Heating Resources
Here are some resources that may help answer questions you have about these renewable heating options.
Heat Pumps
“Heat Pump Planner” - NYS Clean Heat-produced guide that shows different types and configurations of heat pumps for a wide variety of homes.
NYSEG’s Clean Heat page has a number of resources, including guides for heat pump operation and maintenance.
NYSERDA lists several Clean Heating & Cooling Reports showing that properly installed heat pumps adequately meet New Yorkers’ heat and cooling needs year round.
The Guardian visualizes the science of heat pumps on its website.
Geothermalgenius.org has good resources on geothermal heating.
“The best heat pump you can buy” is a down-to-earth article from Important, Not Important
Are heat pumps cost-effective in the Southern Tier? This 2017 study [pdf] from Taitem Engineering in Ithaca, NY indicates that heat pump technology can be cheaper than propane or even natural gas!
“Heat Pump User Tips” is a helpful video from Efficiency Maine.
Smart Energy Choices also has factsheets on heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
A 2023 study found that, even at 0 degrees C, heat pump efficiency is still significantly higher than fossil fuel and electric resistive heating systems at an appliance level.
HEAP - Home Energy Assistance Program
In addition, be sure to check out the Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides help with heating bills, as well as free heating equipment repair and replacement for income-qualifying households.
Wood & Pellet Stoves
BurnWise, an EPA.gov site, has a good FAQ section on wood and pellet stoves.
Hearth.com has very active national forums on stoves, and a set of articles. Check out this article on pellet stove maintenance.
Alliance for Green Heat is another good source on heating with wood and pellets.