Drafty Home? Westchester Program Helps You Stay Cozy & Lower Bills

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As winter approaches and federal clean energy incentives begin to wind down, Sustainable Westchester is relaunching its EnergySmart Homes program to help homeowners upgrade aging furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners with modern, efficient systems.

The nonprofit is making the process simple by offering free energy advising, vetted local contractors, and guidance on the best available rebates and incentives.

“Now is the time for Westchester homeowners to take action,” said Noam Bramson, Executive Director of Sustainable Westchester. “EnergySmart Homes connects residents with trusted contractors and ensures they benefit from every available program.”

A Pelham Family’s Upgrade

Pelham residents Mike Beilstein and Amy Kwan wanted their 105-year-old home to be more comfortable for their two children. Working with EnergySmart Homes, they installed a geothermal heating and cooling system, heat pump water heater, insulation, and new windows.

“Our home finally feels comfortable in every season,” said Kwan. “The upgrades made a huge difference — and having Sustainable Westchester’s guidance took the stress and guesswork out of the process.”

Why Upgrade Now?

• Lower bills: Insulation and air sealing can save homeowners an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs.
• More comfort: Consistent year-round temperatures, central A/C in summer, fewer drafts in winter.
• Health & safety: Cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
• Community resilience: A recent study in Westchester found that pairing insulation with heat pumps can reduce peak summer demand by 8% and cut outage times by more than 60%.

Are Rebates Still Available?

Yes. While some federal tax credits are winding down, Westchester homeowners still have access to major incentive programs. NYSERDA’s Comfort Home and EmPower+ programs offer rebates for insulation and weatherization, while Con Edison and NYSEG’s Clean Heat programs provide rebates for heat pumps, smart thermostats, and equipment upgrades.

“Westchester residents are hearing mixed messages when it comes to incentives,” said Lauren Brois, Director of EnergySmart Homes at Sustainable Westchester. “The truth is: support is still available, the process is simple, and homeowners don’t have to figure it out alone. We guide families step by step, from understanding rebates to choosing the right contractor.”

How It Works

1. Sign Up – Connect with Sustainable Westchester’s EnergySmart Homes team.
2. Assess – A vetted installer provides a free home energy assessment.
3. Review – Choose improvements and financing options.
4. Upgrade – Contractors complete the work, delivering comfort, savings, and reduced emissions.

Get Started

Hundreds of Westchester neighbors have already made the switch with help from Sustainable Westchester. Homeowners can learn more and sign up for free EnergySmart Homes advising at: https://sustainablewestchester.org/EnergySmart.

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