor air handlers can also be used as a whole home heating and cooling solution.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ductless Mini Splits: Efficient Zoning and Temperature Control</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ductless mini split heat pumps offer precise temperature control and zoning capabilities. This means you can heat or cool specific areas of your home as needed, rather than conditioning the entire space. By avoiding the unnecessary use of energy to heat or cool unoccupied rooms, you reduce energy waste and further decrease your carbon footprint.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reduced Energy Consumption</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Traditional heating and cooling systems rely on burning fossil fuels, such as oil or natural gas, which release greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Heat pumps, on the other hand, only require minimal electricity to power the system.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This reduced energy consumption not only results in lower utility bills (especially in the winter) but also decreases the demand for fossil fuels.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Renewable Energy Compatibility</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because heat pumps only require electricity, they are already compatible with on-site renewable energy, like </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">solar</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or even wind.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Extended Lifespan and Durability</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pumps are known for their durability and long lifespan when properly maintained. This means fewer replacements and less waste in the form of discarded heating and cooling equipment, especially when compared to maintaining or repairing two separate heating and cooling systems.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Local Incentives, Rebates, and Financing</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many areas, including the Finger Lakes region, offer incentives and rebates to encourage homeowners to switch to more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems like heat pumps. Incentives include: </span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Federal and State tax credits </span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">New York State Clean Heat rebates</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Financing through Green Jobs-Green NY</span></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/financing-and-rebates.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn More About Heat Pump Rebates</span></a></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Talk to the Local Heat Pump Installation Experts at Halco</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pumps are a fantastic choice for homeowners in the Finger Lakes area who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and make their homes more energy-efficient. These systems minimize energy consumption, can be paired with renewable energy sources, offer precise temperature control, and have a long lifespan. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're interested in learning more about heat pumps or are considering an upgrade for your home, reach out to our expert team at Halco. We’ve specialized in helping homeowners in the Finger Lakes make eco-friendly choices while maintaining comfort and efficiency for 40 years!</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Invest in a more sustainable way to heat and cool your home, without sacrificing comfort. Call Halco at <a href="tel:1-833-844-2622">1-833-844-2622</a> to learn more about heat pump installation.</span></h3>
2024-01-11T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48157-increasing-access-to-clean-energy-efficiency.html
Increasing Access to Clean Energy & Efficiency
2023-12-20T00:00:00.05Z
NYSERDA
New York is promoting clean energy adoption and job growth while striving for inclusivity, offering funding and support to low-to-moderate income households for energy-efficient upgrades and clean energy installations.
<h2><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/hero-father-daughter_1703093860.jpg" alt="Increasing Access to Clean Energy & Efficiency - Image 1" width="640" height="230" /></h2>
<h2>Funding and Support Are Available for Income-Eligible New Yorkers</h2>
<p>New York’s clean energy transition is spurring local job growth, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating healthier communities. Ensuring these benefits are realized by all New Yorkers is fundamental to the State’s climate goals and building an inclusive clean energy economy.</p>
<p>While the cost of clean energy continues to decline, the upfront cost of installing solar panels or insulating a home can be a barrier for many low-to-moderate income (LMI) households. Yet, LMI New Yorkers have the most to gain in terms of cost savings and home comfort from investments in renewable energy sources and efficiency.</p>
<p>To overcome these barriers, New York State is making direct investments to increase LMI customers’ access to cost-saving renewables and efficiency upgrades. These efforts are complemented by programs addressing energy affordability and hands-on support to navigate the process and get tailored solutions.</p>
<h2>Creating Safer, Healthier, and More Efficient Homes</h2>
<div class="callout callout-right shadow-lg">
<p class="mb-0'">A more efficient home starts with a <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/home-energy-assessments.html">no-cost energy assessment</a> to pinpoint inefficiencies, identify underlying issues, and prioritize energy upgrades.</p>
</div>
<p>Making efficiency upgrades like air sealing and insulation can help cut energy costs while improving air quality and creating comfier living spaces. There are multiple programs helping LMI New Yorkers make energy-saving upgrades to their homes.</p>
<p>Through NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program, income-eligible renters and homeowners can receive discounts and funding to make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible improvements include air sealing to reduce drafts, replacement of inefficient refrigerators, health and safety issues, and insulation in the attic, walls, or mobile home underbelly.</p>
<p>Low-interest residential financing is available through EmPower+ to cover additional efficiency upgrades and clean energy investments. Homes with sufficient sealing and insulation can capitalize on their efficiency gains by investing in clean energy technologies like cold-climate heat pumps for added savings and an emission-free home.</p>
<p>Additionally, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides funding for New Yorkers (both renters and homeowners) to make home improvements that reduce their energy use and boost comfort. This includes air sealing, insulation, repairing or replacing heating systems, windows, and doors, and mitigating related health and safety issues. New Yorkers who receive Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits are automatically eligible for WAP services.</p>
<h2>Advancing Energy Affordability</h2>
<p>Energy costs for the average New York household amount to 3.4% of their income, versus nearly 13% for low-income households. In addition to efficiency upgrades, New York State offers several programs focused on reducing home energy costs for LMI households.</p>
<p>The NYS Energy Affordability Program provides utility customers with discounts on their electric and gas bills to keep the cost at or below 6% of household income. Participating customers are automatically enrolled in budget billing, which creates equal monthly payments to help manage utility cost fluctuations throughout the year.</p>
<p>NYSERDA’s Solar for All program delivers electric utility bill savings for LMI homeowners and renters via renewable energy generated on community solar farms. Customers receive credits on their monthly electric bill, amounting to a $5-15 discount on average, for the clean energy produced on their behalf. There are no upfront costs to join, and customers can cancel anytime without penalty.</p>
<p>Applications for HEAP benefits, which provides funding to cover home heating and cooling expenses, opened on November 1 for the 2023-2024 program year.</p>
<p>Emergency HEAP benefits are scheduled to be available starting January 2, 2024, to help customers facing electricity or gas shut-offs, as well as dwindling supplies of deliverable heat sources like fuel oil or wood.</p>
<p>Income-eligible New Yorkers and affordable housing owners can get a customized list of energy-related assistance they qualify for from New York Energy Advisor by answering a few questions.</p>
<h2>Support Navigating Programs and Incentives</h2>
<p>With multiple home energy assistance programs available, getting help understanding options and other incentives, such as utility rebates or Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, is key. In addition to NY Energy Advisor and <a href="https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Home-Energy-Efficiency-Upgrades">NYSERDA’s Home Energy Efficiency Program tool</a>, New Yorkers can get hands-on support from their Regional Clean Energy Hub.</p>
<p>From historic villages to urban centers, and the Atlantic Coast to the Adirondack Mountains, New York is home to diverse communities and regions. That’s why Regional Clean Energy Hubs, teams of community-based organizations with local knowledge and energy expertise, are on hand to walk New Yorkers through the options available to them, from start to finish.</p>
<p>Each Regional Clean Energy Hub is actively building partnerships among clean energy companies, service providers, and other organizations to make energy-related services and assistance more accessible in their respective regions.</p>
<p>If your home has issues that need to be addressed before making efficiency upgrades or installing equipment, a Clean Energy Hub can help find funding and services to move the project forward.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>For more on energy savings and assistance, or to read the entire article, <a href="https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Featured-Stories/Increasing-Access-to-Clean-Energy-and-Efficiency?utm_id=organic&utm_source=salesforce&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featuredstories2023&utm_content=December-Increasing-Access-to-Clean-Energy-and-Efficiency">click here</a>. </strong></span></p>
2023-12-20T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48141-what-is-whole-home-electrification.html
What Is Whole Home Electrification?
2023-12-18T00:00:00.05Z
Halco Energy
See what Whole Home Electrification is all about. Transform your Finger Lakes residence with Halco's efficient, all-electric energy solutions.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/cms_images/658/WholeHomeElectrification-(1).png" alt="a rendering of a home and the different places for electrification" width="640" height="335" /></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though our homes already use electricity, it is often not the only source of energy required to keep a home running with all the amenities we need to stay comfortable and healthy. That is changing, however! Electrifying a home is the process of transitioning to equipment that only uses electricity — doing away with the carbon footprint and safety concerns that come with fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is a comprehensive look at what electrifying a whole home here in the Finger Lakes looks like: </span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Insulation & air sealing</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While not an electric upgrade, insulation and air sealing keep your all electric appliances more efficient through better home performance</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/residential-electric.html"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Panel upgrades</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Required to handle the increase in electrical capacity </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All-Electric, Efficient HVAC</span>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pumps</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> offer all-electric heating & cooling in one, which come in ductless versions or can be connected to central ductwork </span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Geothermal</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">takes heating and cooling efficiency to the next level, and is a popular choice for homes in the Finger Lakes</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pump water heater</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pump technology can also be used to heat your water more efficiently </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Induction stovetop</span>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With faster boiling times and cool to the touch safety, induction ranges use less electricity than electric resistance ranges</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar PV</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Generate your own electricity and to offset your energy costs. </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar batteries</span></a>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Batteries charged by solar panels allow for off grid operation, power during an outage, and greater energy savings. </span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">EV chargers</span>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Charge your current and future electric vehicles at home - ideally using your own solar energy!</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/cms_images/658/WholeHomeElectrification%20(1).jpg" alt="a rendering of a home and the different places for electrification" width="640" height="335" /></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Comprehensive Home Electrification with Halco</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While whole-home electrification doesn't need to happen all at once, it is best done with a comprehensive plan in mind. Halco does it all when it comes to home comfort and efficiency, and our team of experts can put together a plan for you to transition your home to an all-electric future. Call Halco to talk about home electrification in your home!</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make a plan for an all-electric home designed for efficiency. Call Halco at <a href="tel:1-833-844-2622">1-833-844-2622</a> or <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/contact-us.html">contact us online.</a></span></h3>
2023-12-18T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48056-the-science-of-keeping-warm-insulation-and-air-sealings-role-in-winter-comfort.html
The Science of Keeping Warm: Insulation and Air Sealing's Role in Winter Comfort
2023-12-06T00:00:00.05Z
Halco Energy
Learn how to maximize winter comfort with expert home insulation services from Halco. Save energy and enjoy a cozy home in the Finger Lakes area. Ask for a free quote today!
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/shutterstock1888426081-1_1701872871.jpg" alt="three children looking outside at the snow" width="640" height="426" /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the frosty winds of winter whistle through the Finger Lakes region, homeowners are confronted with the urgent challenge of keeping their homes snug and warm without keeping their thermostats set to “expensive”.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you find yourself wondering how to fortify your home against the cold or simply curious about the workings of </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">insulation</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and air sealing, you're not alone. Proper insulation is the silent guardian of your home's warmth, a barrier against the elements, and a pivotal factor in your home’s energy consumption, and, air sealing rounds out the barrier between your indoors and the unconditioned outdoors. It may come as a surprise to many that the benefits of insulation and air sealing extend beyond the icy grip of winter, offering year-round comfort and efficiency.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Mechanics of Air Sealing and Insulation in Winter</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At its core, insulation functions as a thermal barrier, designed to slow the relentless march of heat through the materials that your house is constructed with. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat naturally flows from warmer to cooler spaces, seeking equilibrium. In winter, this means heat wants to escape from your living space to the cooler temperatures outside. Heat will most obviously escape through holes or gaps, like those common around windows and doors </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- which is why professional, thorough air sealing should almost always go hand in hand with insulation upgrades. But heat will also escape into cooler areas of the home, like the attic or basement, and move its way through them to the outside. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is this conductive heat loss that insulation slows, reducing the need to run your </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/heating.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heating system</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as much to keep up with the heat loss. A home with adequate insulation installed in the right areas will:</span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spend less on heating</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feel more comfortable</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/healthy-homes.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">healthier</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> indoor air quality</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be less drafty</span></li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Insulation in the Summer</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Conversely, during the sweltering summer days, heat tries to penetrate a cool, </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-conditioning.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">air-conditioned</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> home. Insulation impedes this thermal transference, trapping warmth during the cold months and repelling heat when the sun is ablaze. This is achieved through materials that have a high resistance to heat flow, also known as a high R-value, which essentially dictates the insulating power of the material in use.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Key Areas for Home Insulation</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Attic:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The attic is often the primary escape route for heat, as it rises. Insulating the attic traps warmth inside. A well-insulated attic can significantly reduce energy costs and is the first step in preventing ice damming on your roof—a common issue after heavy snowfall here in the Finger Lakes.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Crawl Space:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Often overlooked both figuratively and literally, the crawl space is a critical area that also requires proper insulation. This space can be a conduit for cold air, moisture, and even pests if left unchecked, and as air and heat escape through the top of a home, cold and stale air from the bottom is pulled up to replace it. Insulating here helps maintain a barrier from the damp and cold ground, contributing to a warmer floor above and improved energy efficiency.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exterior Walls:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The insulation in exterior walls not only conserves energy but also enhances your home's comfort by maintaining a consistent temperature. Whether it is worth it to install more insulation in the existing walls of your home will depend on the results of a home assessment, called an energy audit. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additional Home Sections:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Insulation should also be considered in places such as cape-style knee walls, which can be notorious for leaking heat. Additionally, any juncture of the home that connects to the living space, such as ducts, basement band joists, and even floors above garages, should be scrutinized and insulated as needed. These often-overlooked areas can be significant sources of heat loss and deserve attention in a comprehensive insulation plan.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get Expert Insulation and Air Sealing Help from Halco—We Do It All!</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If it involves keeping your home comfortable while using less energy, Halco does it! From the insulation and air sealing that keeps your home from losing its conditioned air to the heating and cooling systems that provide that air, and even to the </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">solar</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">geothermal</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> energy systems that power your home, Halco does it all. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Halco is your local insulation expert in the Finger Lakes area, armed with the knowledge, experience, and dedication to ensure your home is perfectly insulated for any season. Don't let another season pass with subpar insulation. Contact Halco today, and embrace the science of keeping warm.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is your Finger Lakes home due for an insulation upgrade? Call <a href="tel:1-833-844-2622">1-833-844-2622</a> to keep your home warm this winter with Halco.</span></h3>
2023-12-06T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48027-the-role-of-solar-and-battery-storage-in-home-electrification.html
The Role of Solar and Battery Storage in Home Electrification
2023-11-29T00:00:00.05Z
Halco Energy
