How the Program Works
Participating in the Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program is easy. Just follow the simple steps below.
- Schedule a home energy assessment (free for most New York State homeowners).
- Customize a plan to lower your energy bills.
- Apply for available financing to help pay for the work (optional).
- Complete the work.
Step 1: Apply for a discount
Income-eligible New York State homeowners may qualify for a discount covering 50% of the cost of eligible energy efficiency improvements up to $5,000 per project for single-family homes. Two- to four-unit residential buildings with income-eligible residents can qualify for a discount of 50% of the cost of eligible energy efficient improvements up to $10,000.- Complete the application for a discount covering up to 50%
- You may also apply online
for financing
Step 2: Schedule a free home energy assessment
As part of the application process, you can select a participating program contractor, or one can be selected for you. Following approval of your application, work with your participating program contractor to schedule a home energy assessment, which takes a whole-house approach to energy efficiency to identify where the biggest energy efficiency gains can be made. The assessment analyzes how all the elements of your home work together to affect the amount of electricity and fuel you use. The result is a top-to-bottom look at where your home is wasting energy and a report detailing the recommended home energy improvements you should make. Every assessment must be performed by a participating program contractor. These contractors are specially trained and experienced in the use of state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to provide you with an unparalleled, comprehensive analysis of your home’s energy efficiency. Participating program contractors are insured and subject to quality assurance inspections by NYSERDA.
Step 3: Customize a plan to lower your energy bills
After your assessment is complete, you will review the results with your contractor to determine which of the recommended home energy improvements make the most sense for you. These can include everything from adding insulation and energy-efficient light bulbs to installing a high-efficiency furnace and ENERGY STAR certified appliances. Make sure you understand the recommendations and ask questions. When you are ready, you will be asked to sign a contract with the contractor. Download the list of eligible energy improvements [PDF] to see which ones qualify.
Step 4: Apply for available financing to help pay for the work (optional)
If you are interested in financing your project, we offer two low-interest loan options. Find out which one works best for you.
Step 5: Complete the work
Once the project is finished, you will be asked to sign off that the work has been satisfactorily completed. If you are receiving a loan, the lender will pay any amounts borrowed directly to the contractor. The discount is also paid directly to the contractor.