Halco Wins 2024 NY-GEO Top Job Award for Groundbreaking Retrofit Project at CEO Hal Smith's Historic Residence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Halco Wins 2024 NY-GEO Top Job Award for Groundbreaking Retrofit Project at
CEO Hal Smith’s Historic Residence
Phelps, NY – Halco is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with the 2024 NY-
GEO Top Job Award for its ambitious and visionary geothermal retrofit project at the
residence of Halco’s CEO, Hal Smith. This marks the second time Halco has received
this prestigious award, following their 2019 recognition for a geothermal project in a
historic Fayetteville, NY home.
The award-winning project represents a significant leap forward in making geothermal
technology accessible for retrofits, which are expected to play a central role in the future
of sustainable energy. As the demand for energy-efficient solutions grows, retrofitting
existing homes is essential, and Halco’s project at Smith’s property exemplifies the
complex challenges and innovative solutions required to meet this need.
Unlike new construction, retrofitting a historic home to align with modern energy
efficiency standards demands adherence to strict architectural and historical guidelines.
For this project, Halco executed a full-scale energy makeover that preserved the
building's historic integrity while incorporating cutting-edge geothermal technology.
Once complete, the property will serve as a bed and breakfast, necessitating
individualized heating and cooling capabilities for each room.
Key elements of the retrofit included:
     - Horizontal Ground Loop System: Despite tight village constraints, Halco
     implemented an efficient horizontal ground loop to reduce visual and
     environmental impact.

     - 20-ton 3-Phase Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) System with Heat Recovery:
     This innovative system provides the necessary flexibility for individual climate
     control across the main house and the newly converted carriage house
     apartment.
     - 30 Ductless Heads and Hydro Kit for Domestic Hot Water: To meet the
     unique heating and cooling needs of the property, Halco installed a state-of-the-
     art VRF system alongside a hydro kit to ensure sustainable hot water production.
In line with Halco’s guiding principle of "Reduce Before You Produce," the project team
began by tightening the building’s envelope. This preliminary work included vacuuming
out loose fiberglass insulation and spray-foaming roof decks and gables to a 4-inch
thickness with thermal barriers. With three separate attic spaces, including one shared
with the carriage house apartment, the entire property was meticulously insulated and
sealed to enhance thermal efficiency.
“Winning the NY-GEO Top Job Award for the second time underscores Halco’s
commitment to innovation in home electrification and energy efficiency,” said Hal Smith,

CEO and Owner of Halco. “This project is personal. By choosing to make my own home
a model for sustainable retrofitting, I hope to inspire others to embrace the whole-house
approach for energy efficiency and electrification.”
As a pioneer in geothermal energy and whole-house efficiency, Halco’s success in the
2024 NY-GEO Top Job Award highlights the company’s relentless dedication to setting
new standards for home performance. Whether it’s a historic mansion, a modern
apartment, or a modest family home, Halco works diligently to create efficient, electrified
spaces designed for the future.
Halco would like to thank NY-GEO for this recognition and extend its gratitude to the
entire project team for their dedication and expertise. Halco is committed to continuing
its role as an industry leader, delivering life-long energy solutions to each and every
customer.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Halco
Phone: (800) 533-3367
Email: [email protected]
About Halco
Founded in 1984 by Hal Smith, Halco is a leader in home performance, energy
efficiency, and electrification, with locations across Upstate New York. Halco’s team of
experts and skilled technicians offer comprehensive services ranging from HVAC,
plumbing, and electrical to cutting-edge renewable energy solutions, providing lifelong
support to customers. Halco is proud to be one of the few companies in New York State
fully equipped to handle the entire home electrification process.
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