Explore home electrification in Finger Lakes with solar and battery storage for a sustainable, efficient future. Call Halco for solar, geothermal, and more.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/shutterstock1929233855_1701292792.jpg" alt="man installing solar panel on a roof" width="640" height="426" /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the midst of the scenic views of the Finger Lakes, homeowners are increasingly exploring the idea of </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/47781-the-new-york-homeowners-guide-to-whole-home-electrification.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">home electrification</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This innovative approach involves transitioning from traditional energy sources like oil, propane, or natural gas, to all-electric and energy-efficient appliances — a key step towards a sustainable future. As this concept gains traction, it’s crucial to understand how solar energy, solar battery storage, and even </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">geothermal</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> energy are becoming indispensable in all electric homes. These technologies are not mere additions but essential components in ensuring a sustainable and resilient future. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What Electrification Means for Energy Costs</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Electrifying a home means a complete shift away from fossil fuels, exclusively relying on electricity for </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/heating.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heating</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-conditioning.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cooling</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and powering all other appliances. This completely eliminates all oil and gas expenses and is more eco-friendly, taking advantage of grid-supplied energy that gets cleaner by the year (70% of NY electricity will come from renewables by 2030). But it also results in an increased dependency on electricity. Consequently, homeowners of all electric homes might notice their electricity bills are higher than before electrification. The increased electricity usage underscores the importance of on-site renewable energy solutions, such as solar power.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar Energy: Reducing Costs and Enhancing Sustainability</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar power</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a game-changer in managing the heightened electricity demand of an electrified home. By installing solar panels, homeowners can harness the abundant energy of the sun, thereby generating their own electricity. This not only leads to a drastic reduction in electricity costs, but solar also protects from volatile energy prices and assures a steady supply of clean energy. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Solar Battery Storage: Sustainability and Resilience </span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the context of an all-electric home, the challenge of power outages becomes more pronounced. Even if a home has solar panels installed on the roof or ground mounted somewhere in the property, the power will be shut off during a power outage. This is because solar panels pose a threat to powerline workers when connected to the grid, and are required to be connected to an automatic shut-off in the event of a power outage. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is where solar battery storage comes into play. Solar batteries store’s excess solar energy and allow for off-grid operation. The length of time that they will last is dependent on the size of the battery storage installed.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Geothermal Systems: Reducing Your Electrical Load</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By utilizing the constant temperature about ten feet below the surface, geothermal technology has become a viable way for homes in the Finger Lakes area to reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool a home. This reduction in energy demand means fewer solar panels are needed, making the entire system more efficient and cost-effective. The synergy between solar and geothermal systems creates a comprehensive energy solution, making the goal of a fully electrified, sustainable home more attainable.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make a Comprehensive Electrification Plan, with Halco Energy</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are multiple aspects of whole home electrification — such as: </span></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How efficient your home is (insulation and air sealing) </span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your home’s capacity for the increased </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/residential-electric.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">electrical</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> load (panel upgrades)</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Energy efficient heating and cooling systems (</span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heat pumps</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and more)</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;" role="presentation"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Renewable energy systems (solar and geothermal)</span></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">…and they are all interconnected. The good news for homeowners throughout Syracuse, Ithaca, Rochester, and the rest of the Finger Lakes, is that Halco does it all. You don’t have to go all electric all at once, and we can help you make a plan for your all electric transition that keeps your comfort needs, and budget, in mind. Plus, many of these upgrades qualify for rebates or tax credits that will reduce the overall cost of making your home more efficient, comfortable, and resilient. Call our team of electrification experts to get started making your home electrification plan!</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Call Halco at <a href="tel:1-833-844-2622">1-833-844-2622</a> to get your home on-track for all electric comfort and efficiency.</span></h3>
2023-11-29T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48026-the-complete-guide-to-home-energy-assessments.html
The Complete Guide to Home Energy Assessments
2023-11-22T00:00:00.05Z
NYSERDA
Completing an energy assessment, also known as an energy audit, is the first step to making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/hero-home-energy-assessment_1701288219.jpg" alt="The Complete Guide to Home Energy Assessments - Image 1" width="640" height="230" /></p>
<p>Read the full story <a href="https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Featured-Stories/The-Complete-Guide-to-Home-Energy-Assessments/?utm_id=organic&utm_source=salesforce&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featuredstories2023&utm_content=November-The-Complete-Guide-to-Home-Energy-Assessments">here</a>.</p>
<h2>Get a Detailed Plan to Save Money and Boost Comfort in Your Home</h2>
<p>Uneven indoor temperatures. Drafty doors. Ice buildup on the roof. These are a few telltale signs that a home is operating inefficiently and wasting energy.</p>
<p>Completing an energy assessment, also known as an energy audit, is the first step to making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. Through the assessment, an energy auditor will provide an overview of your home’s energy use, pinpoint where it’s wasting energy, flag any safety or health issues, and identify energy-saving opportunities.</p>
<p>All New York homeowners and renters living in 1-4-family homes are eligible for a no-cost energy assessment. Other building types, such as businesses, multifamily buildings, and not-for-profit organizations may qualify for incentives and technical support to help cover the cost of an energy assessment.</p>
<p>Read on for our complete guide to home energy assessments and take control of your energy use.</p>
<h2>When Should You Get a Home Energy Assessment?</h2>
<p>If you’re experiencing high energy costs or drafty conditions in your home, getting an <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/home-energy-assessments.html">energy assessment</a> can uncover the underlying causes and put you on the path to lasting energy savings and comfort.</p>
<p>Depending on how your home uses energy, getting ahead of higher heating costs in winter or increased air conditioning usage in summer could be opportune times for an energy assessment. It’s also important to get an assessment before making efficiency upgrades and installing clean energy technologies like solar or heat pumps to ensure the system is correctly sized. With a well-insulated and sealed home, you may be able to install a smaller system, another potential savings opportunity.</p>
<h2>What Does a Home Energy Assessment Entail?</h2>
<p>A home energy assessment is performed in person by a professional energy auditor. It typically takes between a half hour to three hours to complete depending on the property size and if any testing is involved (more on that below). The assessment process can be thought of in three phases: evaluation, testing, and efficiency recommendations.</p>
<p>Evaluation often begins with an analysis of a home’s historical energy use (i.e., utility bills) to establish a baseline for energy performance. Then, auditors conduct an inspection of the home’s interior and exterior to assess sources of energy loss and potential health and safety issues, such as mold or poor ventilation. They’ll typically examine the heating and cooling systems, insulation levels, doors and windows, lighting fixtures, and other structural components that make up the building envelope.</p>
<p>During a more in-depth assessment, an auditor may also run tests to measure airtightness in the building. A common method is a blower door test, which involves installing a fan in an exterior doorway to pull air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside to help detect air leakage. Auditors may also run a thermographic scan with an infrared camera to hone in on heat loss and leaks in the home.</p>
<p>Based on the results, auditors will compile a report with recommendations to make your home more energy efficient. Reports may also outline the estimated cost and expected annual savings for moving forward with upgrades, such as adding insulation or converting to heat pumps. Keep in mind that many potential energy upgrades identified in an assessment are eligible for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and New York State incentives.</p>
<div class="callout shadow-lg">
<p>Implementing the recommended energy efficiency upgrades from an assessment typically cuts a home’s energy use by 5-30%.</p>
</div>
<h2>Preparing for a Home Energy Assessment</h2>
<p>Planning ahead can help make the most of an assessment. Compile a list of any existing problems in your home, such as drafty rooms or condensation, to raise with the energy auditor. It’s also helpful to have questions prepared for any improvements you’re interested in making, whether installing a heat pump water heater or home electric vehicle charging port.</p>
<p>Having copies of a year’s worth or more of energy bills gives the auditor a better understanding of your home’s energy use and potential issues before completing the walkthrough inspection. Ensuring there’s easy access to the attic, basement, and HVAC equipment in the home beforehand is also recommended to streamline the process and ensure you’re getting a top-to-bottom home assessment.</p>
<p><strong>You can read the full NYSERDA story <a href="https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Featured-Stories/The-Complete-Guide-to-Home-Energy-Assessments/?utm_id=organic&utm_source=salesforce&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featuredstories2023&utm_content=November-The-Complete-Guide-to-Home-Energy-Assessments">here</a>, or contact Halco to learn more!</strong></p>
2023-11-22T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48025-how-to-weatherize-for-winter-weatherproofing-your-home.html
How to Weatherize for Winter: Weatherproofing your Home
2023-11-21T00:00:00.05Z
NYSERDA
Get the full scoop on weatherization, including its benefits, best practices, and available programs and incentives, in this comprehensive guide.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/hero-weatherize-for-winter_1701287745.jpg" alt="How to Weatherize for Winter: Weatherproofing your Home - Image 1" width="640" height="230" /></p>
<p>Read the full story <a href="https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Featured-Stories/How-to-Weatherize-for-Winter?utm_id=organic&utm_source=salesforce&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featuredstories2023&utm_content=November-How-to-Weatherize-for-Winter">here</a>. </p>
<h2>Save Money and Live Comfortably When Temperatures Drop</h2>
<p>New Yorkers are no stranger to layering up when temperatures dip below freezing. Preparing for winter applies to homes and businesses, too, by way of weatherization.</p>
<p>Weatherization (sometimes called weatherproofing) involves protecting a building’s interior from outside temperatures and moisture. In winter, weatherization upgrades like air sealing and insulation improve heat retention, cut energy use, enhance indoor comfort, and prevent ice dams and damage to the building.</p>
<p>Get the full scoop on weatherization, including its benefits, best practices, and available programs and incentives, in this comprehensive guide.</p>
<h2>Why is Weatherization Important?</h2>
<p>Along with frigid temperatures and shorter days, winter in New York brings increased demand for heating homes and businesses. In a typical home, 43% of annual energy consumption goes toward space heating. But if the building envelope isn’t weatherized, air leaks will drive down efficiency come wintertime, wasting about 25-40% of energy used for heating.</p>
<p>Air leakage isn’t just about wasting money and energy – it can impede comfort by creating drafts and uneven temperatures throughout a home or building. Inefficient, leaky buildings can also pose health and safety risks due to thermal stress, poor ventilation, and exposure to mold and allergens.</p>
<p>Weatherization mitigates these issues by shielding a building from the elements – keeping heat inside and preventing moisture and pollutants from creeping in for improved comfort, health, and efficiency. It’s also a fundamental step before making other efficiency upgrades. By reducing the energy needed for space heating and cooling, a well-insulated, weatherized building could be sized for a smaller, lower-cost heat pump system.</p>
<h2>How to Weatherize Your Home or Business</h2>
<p>Between the building envelope and heating and cooling systems, there are a variety of improvements that can contribute to weatherization depending on a building’s needs. Many of these cost-saving investments are eligible for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits or covered through New York State programs (more on that below).</p>
<p>In any case, weatherization begins with an energy assessment to pinpoint exactly where a building is leaking air, thus wasting energy for heating and cooling. New York homeowners and renters living in 1-4 family homes can get a no-cost home energy assessment with a certified energy auditor. Technical assistance and incentives are also available for commercial and multifamily buildings to complete an energy assessment.</p>
<p>Here's a look at some of the most common and cost-effective weatherization upgrades.</p>
<h3>1. Address Air Leaks</h3>
<p>Air leakage through cracks and gaps in the walls, floors, and roof can hinder heating efficiency and comfort. Though leaks around windows or floorboards can be easy to detect, other infiltration points such as the attic, recessed lighting, and foundation are less obvious, underscoring the importance of a professional energy assessment.</p>
<p>There are multiple options for air sealing, including weatherstripping, caulking, and spray foams. Caulking windows or weatherstripping doors are feasible DIY projects to take care of drafts and start recouping energy savings. Working with a qualified contractor is recommended for sealing air leaks in the attic, rim joists, and other hard-to-reach places.</p>
<h3>2. Add Insulation</h3>
<p>Installing insulation creates a stronger thermal barrier between the interior and exterior of the home or building, improving efficiency and temperature control. Insulation also limits outside noise and protects against pests.</p>
<p>Many older homes and buildings in New York are uninsulated or insufficiently insulated. The attic (both the floor and roof), basement, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are the primary locations for adding or replacing insulation with weatherization in mind.</p>
<p>There are multiple insulation materials to choose from, but all are measured in terms of their R-value, with higher R-values indicating greater thermal resistance.</p>
<p>Homeowners can expect to save around 15% on heating and cooling by adding insulation and air sealing.</p>
<h3>3. Upgrade Windows and Doors</h3>
<p>Caulking windows and weatherstripping doors can cut down on air leaks, but further repair or replacement may be necessary depending on their condition.</p>
<p>Homes and buildings with single-pane or older windows can choose to install storm windows or swap them out for double- or triple-pane varieties. When comparing options, take note of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rating, which measures their efficiency.</p>
<p>Installing new exterior doors can provide greater heat-trapping capabilities. Their performance is either measured by R-value or NFRC rating depending on the material (i.e., steel or fiberglass vs. glass).</p>
<h3>4. Check Your HVAC System</h3>
<p>Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are responsible for regulating and moving heated and cooled air through a home or building. Replacing or cleaning filters in your HVAC system is an important part of routine maintenance to preserve efficiency and air quality, especially ahead of increased heating demand in winter.</p>
<p>Over time, HVAC systems with air ducts may experience leaking, especially at the seams, lowering their efficiency and raising heating costs. Forced-air heating and cooling systems lose about 20-30% of the air that moves through their ductwork due to leaks. Since most duct systems are difficult to access behind walls and underneath floorboards, working with an HVAC contractor to seal HVAC ducts is recommended.</p>
<p>If your HVAC system is operating inefficiently or approaching the end of its useful life, replacing the old system with a cold-climate heat pump can deliver year-round comfort and long-term savings in your newly-weatherized home or business. In 2022, U.S.-based sales of these efficient and emission-free dual heating and cooling systems surpassed gas furnaces by more than 400,000 units.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Featured-Stories/How-to-Weatherize-for-Winter?utm_id=organic&utm_source=salesforce&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=featuredstories2023&utm_content=November-How-to-Weatherize-for-Winter">Click here to read the full</a> story and learn how NYSERDA programs and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits can help lower the cost of weatherization for your home or business. </strong></p>
2023-11-21T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/48002-mini-splits-big-impact.html
Mini Splits, Big Impact
2023-11-27T00:00:00.05Z
Halco Energy
Learn about mini split heat pumps and how they can help keep you comfortable and year round-even in the frigid New York winters! Schedule your free estimate today.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/shutterstock2318327961_1701286893.jpg" alt="man lifting daughter up to use remote on heat pump" width="320" height="480" /></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient can seem like a daunting task for many homeowners in the Finger Lakes area. However, in this day in age, there are several options available, one of the most versatile and efficient options being mini split heat pumps. These revolutionary heating and cooling systems run on electricity and can help lower your energy costs without the need to sacrifice your home comfort. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How Mini Split Heat Pumps Work</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes referred to as ductless heat pumps, mini splits work like other types of </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">air source heat pumps</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, by moving heat instead of creating it. The only difference with mini splits, however, is that they don’t require a connection to a central duct system. Rather, they use a line of refrigerant to deliver warm or cool air into your home.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mini split heat pumps consist of an outdoor unit that is responsible for circulating the refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat. Inside, air handlers are placed in designated zones throughout your home that deliver conditioned air. A single outdoor unit for a ductless system can support up to eight indoor air handlers to provide a </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/47759-can-i-use-mini-splits-as-my-only-heating-and-cooling-source.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">whole home solution for heating and cooling</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with zoning capabilities. Mini splits can also be used for supplemental temperature controls in hard to condition areas of your home, like upstairs bedrooms or add-ons. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mini Splits Can Handle the Cold!</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the winter, air source heat pumps collect ambient heat from the outside air to bring indoors. This leads many homeowners to believe that they can’t perform well in the frigid winters we see in the Ithaca area. However, today’s heat pumps are able to effectively heat your home, even well below freezing temperatures! At Halco, we install </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps/lg.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LG ductless heat pumps</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which offer efficient heating down to -13°F, wifi integrations, and room-by-room controls. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t Forget: Heat Pumps are Eligible for Incentives</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the greatest things about upgrading your home’s HVAC system with an energy efficient heat pump is that they’re eligible for </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/financing-and-rebates.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tax credits and rebates</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The team at Halco stays up to date with all of the incentives available in our service area, here’s what’s available now:</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Federal Tax Credits</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pump installation, including mini splits, are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30% of the total cost, up to $2,000. This heat pump tax credit can be filed with your annual taxes after the installation is completed and the </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5695"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IRS provides complete instructions</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on their website.</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">New York State’s Clean Heat Program</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Clean Heat Program offers variable rebates for heat pump installation to NYSEG, RG&E, National Grid customers. The exact amount for the rebates will depend on your new heat pump’s heating capacity.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Halco: Your Home Comfort & Efficiency Experts</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We’ve been helping homeowners throughout the Rochester area with their home performance needs since 1984. Our </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/affiliations.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">trained and certified</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> team can help make sure your home is prepared for a heat pump installation, find the right mini split system for your needs, and make sure it’s installed correctly. </span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As your one-stop shop for home comfort and efficiency, we like to start every home upgrade with an </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/home-energy-assessments.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">energy assessment</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This ensures your home’s </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">insulation</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> won’t cause extra wear and tear on your heat pump along with allowing us to discover any other potential issues with your home’s performance.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-b108a678-7fff-282d-783e-1c6c301795ff" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schedule your energy assessment with our team today. Call <a href="tel:1-833-844-2622">1-833-844-2622</a> or </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/contact-us.html"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact us</span></a><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> online.</span></strong></p>
2023-11-27T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/47999-this-winter-make-your-home-a-comfortable-home.html
This Winter, Make Your Home a Comfortable Home
2023-11-27T00:00:00.05Z
NYSERDA
Cold drafts? High energy bills? Don't know where to start?
Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, NYSERDA has tips that can help keep you and your family comfortable this winter, while increasing your home's energy efficiency.
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/unnamed_1701283155.jpg" alt="Thermal Imaging" width="480" height="480" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Cold drafts? High energy bills? Don’t know where to start? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, NYSERDA has tips that can help keep you and your family comfortable this winter, while increasing your home's energy efficiency.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you know?</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">An energy-efficient home costs less to heat and cool. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Assess</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Home energy assessments are often the first step in determining how efficient your home is and where it might be wasting energy. An assessment helps you understand which parts of your home are energy efficient already. It also provides recommendations on ways to improve the efficiency, comfort, and safety of your home.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Seal</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Air leakage occurs when outside air enters your home through cracks and openings. Sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots and improves comfort.<br />According to the U.S. Department of Energy, caulking and weatherstripping are two simple air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Insulate</span></span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #63666a; background: white;">Insulating your home can help keep it warmer in the winter (and cooler in the summer). According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), </span><span style="line-height: 107%; color: black; background: white;">insulation should be top-of-mind</span><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #63666a; background: white;"> for homeowners.</span><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #63666a;"><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; word-spacing: 0px;">Adequate insulation is a great way to increase energy efficiency and lower energy bills.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #63666a;">Participate</span></span></span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #63666a;"><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #63666a; background: white;" data-mce-fragment="1">NYSERDA offers several home energy efficiency programs that can help with assessments, air sealing, and insulating. <a href="https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Home-Energy-Efficiency-Upgrades/?utm_id=organic&utm_source=salesforce&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=optinemails2023&utm_content=November-Home-Energy-Efficiency-Upgrades">Take a look</a> and see which ones may be right for you.</span><span style="line-height: 107%; color: #63666a;" data-mce-fragment="1"><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;" data-mce-fragment="1" /><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;" data-mce-fragment="1" /><span style="background: white;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; word-spacing: 0px;" data-mce-fragment="1">Take control of your energy future and start saving today!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
2023-11-27T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/47939-winter-is-coming-here-is-your-home-comfort-checklist.html
Winter is Coming: Here Is Your Home Comfort Checklist
2023-11-14T00:00:00.05Z
Halco Energy
Winter is near - prepare your home with this checklist, which includes changing air filters, inspecting your furnace, and more. Call Halco for heating help.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/shutterstock2078217655_1699983898.jpg" alt="winter home in new york" width="640" height="410" /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The leaves have changed, the frost warnings are beginning, and winter is right around the corner. But is your home ready for the change? Caring for your home as the seasons change will pay off in many ways — like keeping your home more comfortable (less complaining from the thermostat hounds in the family), reducing the amount of energy your home needs (save you in electricity and/or oil costs), and even improve the quality of your indoor air (healthier air through the winter). Here is a winter checklist to keep your home in tip-top shape as it battles the harsh winters of the Finger Lakes.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Change Your Air Filters</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Air filters will become clogged with dust, pollen, and other pollutants as they filter all of the air coming through your </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/heating.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heating</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-conditioning.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cooling system</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This is particularly true after seasons that record more contamination events, like wildfires. Keeping fresh air filters in your home will improve the health of the air you breathe as you spend more time inside, and will ensure your heating system maintains its efficiency and effectiveness.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How Often</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Ideally, check all of your air filters every month and exchange them with new filters at least every 3 months. If there are lots of pets or allergy sufferers in your home, you may need more frequent changes, or filters with higher HEPA ratings. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Visually Inspect Your Heating System</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It is a good idea to do a walkthrough of your heating system to prevent any potential hazards that can lead to further damage during the cold months. Check for things like new rust, fraying wires, leaks of any kind, or anything that looks suspicious. If you see something, say something to the heating pros at Halco and schedule heating service. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How Often: </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do a thorough inspection in the fall, before the onset of winter. Then check again after you have been running your heating system for a couple of weeks. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Do a Test of Your Heating System</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> You don’t want to discover a malfunctioning heater on the first night you actually need it! Testing to make sure it turns on correctly ensures that your system is working effectively and efficiently from the offset of winter.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How To: </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Turn the thermostat to heat mode and set it for a couple of degrees above the current room temperature. You should hear the system turn on and begin blowing warm air or heating your radiators within a few minutes. If you hear any concerning noises, or you do not feel any warmth coming from the system, call Halco. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Check In On Your Insulation</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">insulation</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in your attic and basement ensures that the warmth generated by your heating system isn't escaping through the top and bottom of your house. A well-insulated home will spend less on heating costs and feel much cozier throughout the winter - and as a bonus will be cooler in the summer as well!</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How To: </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Inspect your attic and basement or crawl space for any gaps in insulation, areas where your insulation is wet, or where pests have infiltrated your insulation. If you are unsure of how to locate your insulation, or how to assess it, call Halco — we do insulation, too!</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schedule Heating Maintenance Before Winter</span></h3>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any concerns about the efficiency or effectiveness of your heating system, Halco works on all makes and models and can help you get your home on the path to comfort, without wasting energy and money each month. And if your current heating system is nearing the end of its life span, we can recommend an efficient replacement like </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heat pumps</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or ductless mini splits. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/web-scheduler.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schedule Heating Maintenance</span></a></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Home Comfort and Energy: Halco Does It All</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many facets that combine to make your home comfortable and energy-efficient all year long. Fortunately for homeowners like you in the Finger Lakes area, you don’t have to entrust each of those facets to different contractors — Halco does it all! </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From ensuring your home can get warm through heating maintenance and installation, to keeping that heat in through better insulation and air sealing services, and even helping you utilize renewable energy like </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">geothermal</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/solar-power.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">solar</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Halco Home Services does it all. </span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Figtree,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prepare your home for the long winter ahead - schedule heating maintenance with Halco by calling <a href="tel:1-833-844-2622">1-833-844-2622</a>, or get <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/contact-us.html">in touch with us online</a>.</span></h3>
2023-11-14T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/47836-could-a-heat-pump-actually-increase-your-energy-bill.html
Could A Heat Pump Actually Increase Your Energy Bill?
2023-10-24T00:00:00.05Z
Halco Energy
Explore the efficiency of heat pumps, their impact on energy bills, and why they're ideal for the Finger Lakes climate. Discover long-term savings with Halco Energy.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/shutterstock2206567971_1698161253.jpg" alt="woman looking at her energy bill" width="640" height="426" /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pumps operate solely on electricity and can be used year-round to heat and cool your home — even in the harshest weather. But if you are considering adding an </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-source-heat-pumps.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">air source heat pump</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to your home and are trying to decide if it's worth it, knowing how much electricity a heat pump uses will be an important factor.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Understanding the Basics of Heat Pumps</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat pumps, unlike traditional </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/heating.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heating</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> systems, don't actually generate heat. Instead, they transfer heat from one place to another, using electricity to power what is called “the refrigeration cycle”. This cycle works two ways in a heat pump, adding heat to a living space in the winter and removing heat in the summer. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Given that they can be used both for heating in the winter and </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-conditioning.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cooling</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the summer, a home that utilizes heat pumps will be using electricity year round and therefore increasing electricity usage. So while it is true that a heat pump might increase electricity costs, a look at the whole picture reveals why heat pumps are still a viable option for many FInger Lakes homes. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Shift from Oil and Gas</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the most significant advantages of heat pumps is their ability to reduce or even eliminate the need for oil or gas-powered heating systems. Traditional furnaces that run on oil or gas can be expensive to operate, especially when fuel prices spike. Over time, the savings from not purchasing oil or gas can offset any potential increase in electricity bills.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An Energy-Efficient Home Also Improves Heat Pump Efficiency</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An energy-efficient home acts as a catalyst in ensuring that a heat pump is cost-effective in the long run. Homes with better </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">insulation</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and effective air sealing retain that conditioned air, preventing it from escaping. This means that the heat pump doesn't have to use as much electricity to maintain a comfortable temperature. Investing in energy efficiency measures, such as upgrading insulation, sealing gaps, or specific </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/basement-waterproofing.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">basement and crawl space</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> improvements can further enhance the cost-saving benefits of a heat pump.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat Pumps in the Finger Lakes Climate</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Finger Lakes is known for its picturesque landscapes, and also presents a unique climate challenge. Winters can be harsh and wet, with temperatures often plunging below zero. However, modern heat pumps are designed to be efficient even in such extreme conditions. They can extract heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors, providing warmth even when it's freezing outside (we regularly see heat pumps operating efficiently when temperatures drop below zero). This makes heat pumps an ideal heating solution for this region, ensuring comfort without the exorbitant costs associated with other heating methods. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How Will a Heat Pump Affect Your Energy Costs? Call Halco!</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While a heat pump does operate on electricity and can be used year-round, it doesn't necessarily mean it will raise your monthly energy costs. In fact, when considering the savings from reduced oil or gas consumption, coupled with the benefits of an energy-efficient home, many homeowners find that heat pumps reduce overall monthly costs.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're considering making the switch and want to understand how a heat pump might affect your energy costs, reach out to Halco. Our team of experts can provide insights tailored to your home and help you make an informed decision. Remember, it's not just about the immediate costs but the long-term savings and comfort a heat pump can offer!</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking for a heat pump installer in Ithaca, Syracuse, Rochester, or elsewhere in the Finger Lakes? Call Halco today at <a href="tel:1-833-844-2622">1-833-844-2622</a></span></h3>
2023-10-24T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/blog/47810-what-is-the-best-kind-of-insulation-for-attics.html
What Is the Best Kind of Insulation for Attics?
2023-10-17T00:00:00.05Z
Halco Energy
Explore the best attic insulation options for Finger Lakes homes. From fiberglass to spray foam, Halco will help you discover which material maximizes comfort and savings.
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/3351/medium/shutterstock469898048_1697546806.jpg" alt="attic ladder pulled down" width="640" height="426" /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For homeowners in the Finger Lakes area, especially those residing in older homes, the challenges of maintaining a comfortable temperature are all too familiar. If you already know about the benefits of insulating your attic, the question of which insulation material to use is not far behind. The attic, being one of the primary sources of energy loss in a home, offers an opportunity to save year after year on energy costs if the right </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">insulation</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> material is chosen. Let's delve into the different insulation materials available and determine which might be the best fit for your Ithaca, Rochester, Syracuse, or Phelps home.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Fiberglass Batt or Blown-In Insulation </span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fiberglass is one of the most commonly used insulation materials. It comes in two forms: batts (pre-cut sections) and blown-in (loose-fill). This type of insulation can be effective for homes that are already airtight and otherwise well-insulated. It's non-flammable, resistant to moisture, and provides a consistent thermal barrier. However, it's essential to ensure that any old insulation is thoroughly removed and the new insulation is installed correctly to avoid gaps or compression that reduce effectiveness.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Rigid Board Insulation</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rigid board insulation is typically made from foam plastics like polyurethane. It offers excellent insulating properties and can be used to supplement other insulation materials, especially in homes with unique designs or specific needs. It's often used for reproofing on flat roofs or on the exterior of basement walls. Its rigidity provides an added layer of structural strength.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Cellulose Blown-In Insulation</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Made primarily from recycled newsprint, cellulose insulation is treated to be fire-resistant and offers a commendable R-value per inch, making it an environmentally responsible and effective choice. Dense packing cellulose insulation also offers excellent resistance against air infiltration. Its ability to fill nooks and crannies makes it especially effective for attics with irregular joist spacing or numerous obstructions. </span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Spray Foam Insulation</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it comes to the highest R-value per inch, spray foam insulation takes the crown. It expands upon application, filling gaps and creating an air-tight seal. This dual action – insulation and air sealing – makes it one of the most effective materials available. There are two types: open-cell (softer and less dense) and closed-cell (more rigid and resistant to water). While it's pricier than some other options, its efficiency can lead to significant energy savings in the long run.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How To Find the Right Insulation Material for Your Attic</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, understanding the different types of insulation is one thing, but knowing which is right for your specific home and attic is another. Factors like your home's age, design, existing insulation, and even your local climate can influence the best choice. In some cases, multiple insulation materials can be utilized to both insulate and air seal the attic. At Halco, we recommend that you trust a professional insulation contractor to assess your insulation needs and installation, and we often recommend a </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/home-energy-assessments.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">home energy assessment</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to get a more comprehensive look at how your home is performing.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Halco Does Insulation and Much More!</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Installing your insulation is one thing, but knowing exactly how it will affect the way your home feels and the need for running your </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/heating.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heating</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/air-conditioning.html"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cooling</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> equipment is what Halco specializes in. Call Halco to discuss your home insulation project today!</span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 16pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Cabin,sans-serif; color: #434343; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get the most out of your attic insulation project when you choose the right insulation material. Call Halco to get started on your upgrade at <a href="tel:1-833-844-2622">1-833-844-2622</a>.</span></h3>
2023-10-17T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/2439-halco-announces-adam-b-scott-memorial-scholarship-to-honor-legacy-of-hvac-technician.html
Halco Announces Adam B. Scott Memorial Scholarship to Honor Legacy of HVAC Technician
2023-03-23T14:24:51.05Z
Halco
The Adam B. Scott Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Adam's legacy by supporting young men and women pursuing a career in the trades.
<p>Halco, a leading provider of HVAC services in New York, is proud to announce the establishment of the Adam B. Scott Memorial Scholarship in conjunction with Adam's parents, Steve and Irene, and family. The scholarship commemorates the life and work of Adam Scott, a beloved HVAC technician who passed away in 2022. The scholarship will support young men and women pursuing careers in the trades, providing resources to aid entry-level technicians in their professional development.</p>
<p>Adam Scott was an HVAC technician for more than 25 years, working his way up from an entry-level position to become a master technician. His commitment to excellence, customer-focused approach, and natural problem-solving skills earned him high regard among his clients and peers in the industry. </p>
<p>The Adam B. Scott Memorial Scholarship will recognize Halco employees who exemplify the same qualities as Adam, with a passion for the trades and strong leadership potential. The scholarship award of $1,000 will be administered by Halco and awarded on an annual basis.</p>
<p>"Adam was a remarkable technician and a valued member of our team," said Hal Smith, CEO of Halco. "We are honored to establish this scholarship to recognize his legacy and support the next generation of tradespeople." </p>
<p>About Halco- Halco is a leading provider of HVAC, plumbing, and energy services in New York. Founded in 1984, Halco has earned a reputation for excellence in customer service, technical expertise, and commitment to sustainability. The company serves residential and commercial customers throughout the region. For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/" target="_new">www.halcoenergy.com</a>.</p>
2023-03-23T14:24:51.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1942-senator-may-mayor-olson-and-industry-officials-to-be-part-of-may-23rd-top-job-award-presentation-to-local-business.html
Senator May, Mayor Olson and Industry Officials to be part of May 23rd 'Top Job' Award Presentation to Local Business
2019-06-26T09:01:02.05Z
Halco
On the 23rd, Sunderlin will open his house to the press, elected officials and the community for the award ceremony.
