Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps: Year-Round Comfort & Efficiency for Your Home

Are you considering upgrading or replacing your existing central air conditioning system?

If so, a cold climate air source heat pump might be the perfect solution for your home.

These innovative units offer an efficient way to keep your home comfortable throughout the year

-not just during the hot summer months.

What is a Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump?

In simple terms, a cold climate air source heat pump is a highly efficient system that can both cool and heat your home or building at a fraction of the cost of oil or propane.

During the summer, it works just like a traditional central air conditioning system by removing warm air from your home and releasing it outside.

However, the real magic happens in the winter when the system reverses its operation, pulling warm air from the outside and bringing it into your home-even in extremely cold temperatures.

Why Cold Climate Heat Pumps Are Perfect for New Jersey Homes

Cold climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even in low temperatures, making them an excellent option for homeowners in New Jersey.

If you're familiar with traditional heat pumps, you might know that they can struggle to heat a home when the temperature drops significantly.

However, cold climate heat pumps are specifically engineered to perform well in colder environments, ensuring your home stays warm and cozy throughout the winter.

Here's another interesting fact:

Your existing central air conditioning system is already a type of heat pump.

The main difference is that a cold climate heat pump provides heating capabilities as well, utilizing your home's existing ductwork to deliver warm air during the winter and cool air during the summer.

How Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps Work

Instead of generating heat through combustion like a furnace or boiler, cold climate heat pumps move heat from one place to another using refrigerants.

This process is incredibly efficient, often achieving up to four or five times higher efficiencies than traditional heating systems.

In the winter, the system extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it inside your home, even when it's cold outside.

In the summer, it does the opposite by moving heat from inside your home to the outdoors, keeping you cool and comfortable.

The Benefits of Cold Climate Heat Pumps

Energy Efficiency

Cold climate heat pumps are significantly more efficient than traditional heating systems that rely on combustion.

This means you'll get more heat for less energy during the winter, which can substantially lower household energy consumption.

Plus, if you already have a boiler, you can keep it as a backup system for those exceptionally cold days.

Environmental Impact

By switching to a cold climate heat pump, you can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, which are commonly used in traditional heating systems.

This transition can lower your home's carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.

Year-Round Comfort

Unlike traditional systems that only provide heating or cooling, a cold climate heat pump offers both.

This dual functionality ensures that your home stays comfortable throughout the year, regardless of the season.

Incentives and Rebates

Installing a cold climate heat pump can qualify you for various incentives and rebates. For instance, the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit allows you to claim a percentage of the installation cost on your taxes, reducing your overall tax bill.

Additionally, New Jersey's regional utility companies offer cashback and financing incentives to help make these upgrades more affordable.

Choosing the Right Heat Pump for Your Home

When selecting a cold climate heat pump, one key factor to consider is the SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

This rating measures the efficiency of the unit, and it's recommended to choose a heat pump with a SEER rating of at least 15 or higher.

A higher SEER rating ensures that your system operates efficiently, saving you money on energy bills over time.

Another important consideration is the insulation in your home.

Upgraded insulation can greatly enhance the performance of your heat pump by reducing the amount of heat loss in the winter and keeping your home cooler in the summer.

Think of insulation as a thermal blanket for your house—it helps maintain the desired temperature with less effort from your heating and cooling systems.

Enhancing Your Home with Upgraded Insulation

By adding insulation to your home, you can extend the lifespan of your cold climate heat pump and even reduce the size of the unit required.

Proper insulation not only keeps your home more comfortable but also cuts down on drafts, further lowering your energy bills.

It's like wrapping yourself in a warm coat on a cold day—insulation helps retain heat, so your heat pump doesn't have to work as hard.

Upgrading your insulation can also improve your home's overall energy efficiency.

This means less energy consumption, lower bills, and a reduced environmental impact. 

If you're serious about making your home more energy-efficient, consider investing in both a cold climate heat pump and upgraded insulation.

