14 NYSERDA Home Performance Contractors Recognized by U.S. Department of Energy for 'Outstanding Contributions' in 2012

14 NYSERDA Home Performance Contractors Recognized
by U.S. Department of Energy for ‘Outstanding Contributions’ in 2012

Finger Lakes Area is Home to Top Producing NYSERDA Contractor,
Has Largest Number of Winner

Fourteen building trades contractors participating in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® program have received awards from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for “outstanding contributions to energy efficiency” during 2012.

The 2012 Century Club Awards recognize Home Performance contractors that have completed 100 or more energy efficiency projects through the Home Performance program’s “whole house” approach during the year.

 Home Energy Performance by Halco of Phelps completed 361 projects, significantly more than any other participating NYSERDA Home Performance contractor. It was followed by Powersmith of Copiague with 245 projects and Isaac Home Energy Performance of Rochester with 244.

New York’s Finger Lakes area is home to four of the 14 award winners, followed by Western New York with three, Long Island with two and Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Capital Region, Southern Tier and Westchester with one each.

“Congratulations to all the award winners for reaching this milestone,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State remains a national leader in energy efficiency through the hard work and dedication of these nationally recognized participating Home Performance contractors.”

Through funding from Green Jobs-Green New York (GJGNY), established by New York State to encourage energy efficiency, home energy assessments through the Home Performance program are free for most New Yorkers. NYSERDA also provides help in paying for the energy improvements through cash-back incentives and low-cost financing, including On-Bill Recovery Financing, which enables homeowners, small business and nonprofits to pay for their energy improvement through projected savings on their utility bills.

 More NYSERDA contractors received the DOE 2012 Century Club Awards than any program other than one – the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund with Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating.

 NYSERDA’s Home Performance 2012 Century Club Award winners and their number of energy efficiency project completions during the year are:

Finger Lakes

• Home Energy Performance by Halco, Phelps, 361 projects
• Isaac Home Energy Performance, Rochester, 244 projects
• True Energy Solutions Inc., East Rochester, 188 projects
• True Energy Solutions Inc., East Rochester, 188 projects
• Home Comfort Heating & Cooling, Rochester, 175 projects

Western New York

• Buffalo Energy Inc., Elma, 217 projects
• Zenner & Ritter Inc., Buffalo, 118 projects
• Town Insulation, Sanborn, 107 projects

Long Island

• Powersmith, Copiague, 245 projects
• Green Audit USA Inc., Islandia, 114 projects

Mohawk Valley

• Standard Insulating Co. Inc., Marcy, 157 projects

Central New York

• ZeroDraft of CNY Inc., Syracuse, 123 projects

Capital Region

• ZeroDraft of CNY Inc. (Capital District), Albany, 107 projects

Southern Tier

• Foam It Insulation, Binghamton, 111 projects

Westchester

• BrightHome Energy Solutions LLC, Elmsford, 111 projects

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR uses a “whole-house” comprehensive assessment approach to reduce home energy usage. Homeowners work with a participating contractor trained in building science and accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). The contractor measures the home’s overall energy performance, especially its insulation and air infiltration levels, and the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment, and assesses appliances and lighting. Contractors also test ovens, water heaters and other equipment to make sure dangerous combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide, are not leaking into the home. The homeowner receives a comprehensive home assessment report that includes recommendations for home improvements that will save energy. The contractor can then make the energy improvements for the homeowner.

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.  NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.