<p>Fayetteville, NY – On Thursday, May 23<sup>rd</sup> at Noon, Halco, a Central NY area HVAC contractor, will be presented with the prestigious GeoStar Top Job award. Halco, along with building owner William Sunderlin, won this award in April at the Annual NY-GEO conference for converting the historic Noble House to a geothermal system, eliminating the need to burn fossils for heating. State Senator Rachel May and Fayetteville Mark Olson will be part of the ceremony presenting the award. The ceremony will be followed by a tour of the geothermal system</p>
<p>On the 23<sup>rd</sup>, Sunderlin will open his house to the press, elected officials and the community for the award ceremony. Halco will provide refreshments and snacks. Those interested in attending this free event are asked to register in advance at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ny-geo-top-job-award-ceremony-tickets-61257133736" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ny-geo-top-job-award-ceremony-tickets-61257133736&source=gmail&ust=1561639971641000&usg=AFQjCNGT6HPR__g9iCveUXCwrsu39LRNUA">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ny-geo-top-job-award-ceremony-tickets-61257133736</a>.</p>
<p>Halco, with offices in Liverpool, Phelps, Rochester, and Ithaca, NY, was among five companies who were chosen to present their noteworthy geothermal (ground source heat pump) projects as finalists in the 2019 GeoStar Top Job Competition.</p>
<p>Halco’s winning job, ‘The Noble House,’ converted a historic home right in the heart of Fayetteville, NY from natural gas to geothermal heating and cooling, eliminating fossil fuel use in the home. The home was built in the early 1800’s and was home to the prominent abolitionist and publisher of Uncle Tom's Cabin, Linnaeus P. Noble.</p>
<p>“The objective of the GeoStar Top Job Competition is to highlight and recognize the incredible talent, care, creativity and imagination that geothermal system designers and installers, bring to their projects” explained Bill Nowak, Executive Director of NY-GEO. “The Noble House is an excellent example of the ability to install geothermal systems even on small lots and in historic homes. The Top Job competition was open to installers throughout the US Northeast and Halco won in the face of some very strong projects.”</p>
<p>A detailed description of the Noble House project can be found here on the NY-GEO website: <a href="https://ny-geo.org/pages/the-noble-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ny-geo.org/pages/the-noble-house&source=gmail&ust=1561639971641000&usg=AFQjCNEi-NW4xPdoeqvjpGVkQHsQw-4B5Q">https://ny-geo.org/pages/the-noble-house</a>. It includes pictures and a short interview with Mr. Sunderlin. </p>
<p>In addition to the May 23<sup>rd</sup> Award Ceremony, the Noble House will also open its doors for a tour of its energy efficient renovation in June as part of ArtRage Gallery’s annual “Pedal Power” bike tour fundraiser on June 15. Bicyclists will begin at ArtRage in Syracuse and bike along the path of the old Erie Canal, touring the Noble House before returning to ArtRage for a luncheon. To register visit <a title="http://artragegallery.org/artrage-bike-ride-fundraiser/" href="http://artragegallery.org/artrage-bike-ride-fundraiser/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://artragegallery.org/artrage-bike-ride-fundraiser/&source=gmail&ust=1561639971641000&usg=AFQjCNGoZnRgEQlbhYSUedqsoJRn9Fd1uQ">http://artragegallery.org/artrage-bike-ride-fundraiser/</a> </p>
<p><strong>About Halco</strong></p>
<p>Halco is a highly accredited, national award-winning contractor that has been providing high quality solutions to residential and commercial clients since 1984. They have divisions that offer high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical solutions, home energy assessments, insulation and air-sealing, clean renewable energy systems and so much more. They are dedicated to quality work, sustainability, innovation, and to providing extraordinary service to their customers. <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.halcoenergy.com&source=gmail&ust=1561639971641000&usg=AFQjCNF7MaiSU50bXGg5g8e9LW6E40emjw">www.halcoenergy.com</a></p>
<p><strong>About NY-GEO</strong></p>
<p>New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO) is a not-for-profit trade association representing the geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry in New York State, dedicated to promoting geothermal heating and cooling. Our 90 members include geothermal system designers, installers, drillers, general contractors, engineers, manufacturers, distributors, renewable energy consultants and industry stakeholders who are interested in promoting the use of ground-source heat pumps to heat and cool buildings throughout New York State. <a href="http://www.ny-geo.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ny-geo.org&source=gmail&ust=1561639971641000&usg=AFQjCNFhdC2LokzXNypNaiXNqWjn-8qTSg">www.ny-geo.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About HeatSmart CNY</strong></p>
<p>HeatSmart CNY is a community campaign facilitated by the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board and the Alliance for a Green Economy to help people more efficiently heat and cool their homes through air sealing, insulation, and heat pump installation. Together, we are building our local economy, reducing our environmental impact, and making homes healthier and more comfortable. For more information visit <a href="http://www.heatsmartcny.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.heatsmartcny.org&source=gmail&ust=1561639971642000&usg=AFQjCNEscm5JOc8YegUxX6J5EkfX5l-OrQ">www.HeatSmartCNY.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About GeoStar</strong></p>
<p>There's an abundance of energy stored just below the surface of the earth that many homeowners today are taking advantage of – geothermal heating, cooling, and hot water. GeoStar offers a wide variety of residential geothermal products – all of which are factory-tested to ensure that you, the consumer, are getting the highest quality and efficiency possible. <a href="http://www.geostar-geo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.geostar-geo.com/&source=gmail&ust=1561639971642000&usg=AFQjCNGXPwlc74ubg-dpMYVACCeiMXqY-w">http://www.geostar-geo.com/</a></p>
2019-06-26T09:01:02.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1922-halco-wins-ny-geo-top-job-award-for-converting-a-historic-home-in-fayetteville-ny-to-heating-and-cooling-without-fossil-fuels.html
Halco Wins NY-GEO 'Top Job' Award for Converting a Historic Home in Fayetteville, NY to Heating and Cooling without Fossil Fuels
2019-05-10T10:39:26.05Z
Halco
It's Earth Day every day for this house in Fayetteville!
<p>A historic Fayetteville home and a local HVAC contractor are the winners of the 2019 GeoStar Top Job Competition for a geothermal installation. Halco, an HVAC contractor with offices in Liverpool, Phelps, Rochester, and Ithaca, NY won the prestigious award at the annual NY-GEO conference held in Schenectady, NY in April. Halco was among five companies who were chosen to present their noteworthy geothermal (ground source heat pump) projects as finalists in the 2019 GeoStar Top Job Competition.</p>
<p>Halco’s winning job, ‘The Noble House,’ converted a historic home right in the heart of Fayetteville, NY from natural gas to geothermal heating and cooling, eliminating fossil fuel use in the home. The home was built in the early 1800’s and was home to the prominent abolitionist and publisher of Uncle Tom's Cabin, Linnaeus P. Noble.</p>
<p>The award will be presented to Halco and the Noble House owner William Sunderlin in a ceremony at noon on Thursday, May 23 rd at the Noble House. Elected officials, the public and the press are invited to the ceremony at 305 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville, NY. Light refreshments and snacks will be served and those interested in attending this free event are asked to register in advance at <a href="https://topjob.eventbrite.com">https://topjob.eventbrite.com</a>.</p>
<p>“The objective of the GeoStar Top Job Competition is to highlight and recognize the incredible talent, care, creativity and imagination that geothermal system designers and installers, bring to their projects” explained Bill Nowak, Executive Director of NY-GEO. “The competition also communicates to those outside the industry the variety of ways that geothermal heat pump technology can be applied. The Noble House is an excellent example of the ability to install geothermal systems even on small lots and in historic homes.”</p>
<p>A detailed description of the Noble House project can be found here on the NY-GEO website: <a href="https://ny-geo.org/pages/the-noble-house">https://ny-geo.org/pages/the-noble-house</a>. It includes pictures and a short interview with owner William Sunderlin. Following strict historic preservation guidelines including preservation of floor-to-ceiling historic windows, this was a large scale retrofit project with many upgrades made, including major shell work.</p>
<p>“Halco fully believes in the concept of ‘Reduce before you produce,’” explained Halco owner Hal Smith. “Tightening up the home by improving the insulation and reducing drafts was an important first step.”</p>
<p>Once all prep work was completed, the geothermal system was properly sized and designed to fit the heat demand of the home. Halco installed a 12-ton system, drilling (3) bore holes to a depth of 420 ft with 1.5” loops tied into 4 separate heat pumps;</p>
<ul>
<li>one heat pump for the hot water,</li>
<li>one to heat and cool the second floor of the home,</li>
<li>one for the main living space, and</li>
<li>a fourth to heat and cool the adjoining apartment.</li>
</ul>
<p>All heat pumps are tied into GeoStar remotely programmable thermostats, which allow comfort control, humidity control and access to energy use data for the homeowner.<br /><br />Recognizing the GeoStar Top Job honor, homeowner William Sunderlin states, “Within Halco, the person who deserves special recognition is Shawn Hodge, their lead geothermal installer. Faced with the challenge of installing 21st century technology in a 19th century house, Shawn mobilized his ample creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge to surmount every challenge - there were many! - that got in his way.”</p>
<p>Prior to install, Mr. Sunderlin was a natural gas customer. As a climate scientist, he had been considering going green for 20 years and is keenly aware of the importance of getting off fossil fuels. Today, William is a member of the steering committee for HeatSmart CNY, a community- based campaign helping building owners connect with assessments, incentives, and technologies to make homes and businesses more comfortable, cost-effective, and better for the environment. Mr. Sunderlin has opened his home to the public as part of HeatSmart CNY home tours, and passionately encourages others to consider clean energy.</p>
<p>Most recently, “The Noble House” received a Pearl Platinum Certification. Pearl Certification is a national firm that provides third-party certification of high-performing homes: homes with “performance assets” that make them healthy, safe, comfortable, energy and water efficient. These certifications help convey the hidden value of a home to potential buyers in the future. Pearl looks at each asset category (Heating and Cooling, Baseload, Building Shell, Home Management) and Platinum scores well in all four categories. William’s home is 1 of 2 platinum scoring homes in New York State, the other is also a Halco customer.</p>
<p>In addition to the May 23 rd Award Ceremony, the Noble House will also open its doors for a tour of its energy efficient renovation in June as part of ArtRage Gallery’s annual “Pedal Power” bike tour fundraiser on June 15. Bicyclists will begin at ArtRage in Syracuse and bike along the path of the old Erie Canal, touring the Noble House before returning to ArtRage for a luncheon. To register visit <a href="http://artragegallery.org/artrage-bike-ride-fundraiser/">http://artragegallery.org/artrage-bike-ride-fundraiser/</a> </p>
<p>###</p>
<p><strong>About Halco</strong><br />Halco is a highly accredited, national award-winning contractor that has been providing high quality solutions to residential and commercial clients since 1984. They have divisions that offer high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical solutions, home energy assessments, insulation and air-sealing, clean renewable energy systems and so much more. They are dedicated to quality work, sustainability, innovation, and to providing extraordinary service to their customers. www.halcoenergy.com</p>
<p><strong>About NY-GEO</strong><br />New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO) is a not-for-profit trade association representing the geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry in New York State, dedicated to promoting geothermal heating and cooling. Our 90 members include geothermal system designers, installers, drillers, general contractors, engineers, manufacturers, distributors, renewable energy consultants and industry stakeholders who are interested in promoting the use of ground-source heat pumps to heat and cool buildings throughout New York State. www.ny-geo.org</p>
<p><strong>About HeatSmart CNY</strong><br />HeatSmart CNY is a community campaign facilitated by the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board and Alliance for a Green Economy to help people more efficiently heat and cool their homes through air sealing, insulation, and heat pump installation. Together, we are building our local economy, reducing our environmental impact, and making homes healthier and more comfortable. For more information visit <a href="http://www.HeatSmartCNY.org">www.HeatSmartCNY.org</a></p>
2019-05-10T10:39:26.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/14186-home-outfitted-with-solar-and-a-standby-generator-in-ithaca-ny.html
Home Outfitted with Solar and a Standby Generator in Ithaca, NY
2019-02-28T09:53:45.05Z
Halco
<p>Once the system was designed and permits were obtained, crews showed up to execute the installation. Due to unforeseen circumstances, including uncooperative clay soil and poor weather conditions, the system took longer to install than anticipated. Nevertheless, Jeff was pleased with Halco throughout the entire process and stated that he was also impressed with the crew’s meticulousness while installing the array.</p>
<p>A year or so later, crews returned to add additional panels to the ground mount and to install more advanced style solar panels on his garage roof. The existing ground solar panels were dismantled, new longer rails were installed, and the new panels were integrated with the old in a design of the customer’s choice. At the same time, we integrated a Generac whole-home standby generator to keep the customer up and running, should the grid go down. Jeff has had two power interruptions since the Generac was installed and was able to maintain power each time. He feels the backup generator has already proven its worth and provides him with peace of mind.</p>
<p>Jeff also has peace of mind knowing he can call on Halco to serve a variety of needs. He stated, “I am amazed at the multitude of tasks Halco crews can perform with efficiency and expertise. If there is something I need done around any of my properties in the future, Halco will get the first call.”</p>
<p>When asked to rate Halco on a scale of 1-10, Jeff stated, “10. I am particularly impressed with the <strong>planning</strong> that was done for each project. Both the work to be done and the timelines were clearly laid out in advance. <strong>Accurate</strong> price estimates were prepared, and any unforeseen difficulties were dealt with thoughtfully in consultation with me. <strong>All</strong> the necessary permits were obtained by Halco. Interactions with NYSEG, NYSERDA and Village of Lansing personnel were sometimes challenging -- but not for me! Halco took care of all of that.”</p>
<p>He went on to share, “Sales staff familiarity with available technology and installation procedures greatly facilitate Halco customer relations. Patient dialog opened by Halco sales staff paves the way for Halco planners to successfully communicate with homeowners who know little of the pros and cons of various projects. This emphasis on planning carries over into other Halco divisions. My experience has been that Halco staff make accurate estimates which avoid unpleasant financial and scheduling surprises during the course of Halco projects. Halco so far has an excellent record of turning my goals into achievements!”</p>
<p>A few years ago, Jeff, an Ithaca, NY area resident, contacted Halco with an interest in solar. Not only have we since installed the solar, but we have worked with him on a multitude of other projects within his home.</p>
<p>Halco was originally contacted by Jeff as part of an evaluation of solar companies. He ultimately decided to work with us because all other companies had set ideas about how his solar should be installed. Everyone was pushing for a roof-mounted array, but Jeff was unwilling to cut mature trees to allow for a roof install. Not only were we willing to do a ground install, but in a recent interview with Jeff, he expressed his pleasure with Halco and our willingness to work directly with the Village of Lansing to overcome access issues in his backyard.</p>
2019-02-28T09:53:45.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1870-heatsmart-cny-makes-it-easier-and-more-affordable-to-install-modern-clean-heating-and-cooling-solutions.html
"HEATSMART CNY" MAKES IT EASIER AND MORE AFFORDABLE TO INSTALL MODERN, CLEAN HEATING AND COOLING SOLUTIONS
2018-11-21T09:39:53.05Z
Halco
Expensive annual heating and cooling bills may be a thing of the past for many homes and buildings in the Central New York region with the new HeatSmart CNY campaign.