Take Advantage of Available Incentives

If you're considering installing a cold climate air source heat pump, now is the perfect time to take action.

With various incentives available, including the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit and New Jersey's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, you can make this upgrade more affordable.

These programs provide financial assistance, making it easier for homeowners to invest in energy-efficient solutions.

Ready to Upgrade? Schedule a Home Energy Audit

Before making any decisions, it's a good idea to schedule a home energy audit.

This audit will provide valuable insights into your home's energy usage and identify whether a cold climate heat pump is the right choice for you.

The audit report will also include pricing information and details on the specific incentives available to you.

Heat Pump Water Heaters: 8 Essential Insights Before Installation

Upgrading your home’s water heating system is a significant decision, especially when considering energy efficiency.

If you're contemplating a switch from a traditional water heater to a heat pump water heater, you're on the right track toward a more sustainable home.

Here's what you need to know before taking the plunge.

Why Heat Pump Water Heaters Are a Better Choice

Heat pump water heaters are gaining popularity, particularly among homeowners focused on energy efficiency.

Unlike traditional natural gas tank water heaters, these units don’t rely on combustion, eliminating issues like backdrafting.

Backdrafting occurs when household systems like range hoods, dryers, and bath fans pull air out of the house, potentially causing harmful gases to flow back into the living area.

Since heat pump water heaters don’t produce exhaust gases, this risk is entirely avoided, making them a safer and smarter choice for modern, airtight homes.

1. Energy Efficiency

One of the primary advantages of heat pump water heaters is their superior energy efficiency.

Traditional atmospheric tank water heaters typically have an energy factor (EF) of around 0.63, meaning 37% of the energy is wasted.

In contrast, heat pump water heaters boast an EF of 3, 4, or even 5.

This remarkable efficiency is achieved because they capture heat from the surrounding air and transfer it into the water, much like how an air conditioner works.

As a result, they use significantly less energy compared to traditional water heaters.

2. Dehumidification Benefits

In addition to heating water, heat pump water heaters also dehumidify the surrounding air.

This feature is particularly beneficial in basements, where excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.

By dehumidifying the air, these units help keep your basement dry and safe.

3. Consideration of Noise Levels

While heat pump water heaters offer numerous benefits, they do produce some noise, similar to an air conditioner.

Most users find the noise tolerable, but it's worth considering if the unit will be installed in a location where noise could be a concern, such as near living areas or bedrooms.

4. Impact on Surrounding Temperature

Heat pump water heaters work by extracting heat from the surrounding air, which can cause the area around the unit to become slightly cooler.

This temperature change is usually minimal but can be noticeable in smaller spaces.

5. Recovery Time

Recovery time, or the time it takes to reheat a full tank of water, is another factor to consider.

While a standard 220-volt, 40-50 gallon heat pump water heater may have a recovery time similar to traditional models, larger units or those running on a 110-volt circuit might take longer to recover.

For households with high hot water demand, it might be wise to opt for a slightly larger unit or ensure that your unit runs on a 220-volt circuit.

6. Electrical Requirements

Installing a heat pump water heater often requires upgrading your home's electrical system.

These units typically need a 30-amp, 220-volt circuit, which may not exist near your current water heater's location.

This might necessitate hiring an electrician and, in some cases, upgrading your electrical panel, especially in older homes.

7. Space Considerations

Heat pump water heaters are generally taller than traditional water heaters because the heat pump is mounted on top of the unit.

This height can pose challenges in basements with low ceilings.

Additionally, these units require adequate space for air circulation and a nearby drain for condensate discharge, which is another factor to consider during installation.

8. Maintenance and Reliability

Like all appliances, heat pump water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Maintenance tasks include cleaning the air filter and periodically draining and flushing the tank.

However, these tasks are straightforward and not overly time-consuming.

In terms of reliability, heat pump water heaters have proven to be dependable, with manufacturers offering prompt and effective solutions in the rare cases where issues arise.

