Advanced Cordwood Boiler

Incentives are available for advanced cordwood boiler heating systems with full thermal storage for installations in the residential and small commercial sectors. The installation must include full thermal storage as outlined in the Program Manual [PDF]. All systems must use eligible boilers [PDF].

Case study - cleaner, more efficient advanced wood boiler warms Adirondack home. [PDF]

Incentives and Financing

Two incentive options, determined by income, are available to homeowners. Incentives are only available for primary residences not currently using natural gas.

  • Total up to $12,000, calculated as 25% installed cost up to $7,000 per unit, with an additional $5,000 for documented recycling (removal and destruction) of old outdoor or indoor wood boiler, or $2,500 for recycling whole house wood furnace. Up to $7,000 per installed unit is available for customers with existing oil heat or propane. Incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will only be reserved for customers once an application has been approved by NYSERDA.
  • Households with income up to 80% of the state or county median, whichever is greater, may qualify for an incentive of $23,000, calculated as 65% installed cost up to $18,000 per unit, with an additional $5,000 for documented recycling (removal and destruction) of old outdoor or indoor wood boiler, or $2,500 for recycling whole house wood furnace. Up to $18,000 per installed unit is available for customers with existing oil heat or propane.

Incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will only be reserved for customers once an application has been approved by NYSERDA.

Incentives are paid upon approval of the Incentive Application directly to the Installer and passed on the full amount to the customer. Incentives will not be provided directly to customers purchasing or installing the new system. Incentives are only available for new equipment and systems that have not been installed (partially or completely) prior to NYSERDA approval of a Project Application.

You may qualify for a low-interest loan to help pay for eligible project costs.

How to Apply

Questions to ask the Eligible Installer

  • How many hydronic heating systems have you installed? How many projects similar to my proposed project have you completed in the last year?
  • What is the estimated price range for an eligible biomass boiler and thermal storage system when installed with my existing hydronic distribution system?
  • Will my project require a building permit? If yes, will you be responsible for obtaining the permit? (You may want to choose a contractor familiar with the permitting process in your county, city, or town.)
  • Will my system need to be approved by the local code official?
  • What other approvals are required in my municipality?
  • May I have a list of references? (Participating Installers/Contractors have provided NYSERDA with customer references including names, addresses, and phone numbers. Ask each client how long ago the project was and whether it was completed on time. Was the client satisfied? Were there any unexpected costs? Did workers show up on time and clean up after finishing the job?)
  • What types of insurance do you carry (Participating Installers/Contractors must have general liability and worker’s compensation insurance)?