<p>SYRACUSE, NY – Nov. 13, 2018—Expensive annual heating and cooling bills may be a thing of the past for many homes and buildings in the Central New York region with the new HeatSmart CNY campaign. Organized by the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (CNY RPDB), Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE), with support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and a team of volunteers, this two-year community-based campaign for Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties aims to help home and building owners install ground source (“geothermal”) and air source heat pumps designed for cold climates, as well as heat pump water heaters. Central New York was also awarded an additional $350,000 in funding for related workforce development and low-to-moderate income household projects.</p>
<p>The City of Syracuse publicly announced its support for HeatSmart CNY today, after the Common Council unanimously passed a memorializing resolution on Wednesday, November 7th.</p>
<p>“The city of Syracuse is excited that NYSERDA chose Central New York as the pilot for this $500,000 campaign, which will make efficient heat pumps accessible to low and moderate income households and promote jobs in this growing industry,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “This will help residents more efficiently warm their homes and add to the growing list of efficient geothermal buildings in Syracuse, like the Hotel Skyler, Jefferson Clinton Commons, and the Pike Block.”</p>
<p>HeatSmart CNY builds on local Solarize campaigns and the HeatSmart Tompkins strategy to make the process of switching heat sources relatively easy. The campaign will offer free public workshops and open house visits to help people understand the technologies available, the importance of air sealing and insulation, and the rebates and incentives currently available from New York State, the Federal government, and utility companies.</p>
<p>Three installer teams --Halco, Snug Planet, and Geotherm / ACES-Energy—were selected by the HeatSmart CNY Steering Committee after a careful evaluation process. They collectively bring over 35 years of heat pump installation experience to the program. Participants will be able to receive free site assessments from multiple companies and compare quotes. HeatSmart CNY is partnering with experts John Manning and Dick Kornbluth to provide a hotline for home and building owners to help answer any questions.</p>
<p>“Many people don’t realize that even in Upstate New York, we have plenty of heat in the ground and in the air to make cold-climate heat pumps an efficient and economical energy choice,” said Yusuf Abdul-Qadir, a Syracuse resident who is installing ground source heat pump and air source heat pump systems in his home and rental property. “And in the summer months, heat pumps run in reverse to cool and dehumidify our buildings. Heat pumps make our homes more comfortable and safer for our families.”</p>
<p>Efficient electric heat pumps also have the added benefit of being good for the environment. Over 1/3 of New York’s energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions come from heating and cooling buildings, mostly with fossil fuels. Many homeowners across Upstate New York have made their homes effectively “net zero” energy by installing combinations of heat pumps and solar panels. Even when powered by the grid, 49 percent of the electricity produced in Upstate New York came from renewables in 2017 (Source: NYISO 2018 Power Trends Report).</p>
<p>“With the HeatSmart CNY program, the region can make a decisive move toward a sustainable future,” said Lindsay Speer, HeatSmart CNY Program Manager. “If you’ve ever wanted to stop burning fossil fuels as your heat source, this is the opportunity to do it!”</p>
<p>Typical homes using expensive oil or propane heat save $1500-1800/year in fuel costs when they switch to heat pumps. Homes using inefficient baseboard electric and those still using coal are also excellent candidates for switching. Interested property owners can attend any of the free<br />community workshops to enroll in the program or can enroll on-line at <a href="http://www.HeatSmartCNY.org">HeatSmartCNY.org</a>.</p>
<p>Attending a workshop is not a requirement for participation in HeatSmart CNY, but is strongly encouraged. The kickoff workshop will be held at the South Side Innovation Center located at 2610 South Salina Street, Syracuse on Thursday, November 15 from 6:00 – 7:30pm. The first Open House will be held from 2 - 4:30 PM on Nov. 18 at William Sunderlin’s geothermally heated home at 305 East Genesee Street in Fayetteville (please park on nearby streets). Other workshops and open houses will be held in venues in various neighborhoods and towns within the geographic boundaries of the program and announced in the future.</p>
<p>Individuals and organizations volunteering their time to guide the campaign include Brendon Fox of Home HeadQuarters; Hanna Ring of Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Pompey resident John Shaheen; Marian Brown, Director of the Center for Sustainability and the Environment at Wells College; Sarah Krisch, Senior Planner for Madison County; Sha’Sha Wheat of Hope 4 Us Housing; Sally Ward of P.E.A.C.E. Inc., geothermal homeowner William Sunderlin; and Syracuse resident and sustainability strategist Yusuf Abdul-Qadir, who is currently installing a geothermal system in his home.</p>
<p>For more information, or to sign up for a workshop, go to <a href="http://www.HeatSmartCNY.org">HeatSmartCNY.org</a>, email <a href="mailto:info@HeatSmartCNY.org">info@HeatSmartCNY.org</a>, or contact Lindsay Speer 315-383-7210.</p>
2018-11-21T09:39:53.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1865-syracuse-welcomes-launch-of-heatsmart-cny.html
SYRACUSE WELCOMES LAUNCH OF HEATSMART CNY
2018-11-12T14:24:37.05Z
Halco
Campaign awarded $500,000 from NYSERDA to support installation of heat pumps for efficient clean heating and cooling across CNY, including funding for workforce development and low-income households.
<p><strong>Who:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh,</li>
<li>Joseph Driscoll, Syracuse Common Council, 5th District,</li>
<li>Chris Carrick, Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board,</li>
<li>Lindsay Speer, Campaign Manager, HeatSmart CNY,</li>
<li>Yusuf Abdul-Qadir, Syracuse resident installing a geothermal system, and</li>
<li>Installer partners to be introduced!</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What:</strong> Press Conference to launch HeatSmart CNY campaign, including announcing installer partners and a statement of support from the City of Syracuse.</p>
<p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 2:30 PM</p>
<p><strong>Where:</strong> Steps of City Hall, 233 E. Washington Street, Syracuse NY</p>
<p><strong>Why:</strong> Building on the success of local Solarize campaigns, Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board and Alliance for a Green Economy are now kicking off a two-year campaign to modernize heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial, and community buildings by installing air source and ground source (“geothermal”) heat pumps designed for cold climates, as well as heat pump water heaters. Significant incentives are currently available from the federal government and New York State, as well as local utilities. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is supporting eight similar community outreach campaigns across New York State. HeatSmart CNY is one of two to receive additional funding for workforce development and the only campaign to secure funding to help low-to-moderate income households, bringing a total of $500,000 into the local economy. The HeatSmart CNY kickoff workshop will be 6 PM Thursday Nov. 15th at the South Side Innovation Center, 2610 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY. For more information visit HeatSmartCNY.org</p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong> Lindsay Speer 315-383-7210, Chris Carrick 315-422-8276 x 1213, <a href="http://www.HeatSmartCNY.org">HeatSmartCNY.org</a></p>
2018-11-12T14:24:37.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/11920-retrofit-net-zero-project-in-brewerton-ny.html
Retrofit Net-Zero Project in Brewerton, NY
2018-04-25T11:59:32.05Z
Halco
<p>The first step in the process of overall energy efficiency was to reduce the load of the residence. Our crews installed spray foam insulation on the underside of the roof as well as in the basement. By insulating previously uninsulated space, this reduced air infiltration and effectively created more usable space.</p>
<p>With these steps complete, we were able to properly size the heating equipment that would be needed. With energy efficiency being the focus, we designed a 6-ton horizontal direct exchange geothermal system. The system needed properly redesigned ductwork to accommodate the increased airflow necessary for geothermal. All new ductwork was installed in the basement as well as being chased up to the second floor. The second-floor ductwork was exposed to provide a look that the customers preferred, a mix between country cottage and light industrial. The heating system now couples with a heat pump water heater to provide domestic hot water.</p>
<p>The horizontal loop field was installed using Halco’s 40,000-pound Hyundai excavator that utilizes a four-foot bucket. Each one of the six copper loops were laid in individual 125-foot trenches. We were able to remove their buried fuel oil tanks during excavation. This was of importance to the homeowners, who recently had a relative pay over $100,000 to clean up oil spilled from their buried tanks.</p>
<p>With the geothermal system up and operating, we then moved on to Solar PV. One of the large horse barns provided enough space to install the large, 39.9 kW roof-mounted system. The roof now supports a system that covers not only 100% of their load, but also provides power for the charging station the customers use to charge their Chevy Volts.</p>
<p>In the end, everything came together, and we helped make a retrofit net zero dream a reality!</p>
<p>This Brewerton, NY home also functions as a working horse farm. Due to their expensive fuel oil bills, the owners were inclined to visit our booth at a local farm show. The couple was impressed by Halco’s commitment to the ‘reduce before you produce’ approach to business and signed up to have a no-cost energy assessment performed on their home. During the assessment, plans were made to completely eliminate their fossil fuel usage for their entire property.</p>
2018-04-25T11:59:32.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1741-geothermal-heat-pump-tax-credits-approved-by-congress.html
Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credits Approved by Congress
2018-03-26T14:21:14.05Z
Halco
WE DID IT - Geothermal Tax Credits Approved by Congress. Courtesy of NY-GEO and the national Geothermal Exchange Organization.
<p>Today the U.S. geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry scored a victory for its workforce as federal legislation was passed to extend federal tax credits for residential and commercial installations of GHPs. The measure was included in the Continuing Resolution spending bill recently approved by Congress.</p>
<p>The reinstated GHP tax credits are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2017, and extended to Jan. 1, 2022. The language also changes an important consideration for commercial GHP projects, making them eligible if commenced by Jan. 1, 2022 rather than placed in service.</p>
<p>“Today’s action by Congress finally fixes the inequity created two years ago when tax credits for solar installations were extended through 2021,” stated Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) President and CEO Doug Dougherty, “Credits for technologies including GHPs, fuels cells, microturbines, small wind and combined heat and power were left to expire at the end of 2016.</p>
<p>Since then it was an uphill fight, as GEO and its allies worked diligently for parity with the solar industry through bills in both the House and Senate. GEO’s message to legislators was ultimately heard: Congress shouldn’t be picking winners and losers when it comes to renewable energy and fairness in tax policy. “And now we have finally achieved parity with solar,” said Dougherty.</p>
<p>Coalition partners included all of the “orphaned” clean energy technologies, and among others, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the National Association of Homebuilders, and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. In the days prior to passage, GEO joined a larger coalition of business, energy, transportation, real estate, and agriculture stakeholders who gathered forces to make their case for including tax extenders in the CR that passed the Senate and the House.</p>
<p>GEO’s relentless campaign to regain GHP tax credits included several Executive Fly-Ins to Washington DC in 2017, plus GEO Board Members, staff and industry volunteers making hundreds of visits to House and Senate legislative offices. Grassroots efforts by GEO members and supporters included job site visits set up for key legislators to show them firsthand the value of GHPs and plead the industry’s case for tax credit parity with solar.</p>
<p>“Achieving this critical milestone for our industry couldn’t have been accomplished without the positive and aggressive leadership of GEO staff, GEO manufacturers and members, our DC lobbying team—and the tireless efforts of my fellow board members during several Fly Ins to Washington during the past two years,” said GEO Board Chairman Joe Parsons (EarthLinked Technologies, Inc.).</p>
<p>“Our hard-fought victory for the GHP industry helps ensure a bright future for our technology,” said Dougherty. “It will stem the loss of jobs we now face, provide more time to overcome market barriers, achieve economies of scale, and help spread the environmental and economic benefits of GHPs across America.</p>
2018-03-26T14:21:14.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/10354-energy-efficient-upgrades-to-honeoye-ny-home.html
Energy Efficient Upgrades to Honeoye, NY Home
2017-10-03T11:20:16.05Z
Halco
<p>Halco sent an Energy Advisor to provide a top-to-bottom look at Carl’s house and pinpoint exactly where energy and dollars were being wasted. Our energy advisor found the home had a 24-year-old furnace and major air infiltration in the basement. Carl was spending way too much money on fuel in the cooler months and was reaching his budget rather quickly. In the summer months, Carl was using window a/c units and fans to keep the home cool, no doubt running up his electricity costs.</p>
<p>Our Energy Advisor proposed many measures to help Carl obtain maximum comfort and efficiency within his home, but before moving forward, these measures were submitted to two state programs, EmPower New York and Assisted Home Performance, to determine if Carl was eligible for assistance paying for the work. Once Carl was approved, we were able to begin!</p>
<p>We installed a 40,000 btu variable speed furnace with a Goodman 2-ton 2 stage 16 seer heat pump. In addition to heating his home, Carl could now cool his home and no longer worry about using window a/c units and fans. We also air sealed and insulated the basement, added an insulated door to block air infiltration from the bilco door, upgraded the old ducting, and replaced the old thermostat. Carl even signed up for a maintenance agreement to have Halco come and service his new heating system each year and ensure it’s in tip-top shape!</p>
<p>A year later, Carl recalls the entire experience as “top of the line and extremely professional.” He was very pleased throughout the entire process, from the initial sales call to installation. What makes Carl even happier is the savings. His propane bill has been cut almost in half, from using 770 gallons to 440, and his electric bill also took a drop from approximately $120/month to $90/month. Carl stated that the upgrades to his home have made him more comfortable, both physically and financially. He rates Halco a 10/10 and recommends us whenever he can. We are so happy that these improvements have made a positive impact on Carl’s home and life! </p>
<p>Honeoye, NY resident, Carl, had heard about the No-Cost Energy Assessment before and out of pure curiosity, started doing some research. He landed on the NYSERDA website which outlined many state programs that could help cover the cost of energy efficiency upgrades and he grew even more interested. The first step in determining eligibility for these programs is to have a no-cost energy assessment conducted by a trained and experience Home Performance Contractor. Carl decided to have Halco perform this assessment because he had heard the company before and was familiar with our brand.</p>
2017-10-03T11:20:16.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1342-halco-enters-the-high-pressure-water-jetting-industry.html
Halco Enters the High Pressure Water Jetting Industry
2016-09-01T13:42:41.05Z
Halco
Halco Energy has added high pressure water jetting to the complete line of plumbing services currently available to their customers in Central and Upstate New York.
