Smarter ways to stay warm
Heat pumps and natural gas offer advantages for heating systems
If you heat your home or business with oil or propane, there may be a better option available. Heat pumps and natural gas generally provide more cost-effective heating while also bringing other benefits. What’s more, Central Hudson offers incentives to offset the cost of installation.
Heat pumps
Overview
Heat pumps are essentially reversible air conditioners. They provide both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are powered by electricity but are significantly less expensive to operate than traditional baseboard electric heat thanks to efficiencies ranging from 200% to 500%. Formerly confined to states with mild winters, today’s heat pumps can work well in any climate. There are two main types: air-source and ground-source.
Why heat pumps?
- Lower operating cost: Heat pumps provide more cost-effective heating than most other popular heating sources.
- Incentives: Significant incentives are available to install heat pumps. Learn more.
- Cleaner: No direct emissions; carbon footprint is confined to that portion of fuels used in electric power generation, so overall carbon footprint is lower. Besides emissions, another concern with oil in particular is the potential for storage tank leaks, which can lead to costly cleanups.
- More convenient: No need to schedule deliveries or worry about running out on a cold winter night.
- One-stop shop: Provides both heating and cooling.
Natural gas
Overview
Natural gas is a cost-effective fuel for heat, hot water, and cooking, as well as other amenities. Natural gas is delivered via an underground distribution system. If your business or residence is located along a gas main, you’re most likely eligible to get service.
Why natural gas?
- Lower operating cost: Natural gas heat is usually less expensive than other popular fuels. See a cost comparison for a recent heating season here. Other efficient gas-powered appliances include: natural gas water heaters that can shave as much as 20 percent from your heating bill, natural gas dryers that use 30 percent less energy than electric dryers, natural gas stovetops cost about half as much to operate as electric ranges, and gas grills cost about 1/3 of what you’d pay for propane.
- Incentives: Incentives are available to offset installation and equipment costs. These include free gas service line installation up to 100’ (a $6,500 value) and up to $1,800 off new energy efficient equipment. Learn more about incentives for residential and commercial service.
- Convenience: Since gas is delivered as needed, there’s no need to schedule deliveries or worry about running out fuel on a cold winter night (or in the middle of grilling a round of burgers).
- Flexibility: In addition to heating, hot water, and cooking, gas can also be used for indoor fireplaces, outdoor firepits, pool heaters, clothes dryers, and generators.
- Resilience: Because natural gas is delivered underground, service is rarely interrupted by adverse weather conditions.