Incentives and Long-Term Savings

While the initial cost of a heat pump water heater is higher than that of a traditional unit, numerous incentives can help offset this expense.

The Inflation Reduction Act offers a $2,000 tax credit for purchasing and installing a heat pump water heater.

Additionally, many states, including New Jersey, offer cashback incentives through utility companies. These incentives, combined with the long-term energy savings, make heat pump water heaters a financially sound investment for many homeowners.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a heat pump water heater is a significant step toward a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home. By understanding the key factors involved in their installation and operation, you can make an informed decision that benefits both your home and the planet. Whether you’re focused on reducing your carbon footprint or simply want to save on energy bills, a heat pump water heater is a smart choice for any modern homeowner.

Got more questions?

2024-2032 Energy Efficient Home Improvement Federal Tax Credit

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Federal Tax Credit is a renewable tax credit available to homeowners starting in 2023 and renewing each year through 2032.

Through this federal tax credit, the IRS allows homeowners to be reimbursed for up to $3,200 per year for installing energy efficiency improvements.

Understanding the Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Federal Tax Credit:

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Federal Tax Credit empowers homeowners with tax incentives for adopting energy-efficient home upgrades. From energy audits to energy efficiency upgrades, this credit covers a broad spectrum of energy efficiency improvements, ensuring your journey toward a greener home is both financially and environmentally rewarding.

Start with a Home Energy Audit:

The cornerstone of any energy efficiency journey, a home energy audit, is where it all begins. The IRS tax credit will cover 30% of your audit's cost, up to $150, laying the groundwork for a smarter, more efficient home.

Key Upgrades Covered:

Windows and Doors: Receive up to 30% back on costs, capped at $600 annually, for qualifying installations.

Insulation: Improve your home's insulation and get back up to 30% of the expense, with a yearly maximum of $1,200.

High-Efficiency Mechanical Systems: Upgrade to high-efficiency natural gas heating and hot water systems and benefit from a 30% reimbursement, up to $600.

Heat Pumps: Installing heat pumps could yield a 30% credit, up to $2,000 per year, for those aiming to decarbonize their homes.

Why New Jersey Homeowners Stand to Benefit:

New Jersey's commitment to sustainable living and energy efficiency makes it an ideal state for homeowners to capitalize on these tax credits. Paired with the state's regional utility energy efficiency incentive programs and the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Federal Tax Credit, New Jersey residents are uniquely positioned to enhance their homes' energy performance while enjoying significant financial perks.

How to Ensure Your Upgrades Qualify:

To maximize your benefits, ensure that the equipment and improvements you install meet the federal tax credit requirements. Always consult the manufacturer's specifications to confirm eligibility, and consider contacting a Ciel Power Home Performance Consultant for expert guidance.

Planning Your Energy Efficiency Upgrades:

Strategic planning is key to fully leveraging these federal tax credits. With the potential for substantial reimbursements until 2032, now is the time to plan which upgrades will deliver the most significant savings and efficiency boosts for your home. Prioritize improvements that qualify for the credits and align with your long-term energy goals.

Next Steps:

Ready to embark on your energy efficiency journey? Start with a comprehensive home energy audit by Ciel Power. Our expert consultants can guide you through the process, helping you identify which upgrades will provide the most benefit under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit program. Together, we can make your New Jersey home a model of efficiency and savings.

Conclusion:

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit opens a decade-long window for New Jersey homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and significantly save on energy costs.

By investing in your home's energy efficiency now, you're enhancing its comfort and value and seizing a rare financial opportunity to make those upgrades more affordable.

With Ciel Power's expertise, navigating these incentives becomes a seamless part of your journey toward a more sustainable home, and our partnership with Pearl Certification will help to ensure that you realize the full value of these improvements in the event of a sale or refinance.

Don’t miss out on the chance to transform your home with energy-efficient upgrades. Contact Ciel Power today to schedule your home energy audit and start planning your path to savings and sustainability.