<p><br />Halco Energy has added high pressure water jetting to the complete line of plumbing services currently available to their customers in Central and Upstate New York.</p>
<p>The new jetter will be used both commercially and residentially to clean sewers, drains, storm drains, and industrial lines with a high pressure stream of water that has the power to remove debris and build up.</p>
<p>The principle of hydro jetting involves the use of extremely high-pressure water to clean, cut, and remove blockages. The head contains tiny jets that dispense water at knife-like pressure up to 6000 psi. This powerful pressure has the ability to eliminate tree roots, grease, scale, etc. - all without the damage inflicted by mechanical snakes and rotating blades. </p>
<p>Established in 1984, Halco is dedicated to the comfort of residential and commercial property owners in a 16 county region of Central New York and the Finger Lakes. Headquartered in Phelps, NY, its services range from traditional HVAC and plumbing services to home performance assessments, insulation, and installation of renewable energy systems, such as solar and geothermal.</p>
2016-09-01T13:42:41.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1156-elisabeth-bodnaruk-earns-radon-certification.html
Elisabeth Bodnaruk Earns Radon Certification
2016-01-14T11:09:32.05Z
Halco
Elisabeth Bodnaruk has earned certification as a Radon Measurement Specialist and Radon Mitigation Specialist. The certifications were conferred by the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) and Rutgers University. *Courtesy of Seneca Daily
<p><img style="float: left;" src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/3351/medium/bodnaruk_1452788111.JPG" alt="Elisabeth Bodnaruk Earns Radon Certification - Image 1" width="125" height="127">Elisabeth Bodnaruk has earned certification as a Radon Measurement Specialist and Radon Mitigation Specialist. The certifications were conferred by the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) and Rutgers University.</p>
<p>With her new certifications, Bodnaruk, a home energy advisor with Halco Energy, is qualified to test homes for radon and recommend remediation measures when this colorless, odorless gas is found. To earn the credentials, Bodnaruk successfully completed a three-day course conducted by the New Jersey Agricultural Station’s Office of Continuing Professional Education at its Eastern Radon Training Center. She is the first Halco employee to earn radon certifications.</p>
<p>Bodnaruk is also BPI (Building Performance Institute) Envelope and Building Analyst certified. She performs home energy audits to determine how energy is being wasted, in addition to testing for radon. After gathering information about the building construction, existing insulation, air infiltration and HVAC systems, Bodnaruk calculates building heat loss and energy usage and recommends improvements where they are needed. Halco Energy performs more home energy audits than any other company in New York State.</p>
<p>The Greensboro, NC native earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from North Carolina State University and a Masters of Science in ecology from Syracuse University. Before joining Halco in February, Bodnaruk worked as a physicist at NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology) in Gaithersburg, MD and a biology lab instructor and research assistant at Syracuse University.</p>
<p>ABOUT HALCO ENERGY</p>
<p>Established in 1984, Halco Energy is dedicated to the comfort of residential and commercial property owners in a 16 county region of Central New York and the Finger Lakes. Headquartered in Phelps, NY, its services range from traditional heating and air conditioning to home performance audits, insulation and installation of renewable energy systems, such as solar and geothermal.</p>
2016-01-14T11:09:32.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1129-halco-opens-window-door-division.html
Halco Opens Window & Door Division
2015-12-01T10:35:30.05Z
Halco
Halco Energy has added windows and doors to the complete line of home comfort products it offers homeowners in the Finger Lakes area. Recently, Janice Sipp joined the company to manage the division. *Courtesy of Seneca Daily
<p><img style="float: left;" src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/3351/medium/sipp_1448984556.JPG" alt="Halco Opens Window &amp; Door Division - Image 1" width="150" height="207">Halco Energy has added windows and doors to the complete line of home comfort products it offers homeowners in the Finger Lakes area. Recently, Janice Sipp joined the company to manage the division.</p>
<p>Sipp has worked for and managed leading window and door companies in upstate New York. Most recently, she was general manager of Wonder Windows in Rochester.</p>
<p>After successfully completing InstallationMasters™ training, Sipp received window and door installation certification from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). She has also been BPI (Building Performance Institute) and EPA Lead-Safe certified.</p>
<p>Halco President Hal Smith says, “With the addition of a window and door division, under the direction of an experienced manager like Janice Sipp, Halco truly offers everything under the sun for home comfort. During the 31 years that we’ve been in business, customers have asked us to help make their homes warmer and more comfortable by replacing their windows and doors. The window and door division rounds out the building envelope and complements our insulation and air sealing division.”</p>
<p>“I am proud to join the Halco Energy management team,” Sipp says, “and pleased that the company chose to partner with Sunrise Windows & Doors.” She notes that Sunrise custom manufactures all products to Halco’s specifications, and they meet the new ENERGY STAR® 2016 Most Efficient Standards. All are American made and carry a lifetime warranty that covers the entire window, including glass breakage, and the warranty is fully transferable to a second property owner.</p>
<p>Established in 1984, Halco is dedicated to the comfort of residential and commercial property owners in a 16 county region of Central New York and the Finger Lakes. Headquartered in Phelps, NY, its services range from traditional heating and air conditioning to home performance audits, insulation and installation of renewable energy systems, such as solar and geothermal.</p>
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2015-12-01T10:35:30.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/4661-halco-installs-589-kw-roof-mounted-solar-array-in-cato-ny.html
Halco Installs 5.89 kW Roof-Mounted Solar Array in Cato, NY
2015-11-18T09:07:17.05Z
Halco
<p>Solarize CNY is a non-profit program that is designed to help people make the switch to clean, sustainable energy. The campaign aims to help residents and business owners overcome the financial hurdles of installing solar through volume purchasing. With a large focus on education, the solarize campaigns bring communities together through implementation of outreach and educational programs that are designed to teach the community the benefits of going green. After attending a Solarize CNY meeting, this <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/service-area/cato-ny.html">Cato, NY</a> couple decided to have Halco perform their free site assessment. Lewis and Sally received a proposal from a Halco Energy Advisor and they decided to move forward with the project.</p>
<p>Halco installed a 5886 W (5.886 kW) grid-connected solar electric system on the customer's barn roof. The array consists of eighteen (18) SunPower E-20 327 Watt Modules and is designed to generate approximately 6,116.6 kWh per year. </p>
<p>The system is configured electrically as three (3) DC circuits (strings) of six (6) series connected modules through a DC disconnect switch to one (1) SMA 6 kW inverter. This inverter provides grid-synchronous AC output and interfaces to the electric utility. System power production (kW) and energy production (kWh) monitoring is provided by a digital display on the inverter and an electromechanical meter.</p>
<p>During a post-production interview with the homeowner he stated that their new system is expected to account for 70% or more of his current electrical usage. When asked what aspect of the system he was most excited about, the homeowner was quick to confirm his excitement in making a contribution towards emission reduction. We congratulate the couple on taking this major step towards energy independence and reducing their environmental impact!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/service-area/cato-ny.html">Cato, NY</a> residents, Lewis and Sally, had been interested in solar for a long time. When they learned about the Solarize CNY initiative that was coming to their area, they were intrigued and wanted to learn more.</p>
2015-11-18T09:07:17.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1099-halco-honored-for-trade-fair-benefiting-local-high-school-students.html
Halco Honored For Trade Fair Benefiting Local High School Students
2015-10-19T09:18:01.05Z
Halco
The Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board recently honored Halco as a founding member of Finger Lakes Works with their Hands (FLWWTH). *Courtesy of Seneca Daily
<p>The Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board recently honored Halco as a founding member of Finger Lakes Works with their Hands (FLWWTH). The Phelps-based energy/comfort contractor was instrumental in establishing the one-day skilled trades fair 10 years ago.</p>
<p>Each fall, nearly 700 area high school students attend FLWH at Rodman Lott and Son Farms in Seneca Falls. They are offered a firsthand look at the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing careers that are available in the Finger Lakes Region. </p>
<p>Students have an opportunity to speak with businesses, professionals and representatives from colleges and trade schools about careers in the skilled trades. They can also participate in hands-on welding, heavy equipment operation, carpentry and masonry demonstrations. At the Halco building, students could ride a scissor lift and try their hand at plasma cutting and soldering.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, Hal Smith, president of Halco, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his role in establishing this successful event that continues to grow year after year. Smith is a past chair of the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/3351/medium/1_1445276360.JPG" alt="FLWWTH15" width="600" height="450" /> <em>Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board Executive Director Karen Springmeier presents a certificate to Halco President Hal Smith for his company’s support of Finger Lakes Works with their Hands since its founding 10 years ago.</em></p>
<p>Established in 1984, Halco is dedicated to the comfort of residential and commercial property owners in a 16 county region of Central New York. Its services range from traditional heating and air conditioning to home performance audits and renewable energy installations.</p>
<p>Check out these student-made videos of #FLWWTH2015</p>
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<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PmlmtI0-_fo" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315"></iframe></p>
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2015-10-19T09:18:01.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1088-local-nonprofit-launches-energy-efficient-home-heating-program.html
Local Nonprofit Launches Energy-Efficient Home Heating Program
2015-09-29T09:28:24.05Z
Halco
HeatSmart Tompkins Goes Public With Press Release, Installer Partners for Much Anticipated Program. Press release courtesy of Matthew Johnston with HeatSmart Tompkins.
<p>Media Contact:</p>
<p>Matthew Johnston, Program Director | HeatSmart Tompkins| <a href="mailto:matt@solartompkins.com">matt@solartompkins.com</a> | 617-680-2646</p>
<p><em>Public information meetings for HeatSmart Tompkins start Tuesday, September 15 </em></p>
<p>Last year, the Switch to Solar initiative gave Tompkins County residents a simple way to connect with solar panel installers. The result was more than 400 new photovoltaic systems, more than doubling the number in the county.</p>
<p>This year, Solar Tompkins, the volunteer-led nonprofit that created the program, is turning its attention to an even bigger energy challenge.</p>
<p>“On average, 75 percent of the energy use by homes in Tompkins County goes towards heating, cooling, and domestic hot water,” said Jonathan Comstock, chair of the Solar Tompkins board of directors. “Most of that comes from burning fossil fuels. Happily, the technology is now available to let homeowners increase their comfort, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and save money.”</p>
<p>Solar Tompkins’ new HeatSmart Tompkins program is designed to make it easier for county residents to weatherproof their homes and switch to highly efficient heat pump systems by offering them lower-than-market rate pricing and a streamlined process with selected companies, Comstock said.</p>
<p>Heat pumps draw heat from the ground or the outside air and transfer it to the interior of the home. They run on electricity and can be used for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Both ground-source and air-source heat pumps are effective at the low temperatures typical of this region.</p>
<p>“This is an exciting initiative,” said Matt Johnston, HeatSmart Tompkins’ program director. “Home insulation and heat pump services can’t come to Tompkins County soon enough, especially with winter approaching.”</p>
<p>Solar Tompkins recently selected three companies – Halco, NP Environmental, and Zerodraft – as its partners in the HeatSmart program. “These are fantastic businesses that offer top-notch services,” Johnston said. “They’re ready to handle the surge of activity we anticipate as residents learn more about this opportunity.”</p>
<p>The program launches on Tuesday, September 15, with an open meeting at the Enfield Grange Hall from 7 to 9 pm. It’s the first of a series of public information sessions in each town in the county running through the end of October. At the meetings, residents will have a chance to learn about the program, meet the installers, and sign up for a free home energy assessment.</p>
<p>Additional meetings are scheduled for September 16 from 7 to 9 pm at the Danby Town Hall, September 17 from 7 to 9 pm at the Brooktondale Community Center, and September 19 from 10 am to 12 noon at the Lehman Alternative Community School in Ithaca.</p>
<p>A full meeting schedule, as well as dates and times for tours of local homes with heat pump systems, is available at <a href="http://www.solartompkins.org/" target="_blank">SolarTompkins.org.</a></p>
<p><strong>Towards a Carbon-Free Home </strong></p>
<p>Because heat pumps can be powered by renewably generated electricity, they “open the pathway to a zero-carbon home,” said Melissa Kemp, who headed last year’s Switch to Solar campaign. “Enrolling in HeatSmart Tompkins is a great next step for people looking for ways to shrink their carbon footprints. For many families, it will also make immediate economic sense.”</p>
<p>Katie Borgella, deputy commissioner of planning for Tompkins County, said HeatSmart Tompkins complements the County’s long-term greenhouse emissions goals. “We hope the program will inspire individuals to take action to help our community create a more sustainable energy system,” she added.</p>
<p>HeatSmart Tompkins is a program of Solar Tompkins, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing a renewable energy future while providing comfort, economic security, and ecological stability. More information about the HeatSmart program, including pricing, enrollment details, and the schedule of public meetings and tours, can be found at SolarTompkins.org. </p>
2015-09-29T09:28:24.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/4196-solar-installation-in-cortland-ny.html
Solar Installation in Cortland, NY
2015-09-08T15:13:11.05Z
Halco
<p class="Pa1">After receiving their no cost home energy audit from Halco, Alex and Donna opted for a solar electric system installed as a roof-mounted array on their garage roof. The 6.6 kW system that was installed consists of 24 solar panels and is designed to generate 6,222 kWh per year.</p>
<p class="Pa1">Alex and Donna were very pleased with the installation time and the crew stating, “Halco did a great job – they met all of our expectations.” The couple has had a steady stream of people stop at their home to ask questions and admire the work. Recently, they were asked by the Solarize CNY – Cortland initiative to become a stop on the summer solar tour, where local community members can find out more about the couple's experience with going green!</p>
<p class="Pa1">Alex has also adopted the home’s solar monitoring system as something of a hobby. The couple spends their winters in South Carolina, and Alex was able to log on to his computer and see how much electricity the system was producing. Donna said her May 2015 bill was $18 and last year at this time it was $105.70! Congratulations to this couple on taking a step towards energy independence!</p>
<p class="Pa1"><span class="A2"><span>Alex and Donna have always been interested in renewable energy. With a son who is an environmentalist, the couple is very much aware that there are actions that can be taken to help the environment today that will also benefit future generations. Not only was the couple interested in the "green" side of going solar, but they were also aware of the money savings they would find on their home energy bills. </span></span></p>
2015-09-08T15:13:11.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/3812-geothermal-installation-in-trumansburg-ny.html
Geothermal Installation in Trumansburg, NY
2015-07-01T09:31:31.05Z
Halco
<p><strong>Home Energy Audit</strong></p>
<p>After speaking with Peggy about her interest we sent a home energy advisor to work with the customers and perform a no cost <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/home-energy-audit.html">home energy audit</a>. Home energy audits are an essential part of making a home truly comfortable and sustainable. Information about the building construction, air infiltration, insulation and HVAC systems is gathered and from there the homeowners are given recommended improvements and estimates. Because these improvements make the home more energy efficient and affordable there are a number of rebates and incentives that are explained to the customer as well. MaryLou stated that during their home energy audit the advisor was, "A very good salesman," and she continued to affirm that his knowledge and enthusiasm inspired confidence.</p>
<p><strong>Choosing Halco</strong></p>
<p>At this time, Peggy and MaryLou had also sought out geothermal quotes from two other companies. Why did they choose Halco? Well, the first company wanted to remove the furnace from the home, where as our design team was able to build the furnace into the geothermal plan. And the second company? The two just didn't feel they were as professional as Halco. Peggy acknowledged that the quality of the assessment combined with the obvious skill portrayed in the estimate "sealed the deal." She stated that through her first experience with Halco she knew the business model of the company was exceptional.</p>
<p><strong>The Installation Process</strong></p>
<p>We started work for Peggy and MaryLou during the cold winter and step one was to insulate the shell of the home. <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/insulation.html">Insulation</a> does more than reduce the amount of electricity used for heating and cooling, but it will also reduce the load put on the geothermal system during extreme winter and summer weather and keep the home airtight.</p>
<p>Upon arrival, our geothermal project manager, noticed that there was a water leak below the kitchen due to a frozen pipe. Being an unexpected speed bump, he directed the insulation crew to start insulating the opposite end of the crawl space as he worked to fix the pipe. By the time the pipe was repaired, the insulation team could move to the other side of the crawl space and no time was lost. Peggy mentioned her satisfaction in the manager's multi-skill set and his ability to troubleshoot when necessary. During additional work, "[Halco] found electrical issues and fixing it took four hours," Peggy stated. "This was done on a Friday night and they were at the house until 8 pm, but they weren't going to stop until it was finished," she said, referencing the teams ability to troubleshoot.</p>
<p>Once insulation was complete, the geothermal project commenced. The most common types of geothermal heat pump systems are horizontal, vertical and diagonal. For these customers, a 6-ton horizontal system was determined to be the best solution. Horizontal systems have the advantage of ease and simplicity of installation and although there was still snow on the ground, our ability to dig trenches for the geothermal system was not hindered. Inside the basement of the home the actual heat pump (including a compressor, and condenser/evaporator) was installed along with the retrofitted furnace that will serve as the air handler. Our technicians have worked with Peggy and MaryLou along the way to ensure they understand the system in it's entirety.</p>
<p><strong>Overall Review</strong></p>
<p>From start to finish, Peggy and MaryLou were very pleased with the project. Peggy stated, "Everybody came together when they said they were going to and they even called in advance." In reference to our geothermal manager she said, "He was not pushy about making suggestions, but had a way of explaining all of the things your company can do through recommendations." Peggy and MaryLou opted to add a dehumidifier to their basement after learning how it can control dampness and other moisture issues in their basement. "These are things that we would not have known otherwise," she added.</p>
<p>Overall, Peggy and MaryLou are very excited about their new geothermal heat pump. They are even more excited to see what the combination of geothermal with their existing solar can do to efficiency. What advice do these two women have for you? By all means, make sure you go with someone who is local. With a local company, you can rest assured that service calls and assistance is readily available.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more details on how a geothermal heat pump works and the general requirements please visit: <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html">https://www.halcoenergy.com/geothermal.html</a> or contact Halco today!</p>
<p>Making changes to your home is never easy, but Peggy and MaryLou of Trumansburg, NY were determined to bring their home, built around 1826, into the 21st century. Their first interest was in preserving the home as part of the underground railroad society (Peggy and MaryLou are working hard on getting this home recognized by New YorkState). Their second interest was in preserving the environment, which during a post-project interview Peggy stated, "[They have] always been concerned with those types of things." After hearing about Halco through another local customer, Peggy reached out to us to learn more about geothermal heating and to receive a quote on installation.</p>
2015-07-01T09:31:31.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/1029-halco-energy-graduates-four-in-solar-industrys-most-prestigious-certification.html
Halco Energy Graduates Four in Solar Industry's Most Prestigious Certification
2015-06-18T11:23:39.05Z
Halco
Four of Halco's solar professionals have earned the industry's leading recognition of installation expertise from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP®). NABCEP is the most highly respected and well established national certification organization for renewable energy professionals.
