New York to install 30,000 window heat pumps in public housing
Clean Heat For All Challenge is performing a pilot installation project first to generate learnings before widespread installation
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday that the state is moving forward with its Clean Heat for All Challenge (#CleanHeat4All or #CH4A), a partnership between the New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to develop a new electrification product that can better serve the heating and cooling needs of existing multifamily buildings and hasten the transition to fossil-fuel free heating sources. By this winter, 72 cold climate packaged window heat pump units will be installed at NYCHA apartments to provide heating and cooling while reducing greenhouse gas emissions at New York City public housing. The units will be comprehensively monitored and assessed over the course of the upcoming winter season to incorporate learnings before moving forward with the widespread installation of 30,000 units over the following years.
“By investing in the development and installation of energy efficient heat pumps at NYCHA facilities, New York State is fulfilling its promise to ensure all New Yorkers have access to affordable and comfortable housing,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “The Clean Heat for All Challenge directly addresses the decarbonization of buildings—New York’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions—with a thoughtful approach and use of innovative technology that focuses on the safety, comfort and livability of NYCHA residences.”
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The innovative heat pump units being installed at public housing in New York City this fall are only the start of the Power Authority’s commitment to deliver energy efficient heating and cooling systems for NYCHA residents. This first phase of unit installations will provide us with the insight we need to honor the initial investment of producing and installing all 30,000 units, benefitting residents with reliable heating and cooling, and shrinking New York City’s carbon footprint.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “New York’s Clean Heat for All Challenge has created a safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient way to heat and cool multifamily buildings and reflects Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to achieving 2 million climate-friendly homes across the state by 2030. NYSERDA is proud to partner with NYPA and NYCHA on advancing window heat pump technology as a cost-effective way to reduce onsite emissions in buildings and ensure that New York's most vulnerable citizens can live comfortably in their home – regardless of season.”
New York City Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer said, “Clean Heat for All is about improving lives. The ingenuity and innovation of these heating pumps will deliver immediate quality of life benefits to NYCHA residents upon installation, but moreover, will bring New York City closer and closer to our carbon reduction goals, which will ultimately improve the lives of generations to come.”
NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said, “NYCHA is thrilled to facilitate the installation of 72 electrified heat pumps at Woodside Houses with the New York Power Authority and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through Clean Heat for All. The installation of these pumps not only provides residents with convenient, reliable heating and cooling units, but will also inform the program's expansion to 30,000 units at NYCHA developments across New York City, bringing the Authority and the City that much closer to our decarbonization goals.”
Under the Clean Heat for All program, NYCHA will purchase and install the new equipment as well as provide additional improvements to building envelopes and domestic hot water systems. NYPA is providing upfront financing and supporting the implementation of the challenge, including $70 million in financing approved by the NYPA Board of Trustees in 2022 to fund the development of cold climate packaged window heat pump units. NYSERDA is providing $13 million for the demonstration phase, including procurement specification development, initial purchasing, and monitoring and performance assessment with funds approved through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Operating Plan.
Heat pump technology provides efficient cooling and heating by moving heat between the indoor and outdoor spaces depending on the season. The process is achieved through the refrigeration cycle, which can be up to four times more efficient than traditional heating systems, such as boilers, which rely on on-site combustion of fossil fuels to produce heat. Existing conventional heat pump systems are difficult to install, particularly in occupied units. As a result, many operators prefer to delay electric conversion in favor of in-kind replacement of fossil fuel systems.