What Energy Efficiency Rebates and Incentives Are Available to New Jersey Homeowners Through PSE&G?

The energy efficiency rebate and incentive programs available through PSE&G include the PSE&G Marketplace, PSE&G HVAC rebates (for heating system replacements and central air-conditioning replacements), the PSE&G Quick Home Energy Checkup, PSE&G Appliance Rebates, PSE&G Lighting Rebates, and the cash-back and financing incentives available through PSE&G’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program for New Jersey homeowners.

In this episode of the Ciel Power podcast, Kevin and I explore the many different rebates and incentives available to New Jersey homeowners through PSE&G. And believe us when we say the rebates are significant… in more than a decade in the home improvement business, we’ve never seen anything like it. 

What You'll Learn....

Regardless of your home, budget, or goals, there’s something for you in this podcast. It’s loaded with information that you can use to: 

• Find instant free and discounted energy-efficient products online, such as smart power strips, lighting, faucet aerators, smart thermostats, and more

• Get a completely free, hour-long PSE&G Quick Home Energy Check-Up by a certified energy professional that not only pinpoints the ways your home could be conserving energy, but also includes a follow-up report containing money-saving tips and even access to a variety of energy-saving products (which can also be installed for free or at a reduced cost)

• Find equipment rebates for a variety of home systems, along with cash-back incentives, zero percent financing, on-bill repayment, and no credit check

• Enjoy up to $5,000 in cash-back incentives and up to $15,000 worth of on-bill-repayment by capitalizing on the new incentives offered to New Jersey homeowners through the PSE&G Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program.

Get Started with Ciel

You’ll also learn why there’s no better time than now to act on these incentives—and how our team can help you minimize the hassle and maximize savings as you go.  

When you partner with Ciel, you not only get a comprehensive analysis of your home’s energy efficiency, but you also get expert and empathetic guidance toward identifying which options to move forward with. And did we happen to mention we’ll also handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to? 

Watch the podcast below to get started. Then, schedule your Ciel Home Energy Audit to improve your home's energy efficiency, save money, and propel yourself forward on your personal sustainability journey. 

Additional information is available on the PSE&G website.

Check Out Ciel’s First-Ever Podcast—and Get the Scoop on New Jersey Natural Gas Home Energy Incentives

We’re thrilled to announce that the inaugural Ciel Power Podcast is live! 

This podcast is just one more way we can get the word out about the thing we love most here at Ciel: helping people enjoy more comfortable and energy efficient homes while also trimming their utility bills. 

We’re kicking things off with a conversation about an especially exciting opportunity for homeowners to improve their living environments by taking advantage of some pretty amazing New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) incentives. 

In this podcast, Ciel’s Co-Founder Scott Fischer, and co-host, Ciel’s Program Administrative Manager Kevin Esposito provide a basic introduction to the many New Jersey Natural Gas incentive programs available to NJNG customers. Then, we tell you exactly how to get started. 

What You'll Learn....

If you’ve ever wondered about your home’s energy efficiency, or if you already know it your home could benefit from energy efficient upgrades but you're looking for the best ways to go about it, this podcast is for you.

In it you will learn about….

• The best place to find free and discounted products, such as energy-efficiency kits, smart thermostats, thermal kits, and more

• How to get a professional Quick Home Energy Checkup from New Jersey Natural Gas — for free!

• How to get up to $1,500 in rebates and up to $15,000 0% APR financing toward replacing a single system in your home—with the loan included directly on your gas bill, and without a credit check or bank loan

• How to maximize the benefits of participating in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® toward a more comfortable home, better air quality, and energy bill savings of up to 25 percent

• How to get up to $5,000 in incentives and up to $15,000 0% APR financing toward “whole house” improvements—while paying nothing out of pocket and easy on-bill repayment

We'll also fill you in on who can participate (hint: YOU, if you’re a NJNG customer and you own your home); exactly what you can use the incentives for; how the process works; and how to get started. 