<p class="Default">Hal Smith, President of Halco Energy, announced that three more of the company's solar professionals have earned the industry's most prestigious certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP®). "We previously had one certified employee and to have three more of our employees earn this achievement is unprecedented- no other company in New York State can make this claim," said Smith.</p>
<p class="Default">Joshua Monroe - Solar Project Coordinator, William Coon - Solar Project Manager, and John DeRouchey - Solar Project Design/Engineer are now NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professionals<sup>TM</sup>. They join Kevin Pilcher - Home Energy Advisor who was previously certified. Designation as a NABCEP PV Installation Professional is widely regarded to be the most important and meaningful certification of its kind in the solar industry. In addition, Ralph Schodel, Electrical Division Manager of Halco Energy has earned the NABCEP® PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge.</p>
<p class="Default"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/3351/medium/group-2_1434641847.JPG" alt="NABCEP Certified Group" width="600" height="350" /> <em>Left to right: <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/staff/5391-joshua-monroe.html">Joshua Monroe</a>, <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/staff/6416-william-coon.html">William Coon</a>, <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/staff/6417-john-derouchey.html">John DeRouchey</a>, <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/staff/1384-ralph-schodel.html">Ralph Schodel</a>, <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/staff/7286-kevin-pilcher.html">Kevin Pilcher</a></em></p>
<p class="Default">To earn their NABCEP certification, employees were first required to document relevant education and experience related to PV system installation. They then had to pass a rigorous exam that covers the breadth of the multi-craft knowledge, skills, and abilities required to competently design, install, and maintain PV systems. The exam assesses knowledge on subjects as diverse as electrical and mechanical system design, job site safety, the National Electrical Code, roofing and construction techniques, and system maintenance and troubleshooting.</p>
<p class="Default">“One thing you can be assured of when hiring a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional is that your project won’t be their first,” said Richard Lawrence, Executive Director of NABCEP. “Anyone who makes the considerable effort required to earn NABCEP certification has documented their training and experience as part of the eligibility process. They have also made a very real commitment to upholding high standards of ethical and professional practice."</p>
<p class="Default"><strong>About PV Systems</strong></p>
<p class="Default">PV is short for photovoltaic. PV systems produce electricity from sunlight. Most people have used a solar powered calculator or garden light, and have seen solar panels on roadside signs, but PV panels can be configured to produce enough energy to power a home, school, business, or even serve as a small power plant feeding electricity into the grid. As the cost of PV systems has declined sharply over the last few years, more and more households, municipalities, and companies are “going solar.” NABCEP is a mark of quality assurance that the consumer can use to know that they are choosing a qualified contractor.</p>
<p class="Default"><strong>About Halco Energy</strong></p>
<p class="Default"><span>Founded in 1984, Halco is focused on providing high-quality energy solutions to residential and commercial clients. As a full service company, Halco has divisions that offer high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, professional plumbing, electrical work, insulation, air-sealing, renewable energy- solar, geothermal and wind- systems, home energy audits and much more. They are dedicated to quality work, sustainability, innovation, and to providing extraordinary service to clients. Halco has invested in a great deal of training through the Building Performance Institute (BPI Certified Contractor), National Comfort Institute, and the Comfort Institute to bring customers the "whole house as a system" approach.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> With close to 240 employees Halco's</span><span> expertise has helped hundreds of New York homeowners become more energy efficient. </span></p>
<p class="Default">For more information contact Kelsey Belile, Halco Energy, www.halcoenergy.com, 1-800-533-3367.</p>
2015-06-18T11:23:39.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/3659-marcellus-ny-customer-goes-green-with-solar.html
Marcellus, NY Customer Goes Green with Solar
2015-06-01T15:21:31.05Z
Halco
<p>During a post-project interview with Larry, he stated that he obtained a large amount of information from the show and went home to further research his options. He was pleasantly surprised to not only find a vast amount of information on the specific solar panels that we use, but to also learn of Halco's commendable reputation. In addition, Larry wanted to make sure the company he chose was seasoned in solar and large enough to sustain solar panels over a 30 year period- he was confident Halco would suit his needs. A free home energy audit was scheduled and Larry affirmed that he made his final decision to work with Halco after talking to Jamie, a home energy advisor, alone.</p>
<p>The system that Halco installed at this home is a 5.88 kW grid-connected solar electric system that was installed as a roof-mounted array of 24 SunPower solar modules. As designed, this system will output approximately 5,657 kWh per year, which has a corresponding CO2 emissions savings of around 8,600 lbs.! 8,600 lbs... the equivalent to CO2 emissions from 9.1 barrels of oil consumed, 439 gallons of gasoline, or 4,190 pound of coal burned! Talk about reducing your carbon footprint dramatically! When asked why he decided to go green Larry stated that it was a combination of the environmental and financial benefits. He was interested in severely reducing his electrical bill and having sat down and computed his savings over 30 years, the return on investment was unbeatable.</p>
<p>Larry could not say enough about how happy he was with the entire process from start to finish. "...the way they relate to customer needs, the way they picked up the site after the project was finished... I can go on and on," he stated. In reference to the installation crew, Larry referred to them as professional, efficient, very well integrated and a team that he would want working for him. From aesthetics to the crew Larry declared, "The whole thing has been very fun and I've really enjoyed it!" Well Larry, the feeling is mutual as we have deeply enjoyed you welcoming our team into your home and allowing us to help make your home more energy efficient! </p>
<p>This Marcellus, NY customer, attended the Turning Stone Home Show last spring, specifically looking for more information on solar power. It was at this show that the customer, Larry, and his wife were initially introduced to Halco. </p>
2015-06-01T15:21:31.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/3511-geothermal-solar-and-insulation-project-in-cortland-ny.html
Geothermal, Solar and Insulation Project in Cortland, NY
2015-05-05T09:08:16.05Z
Halco
<p><span>During the home energy audit the blower door test failed (a test to help determine a home's air tightness) leading us to step one, which was to seal the home with spray foam insulation in the attic as well as the basement. Once the insulation project was complete another blower door test was run and again, it failed. At this point, Halco employees accessed the situation and determined that step two would be to insulate the band joists. </span>A band joist is a board that is between two floors of a home, such as a first and second floor, and runs around the perimeter of a home. Insulating band joists can be a fairly invasive project if not done right, but in a post project interview Laurie stated, "It was nothing. Really no mess at all." Once the insulation was complete, the home passed the blower door test and we were able to move forward with these homeowners. <span> </span></p>
<p>The results of the energy audit determined that a combination of solar electricity and geothermal heating would be the best way to accomplish what the customers wanted and needed out of the project. First, an 8.8 kW solar electric system was installed as a roof-mounted array on the customer's barn. The system consists of 32 SolarWorld modules and is designed to generate 7,372 kWh per year. Energy production will be equivalent to 83% of the customer's current baseload usage which corresponds to a CO2 emissions savings of 8,846.4 lbs. per year!<span> And to finish, a 5 ton vertical geothermal system was installed. <span>Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) function by using the constant temperature of soil below the frost line to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.</span> Vertical systems<span>, which require a bit more skill to install, are typically drilled between 150 to 400 ft. below grade, depending on the project and because of the depth of the system, they do not experience a significant COP (coefficient of performance) fluctuation over the heating season.</span></span></p>
<p><span>When asked about their overall experience Laurie stated, "We've never worked with a company like this before. They were just going to get it done no matter what it took." In reference to Halco owner, Hal Smith, she said, "I don't know where he gets his guys, but every single worker was respectful and worked very hard." A huge thank you goes to Larry and Laurie for allowing us to work with you and congratulations on taking a major step towards energy independence and for dramatically reducing your environmental footprint! </span></p>
<p>Larry and Laurie of Cortland, NY first started looking at solar back in the 70's. During that time, solar was not widely understood and the customers gave up on their interest. Solar electricity had always been a consideration for the couple, but it wasn't until last spring that they started seriously researching and looking into different options. For Larry, he had a large interest in the environmental and financial benefits. For Laurie, she was sick and tired of freezing in their "big, leaky house." The initial thought was that they could add a large solar array and use strip heat to heat their home. With this idea, they decided to contact Halco for a free home energy audit. </p>
2015-05-05T09:08:16.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/2664-remodeling-project-in-waterloo-ny.html
Remodeling project in Waterloo, NY
2014-11-04T16:47:46.05Z
Halco
<p><span>Halco quickly fixed the problem (water flowing from the upstairs bath into the kitchen), and signed up the homeowner for a service agreement to protect against future problems. From this encounter a world of change was about to descend on the home! Foreman Willy Grant came back with a Halco crew and changed a utility room into a laundry room. Then improvements continued: an extension for the the master bedroom, a redo of their tiny bathroom, a large media room upstairs, a replacement of their old water heater with a tankless water heater, insulation for the basement and attic, a ductless split heater and A/C and more. "Now everything is tighter, brighter and a joy to live in," said the homeowner. "The guys did a terrific job! Our next project might be solar... we've been extremely satisified with everything Halco has done to date!"</span></p>
<p><span>When this customer moved to Waterloo two years ago, they were in a for a big adventure, even though it started quite small. Their newly purchased 114 year old house had a plumbing problem and - new to the area - they looked in the Yellow Pages and found that Halco had 24 hour service.</span></p>
2014-11-04T16:47:46.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/751-halco-owner-selected-to-present-at-2014-aci-national-home-performance-conference.html
Halco Owner Selected to Present at 2014 ACI National Home Performance Conference
2014-03-14T16:03:13.05Z
Halco
Hal Smith, owner of Halco, will speak on Home Performance at ACI's National Home Performance Conference, April 29-May 1 in Detroit, Michigan.
<p><img style="float: right;" src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/3351/medium/natl14button165x2300_1394827565.jpg" alt="ACI" width="165" height="230" /></p>
<p>Halco is pleased to announce that Hal Smith, President was asked to be a speaker for 2 sessions at this year's ACI National Home Performance Conference. Hal will be presenting “The Contractor Experience: Adding a Service Line” on April 29th and "Contractor to Contractor: Growing Your Home Performance Business" on May 1st.</p>
<p>ACI’s National Home Performance Conference is an annual event attracting members of all sectors of the home performance and weatherization industry—contractors, building analysts, utilities, government, and more—for a comprehensive educational agenda, workshops, networking, and the industry’s largest trade show. This year’s event is being held at the Cobo Center in Detroit, MI.</p>
<p>During this session, Hal will be speaking about how his home performance business is the fastest growing segment of his company--it has literally doubled in size over the past 2 and a half years. He will explain how new opportunities in the industry present themselves and how he has blended his home performance business with this renewable energy department. "I am so excited to be presenting because of the passion I have developed for this business," Hal states. "We continue to create ecstatic customers on a daily basis!"</p>
<p>Hal started Halco with his wife, Tammy Smith, in 1984 and has been a constant and primary force in it's development into one of the nation's leading home performance contracting companies. Their primary focus is on providing full energy solutions for residential and commercial clients with an emphasis on quality, service and sustainability. Halco currently employs 150 people and services 23 counties throughout New York State. Contact Halco today for your <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com/contact-us.html">free estimate</a>!</p>
<p>For more information or if you wish to attend the ACI National Home Performance Conference, please visit the ACI website: <a href="http://www.affordablecomfort.org/national2014" target="_blank">www.affordablecomfort.org/national2014</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
2014-03-14T16:03:13.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/1706-navien-combi-boileron-demand-water-heater-installation-in-newark-ny.html
Navien Combi Boiler/On-Demand Water Heater Installation in Newark, NY
2014-02-25T13:26:13.05Z
Halco
<p>We took out an existing 80% induced-draft 120K natural gas boiler that had three massive single-speed 1/12 HP Bell and Gossett circulator pumps – one for each zone. The pumps were of such an industrial size that they required 62 watts each of electricity to operate, as well as routine oiling on a regular basis (as evidenced from the oil spots on the floor below each of them).</p>
<p>The home is a geodesic style (spherical) with a very high ceiling. Conventionally, they only operated one zone of the system (1<sup>st</sup> floor) because operating the upper 2<sup>nd</sup> floor zone would make the living space uncomfortably warm (180F-200F supply water). The basement is fully finished with extensive décor throughout, but was only heated when entertaining in an attempt to save money. All three zones are finned tube, conventional baseboard which they were able to keep with no modifications.</p>
<p>For domestic water, they used a separate on-demand style water heater for a three person household.</p>
<p>The new pre-fabricated modulating/condensing combination Navien boiler with on-demand domestic water heating capability that we installed with a hydraulic separator, zone valve-style distribution, and single alpha variable-speed pressure-regulated circulator (running at a cool 24 watts with all zones operating simultaneously) fits this and almost every other conventional hydronic application in existence to date.</p>
<p>By utilizing a return water setting (120F or less) and an outdoor temperature reset control, we were not only able to cut their operating costs (both electrical and fuel consumption) dynamically in half, but we were able to allow them to run all three zones at a comfortable level for a comparably less cost to the single zone they were utilizing in the previous system design. To top off this massive improvement to the home, they are now able to run space heating and domestic hot water through a single wall mounted appliance with common piping, providing them with additional storage space in their mechanical room.</p>
<p>Due to high energy costs and comfort issues, these Newark, NY homeowners were using their existing boiler to only heat the 1st floor of their home on regular basis.</p>
2014-02-25T13:26:13.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/1705-new-geothermal-hydronic-system-in-penneville-ny.html
New Geothermal Hydronic System in Penneville, NY
2014-02-25T10:01:02.05Z
Halco
<p>We were called upon to take a look at a 5-ton Geothermal System in Penneville, NY that had a detailed history of annual repairs, compressor replacements, and poor performance throughout the ten years of its application. The system was a combination-style refrigerant-to-air geothermal heat pump system with water-based closed earth loop-style design. The distribution system was both radiant tubing in-floor and forced air distribution throughout. Aside from the constant repairs throughout the life of the system and their growing annual utility bill attributed to unnecessary electric heat auxiliary operation; one of the customer’s primary complaints was that the forced air operated almost constantly during heating mode when they had beautifully designed in-floor radiant.</p>
<p>Geothermal systems like this boast functionality in a single piece of equipment being able to provide both hydronic heat and forced air heat and air conditioning, but when approached from an efficiency and comfort perspective, leave many questions unanswered. Our solution, readily embraced by the homeowner, was to take a fully hydronic approach-utilizing the radiant in-floor as a primary, quiet source of heat, while providing the exact same comforts of air conditioning using chilled water.</p>
<p>We were able to replace the existing water-to-air combination geothermal heat pump with a fully hydronic water-to-water-style 5-ton geothermal heat pump with much simpler engineering. The existing 40 gal. buffer tank for the hydronic side was replaced with a more appropriate 80 gal. glass-lined buffer tank for more accurate storage capacity that also facilitated chilled water storage during the cooling season. A hydronic air handler was incorporated to this new design to handle the air conditioning and backup heat for the system when necessary. With a few other minor alterations to the existing system and some new controls, the results were uncanny.</p>
<p>Heating and cooling water directly is always more efficient than heating or cooling air, which is conditional to relative humidity--10 years of growing utility bills and constant modifications is a less-than-ideal way to reveal these details.</p>
<p>Where it appeared the previous systems technicians did all they could to successfully keep the existing system limping along, rest assured that no amount of duct tape will resolve a poorly matched design and distribution application. Geothermal hydronic systems not only exhibit unsurpassed efficiencies for space heating and cooling, they unilaterally offer the quiet comfort and reliability that we believe every homeowner deserves.</p>
<p>This Penneville, NY home's existing geothermal system was constantly in need of repair and ran inefficiently when it was in proper working order — both of which were resulting in unnecessary expenses for the homeowners.</p>
2014-02-25T10:01:02.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/1702-4-ton-horizontal-geothermal-installation-in-bridgeport-ny.html
4-Ton Horizontal Geothermal Installation in Bridgeport, NY
2014-02-24T11:05:58.05Z
Halco
<p>This was a new construction 4-ton horizontal-style direct expansion geothermal system we installed in Bridgeport, NY. This system was an ideal choice, as the front yard was still under development as well as the rest of the home. The cost of bringing natural gas to the site was so outrageous that even knowing little about geothermal and its potential applications, the customer came to us for a solution. We noticed that the site exhibited extremely ideal conditions for DX, even though the front yard was full of standing water, we were able to see the potential for harvesting energy in the winter and storing the home’s waste heat during the summer months.</p>
<p>We excavated 4 -125 ft. trenches and installed a single 250 linear ft. copper ground loop in each, accompanied by a re-saturation system and a common impressed cathodic current protection system to protect the copper from corrosion. The excavation was completed in two days.</p>
<p>On the inside of the home, a 4-ton direct expansion compressor unit and refrigerant-to-air air handler served the forced air heat and air conditioning of the entire home, including the basement. This compressor unit also was ordered with domestic water heating capabilities, where an annual average of 25%-50% of the domestic water heating is generated by the waste heat of the compressor unit itself (based on usage and demand). Because of the lack of local natural gas and the customers resentment towards propane or fossil fuel in general, we recommended a heat pump water heater--which the customer elected to supply and install themselves (already having a local plumber on site). We were happy to make the necessary modifications to the customer-supplied water tank and install the geothermal capabilities to it.</p>
<p>A fully web-based, remotely-accessible thermostat was installed; in conjunction with a remotely accessible data monitoring system, which logs and reports system temperatures, refrigerant pressures, and electrical consumption in 5 minute intervals. Because of concerns of the structure being located in a potential flood area, the controls were custom-programmed to send the owner a notification if the basement floor becomes wet. The peace of mind generated by being able to view this information and control the home’s HVAC while on vacation via mobile application is invaluable.</p>
<p>This customer was looking for an efficient method to heat their new-construction home; where bringing in natural gas or using other fuels were not optimal.</p>
2014-02-24T11:05:58.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/702-halco-receives-award-from-doe.html
Halco Receives Award From DOE
2013-12-30T08:58:12.05Z
Halco
Courtesy of ACCA*
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/3351/medium/acca3_1388413279.jpg" alt="Halco Receives Award From DOE - Image 1" width="587" height="600"></p>
2013-12-30T08:58:12.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/about-us/press-release/692-halco-energy-receives-best-in-country-2013-from-us-department-of-energy.html
Halco Energy Receives Best in Country 2013 from U.S. Department of Energy
2013-12-10T09:53:03.05Z
Halco
Hal and Tammy Smith, co-owners of Halco, located in Phelps, NY, are this year's recipients of the Best in the Country award through the U.S. Department of Energy for Market Leadership, Energy Savings and Sales and Marketing Innovations with Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®.
<p><img style="float: right; padding: 5px;" title="Halco Best in Country 2013 Home Performance with ENERGYSTAR Award" src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/medium/award1-web_1386687465.jpg" alt="Halco Best in Country 2013 Home Performance with ENERGYSTAR Award" width="143" height="250" /></p>
<p>(Phelps, NY) – When newly married Hal and Tammy Smith started a plumbing and HVAC service business out of the second bedroom of their mobile home in the Finger Lakes countryside nearly 30 years ago, little did they realize their dedication and hard work in building Halco would create a company the size and success it has become. In fact, from these humble country roots, Halco Energy is now recognized as the “best in the country” in a field of over 1,900 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractors nationwide. The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program is a national program maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since 2002, the program has helped over 275,000 homeowners improve their homes’ efficiency, comfort and indoor air quality and lower their energy bills.</p>
<p><strong>Where it All Began: Hal Was Just 12 Years Old</strong></p>
<p>Looking back, it could be said the origin of Halco had a bit of divine help. As a 12-year old boy, Hal went on a church youth group field trip and was introduced to Pat Sattaneo, a full time plumber at the Cornell University NY State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, who was serving as chaperone on the trip. Pat recognized a spark of ambition in young Hal Smith and took him under his wing. Shortly thereafter, Pat trained Hal doing plumbing work on weekends for friends, neighbors and co-workers.</p>
<p><strong>Hal's First Job as a Service Tech.</strong></p>
<p>Recognized as a prodigy who could grasp technical concepts easily and explain them simply, Hal attended two years of plumbing training at BOCES while in high school. Upon graduation, Hal began work as a service technician for Victor Plumbing & Heating in Victor, NY – complete with his own truck and tools! “I thought I had arrived,” confesses Hal. Soon, however, his driving ambition and work ethic moved him to want more, but he wasn’t sure how to go about it. Expanding on his training, Hal took four years of night school at Monroe Community College four nights a week to become expert at HVAC.</p>
<p><strong>Halco is Created</strong></p>
<p>Then he met Tammy, knew he had found his life partner, and his direction was suddenly clear. They married 31 years ago, moved into a countryside mobile home together and formed Halco Plumbing and Heating two years later when Tammy quit her full time job at Mobil Chemical to follow their dream. Over the last three decades, their partnership has produced a group of companies serving 23 counties, with annual sales nearing $20 million a year and employing over 140 people. They are devoted parents to three children, and serve as enthusiastic community leaders on various boards and charitable organizations.</p>
<p><strong>Importance of Training</strong></p>
<p>Hal and Tammy are constantly creating opportunities for the ambitious. Halco’s Training Center, in affiliation with the NY State Department of Labor, offers five NYSDOL approved apprenticeships in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, sheet metal, and energy efficiency technician culminating in preparation for the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification or certification as a Journeyman Electrician or Plumber. The Center also offers training on home energy performance with such organizations as the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and Comfort Institute.</p>
<p>Over the years, Halco has developed a strong relationship with the local BOCES programs (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) and consistently recruits their students into their internship program. Participants from the Liverpool, Cortland, Fairport and Spencerport BOCES come to Halco to learn the HVAC and Home Energy Performance indus</p>
<p>“Pat Sattaneo gave me an opportunity when I was twelve that changed my life. BOCES fine tuned my developing skills while I was still in high school. Tammy and I want to do the same for those who want an exciting, well-paying career,” says Hal.</p>
<p>Continued education and innovation been a constant for Hal. He has a wall of certifications displayed in his office, more than any of his employees. Throughout the sprawling Halco facility, photos of technicians and listing of their certifications abound.</p>
<p>The opportunities for employment and advancement have kept coming as the company grows. Between 1994 to 2007, the company expanded to provide complete mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sprinkler design-build services to the marketplace.</p>
<p><strong>PBS Supply for Equipment and Supply Distribution</strong></p>
<p><img style="float: left;" title="Hal and Tammy Smith Owners of Halco Win ENERGYSTAR Best of 2013 Award" src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/medium/20131120halcoawardphoto_1386687599.jpg" alt="Hal and Tammy Smith Owners of Halco Win ENERGYSTAR Best of 2013 Award" width="300" height="225" />Hal and Tammy also opened a separate full-line, full-service residential/commercial distribution business in 2004 for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, indoor air quality and the general business market. Named PBS Supply, the moniker stands for Positively Better Service and just happens to incorporate the first letters of Hal and Tammy’s three children: Paige, Brock and Seth. Tammy serves as president of this $4 million venture, which supplies equipment and supplies to Halco and some of Halco’s competitors. “Many contractors who started with Halco are now owners of their own business, so it’s nice to stay in touch when they come in the door to purchase what they need,” says Tammy.</p>
<p><strong>Halco Enters Home Energy Performance</strong></p>
<p>It was in 2007 that the company started Home Energy Performance by Halco to participate in the NYSERDA Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® "whole house as a system" approach. Currently the company is performing over 70 home energy audits per week with a staff of 19 home energy advisors, with aggressive growth planned.</p>
<p><strong>Halco Joins Dr. Energy Saver</strong></p>
<p>In 2012, <a href="https://www.halcoenergy.com">Halco</a> Energy joined Dr. Energy Saver, a professional organization of dealers nationwide that supports home energy savings through pioneering products, software and other tools to help bring Halco’s commitment to excellence to a higher level. This year, Halco received an award as the number one dealership among the top Dr. Energy Saver in the country. In 2009, Halco Renewable Energy was formed, which designs and builds solar electric, solar thermal, wind electric, and geothermal heating systems for residential and commercial clients. This puts the final piece in place to first reduce the energy being used by the customer and then producing the energy needed.</p>
<p>In March of 2013, the company received an award from NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) for achieving Top Contractor in NY State for the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. In fact, it was NYSERDA who nominated Halco for the Department of Energy national award the company won in October 2013!<br />This November plans were finalized for the opening of an Ithaca, NY office at 1700 Trumansburg Road in December 2013 and a Syracuse, NY office in 2014.</p>
<p>Two years ago Hal and Tammy bought Victor Plumbing & Heating, which was the company Hal first worked for out of high school. Halco still provides service under the Victor name, (an acknowledgement of the fine reputation the company earned over the years). It’s another one of those full-circle developments that makes Hal and Tammy smile.</p>
<p>“We give all the credit for Halco’s success to our team of hard-working professionals who do their best day in and day out to over-deliver with the best service and products possible,” declares Hal and Tammy.</p>
<p>“Awards are one thing, but it really is the incredible outpouring of thanks we get from customers for the work we provide and the praise for the unbelievable team we have that is most satisfying,” says Tammy.</p>
<p>“And the fact we did it together,” adds Hal.</p>
2013-12-10T09:53:03.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/1221-spray-foam-insulation-in-alton-ny-saves-customer-energy-and-improves-comfort.html
Spray Foam Insulation in Alton, NY Saves Customer Energy and Improves Comfort
2013-07-31T10:29:46.05Z
Halco
<p>We installed 6" of open-cell spray foam insulation along the roof slopes, as well as 12" of blown cellulose on the attic flats. We also air sealed the rim joists with 2" of open-cell spray foam to further tighten up the house. This customer should begin to see immediate improvements in the comfort of their home, as we dropped their blower door reading from 6200CFM50 all the way down to 3700CFM50. That translates to a 40% drop in air leakage throughout the house, which will drastically reduce the draftiness, the extreme seasonal temperatures, and lower energy bills!</p>
<p>This Alton, NY customer called Halco to schedule a home energy audit to find out why their energy bills were so high and to discover why the 2nd floor of their house was cold and drafty in the winter time and unusually hot in the summer months. Our Energy Advisor performed a thorough inspection of the home and discovered that they had a major issue with air leakage, particularly in the attic.</p>
2013-07-31T10:29:46.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/1196-extensive-spray-foam-insulation-in-syracuse-ny-home-reduces-energy-bills.html
Extensive Spray Foam Insulation in Syracuse, NY Home Reduces Energy Bills
2013-07-19T12:10:35.05Z
Halco
<p>This customer called us in to perform an energy audit, in the hopes of reducing the draftiness in their home and lower their energy costs. Our Energy Advisor came in and discovered their home was in desperate need of insulation and air sealing.</p>
<p>To close up the air leakage coming from the top of the house, we installed 6" of blown cellulose on the attic flat and 4" of open cell spray foam along the slopes. We then sealed up the exterior with 6" of AirKrete along the outside walls and applied 2" of closed cell spray foam on the basement walls. </p>
<p>After we finished, we tested the home's air leakage again and compared it with our initial reading. The results were incredible! We started off with a blower door reading of about 12,000 CFM50 and ended up at around 4,700 CFM50--that's an improvement of 60%! Needless to say, these customers were very pleased with the work that was done and as a result, their home will be much more comfortable!</p>
<p>This Syracuse, NY home was very drafty and its owners were tired of paying their extremely high energy bills!</p>
2013-07-19T12:10:35.05Z
https://www.halcoenergy.com/water-heater/case-studies/869-spray-foam-insulation-in-webster-ny-attic.html
Spray Foam Insulation in Webster, NY Attic
2013-02-27T11:32:58.05Z
Halco
<p>After evaluating the Atkisson's new home, we identified several ways to help them save energy and money, and live more comfortably in their new home! The attic needed some insulation, we chose to use 5-6 inches of spray foam insulation in this Webster, NY home. We used open cell spray foam along the sloped ceiling and the gabble ends in the attic, and 2 inches of closed cell spray foam along the rim joist and the basement windows. We also wanted to be sure that the basement ceiling was properly sealed and that all exterior doors had the appropriate weather stripping. In addition, we had to correct the bath fan so that it properly vented to the outside.</p>
<p>The spray foam in the attic will considerably reduce the air leakage and help keep the upstairs warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The owners now have a small space heater up there to keep it nice and warm, but eventually plans to finish the space. The basement is no longer drafty and moist!</p>
<p>The Atkisson's just moved into a new house and wanted to take advantage of our home energy and repair services. After identifying some problems, the Atkisson's agreed that having the work performed would help prevent the problems from worsening. When we arrived, the home had inconsistent temperatures upstairs and a damp/cold basement. These are tell-tale signs for high utility bills!</p>
2013-02-27T11:32:58.05Z