Get Started with Ciel

Speaking of getting started, that’s why we’re here.

When it comes to supporting NJ homeowners on the journey toward more energy-efficient lifestyles, Ciel offers a powerful partnership with our comprehensive Home Energy Audit program. We’ll not only do a deep dive into your home's systems to identify exact changes you can make and what you’ll save by making them, we’ll also handle all the paperwork.

And because we know the ins and outs of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program and its incentives, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're maximizing the benefits—both in terms of performance and savings. 

To learn more about New Jersey Natural Gas home energy incentives, watch the podcast. Then, contact us to take another step toward a more sustainable home—and the savings that go along with it. 

PSE&G Quick Home Energy Checkup Vs. Home Energy Audit: Which is Right for You?

Lately, we’ve had more and more people asking us about the difference between PSE&G’s Quick Home Energy Check-up program and a Ciel Home Energy Audit, so we’ve put together this short piece to help you decide which one is right for you.

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Congratulations! If you’ve found your way to this blog entry, then you’re already thinking about one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner: improving the efficiency of your home. 

However, with the glut of information that’s out there on the subject, you might also be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even downright immobilized regarding the best way to proceed. 

In the video below, our co-founder and managing member, Scott Fischer, breaks out the offerings of each option, along with why one or the other may make more sense for you. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn when you watch. 

A Great Starting Point: PSE&G’s Quick Home Energy Check-up

As we often say here at Ciel, sustainability isn’t a destination, but a journey. If you’re just starting your journey by evaluating your home energy efficiency options, PSE&G’s Quick Home Energy Check-up is an excellent place to begin. 

When you take advantage of this program, you’ll get a free customized report containing recommendations for reducing your household energy use. You’ll also gain access to complimentary upgrades, as well as information about PSE&G incentive programs which can offset the costs of the upgrades you choose to make. 

Speaking of incentive programs, today's most comprehensive incentive initiative is the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. A collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it offers many benefits, including extensive cash-back incentives of up to $5,000 as well as a $15,000 on-bill repayment component for PSE&G customers.   

These incentives are so significant that homeowners can end up with little to no upfront costs. That's where a more intensive Ciel Home Energy Audit comes in.  

Maximize Your Energy Efficiency Efforts with a Ciel Home Energy Audit

When it comes to making the most of Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program incentives, a Ciel Home Energy Audit offers a powerful partnership. 

Following a thorough examination of your home, you’ll receive a thorough report on your home’s efficiency. Your personalized Ciel Home Energy Audit report will detail the specific upgrades you can make and how much you’ll save by making them, along with pricing for each upgrade and a breakdown of the incentive money that’s available to you. 

There's No Better Time Than Now

More than a million people across the country have participated in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. New Jersey is a leader when it comes to the benefits of joining them.

And there’s even more good news on this front. Whether you take the very first step of understanding your options with PSE&G’s Quick Home Energy Check-up or you’re ready to accelerate your journey with a Ciel Home Energy Audit detailing exactly what you need to do to optimize your home efficiency improvements (and your savings), you'll be on your way. 

We’d be delighted to join you on your journey. To learn more about the difference between PSE&G’s Quick Home Energy Check-up and a Ciel Home Energy Audit, watch the video. Then, email us at info@cielpower.com to let us know how we can help you reach your home energy efficiency goals. 

How to Save on Air Conditioning Costs This Summer; Ciel Weighs In On ABC’s Good Morning America

Rising temps and soaring inflation are adding up to a less-than-ideal outcome for homeowners looking to stay cool this summer: Higher utility bills. In fact, you may be paying as much as 16.2 percent more on your air conditioning bills in 2022 than you did in 2021. 

The good news? There are some things you can do to keep costs low this summer.

When Good Morning America ran a recent segment on soaring air conditioning costs, they checked in with Ciel team leader Scott Fischer for insights into the situation. Conserving energy and saving money happen to be two of the things we do best here at Ciel, and we were delighted to tag in. 

How can you deal with weaknesses in your home’s energy efficiency if you don’t know what they are? That’s why the best first step toward improving your home’s energy efficiency is performing an energy audit. 

A Ciel energy audit not only hones in on places where your home is losing or wasting energy, but also provides you with a specific list of recommendations for energy efficient upgrades and improvements. Whether you do them piecemeal or in one fell swoop, you CAN make a difference—both this summer and moving forward. 

Small Changes Add Up

While an energy audit is the most powerful and proactive move you can take as a homeowner, there are also some changes you can make RIGHT NOW to lower your bills—starting with turning your thermostat up 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. With this one change, you can trim as much as 10 percent off your annual cooling costs.  

Other strategies for saving on AC include using a fan and closing windows and blinds during the day when temperatures spike.  Have window cooling units? Make the most of them by isolating specific areas of your home that you want to keep cool. 

Of course, cooling costs are just the start. The GMA segment also shares other strategies for conserving energy, including unplugging devices you aren’t using, air drying your dishes, and lowering the temperature on your hot water heater. 

With gas and grocery prices also skyrocketing, it pays to keep costs low where you can. Watch the GMA segment here to learn more about how to stay cool this summer—both when you’re relaxing at home….and when you’re opening your utility bills.

One Homeowner's Experience with PSE&G's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Energy Efficiency Incentive Program

Wondering whether PSE&G’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® energy efficiency incentive program is right for you?

Homeowner and Ciel client Dennis Wilson weighs in with his experiences and insights after participating in PSE&G’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR energy efficiency incentive program — the New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.

While participating in the program, Dennis underwent a home energy audit, installed energy-efficient upgrades in his home, and received both the cash-back and on-bill repayment options available through PSE&G.

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Ciel customer Dennis W. describes his recent participation in New Jersey’s energy efficiency program.

Dennis W. lowers household energy use by installing energy-efficient home improvements through New Jersey’s energy efficiency program.

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New Jersey homeowners have a lot of things to think about. Attic insulation may not always be atop that list.

This was the case for Dennis Wilson—until one day, he looked around his attic and noticed that it had very little visible insulation compared to what he’d seen in other homes.

He also knew this meant costly air leaks and energy loss. 

Dennis’s discovery prompted him to look into the various energy efficiency programs available to New Jersey residents, specifically the incentives available for air sealing and other energy conservation upgrades available to residential customers through the State of New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities for New Jersey residents.

His findings led him to us. 

The Many Advantages of a Ciel Home Energy Audit 

Our team was delighted to talk to Dennis about the energy efficiency of his 50+-year-old home, along with potential upgrades to minimize energy losses and maximize efficiency. As a first step towards participating in New Jersey’s energy efficiency program, Dennis signed on for a CIEL Home Energy Audit to identify specific areas of concern, along with strategies for addressing them. 

In addition to reducing his family’s carbon footprint with a Ciel Home Energy Audit, Dennis was positioning his family for some serious financial savings available through New Jersey’s energy efficiency incentive programs both in the form of:

• lower energy bills

AND

• financial incentives through the 2022 New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program.

Partnership Toward a More Efficient and Comfortable Home

In the video, Dennis weighs in on his experiences working with CIEL. One theme that emerges? The partnership aspect of the process. From the initial conversation to follow-up testing, we’ll work with you to ensure your questions and concerns are addressed.  

After our initial testing, we provided Dennis with a report capturing the recommended steps. Only when Dennis was fully satisfied that the recommended upgrades and outcomes would be a good investment did the project move forward. And because he was working from home then, Dennis had a front-row seat to watch while these upgrades were being installed in his home. 

If you’ve been wondering how to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and/or questioning whether a home energy audit is right for you, and if your utility company offers incentives, there’s no one better to hear from than a homeowner like Dennis Wilson, who’s just been through the process himself.  

Soaring Energy Prices Drive Up Heating Costs | ABC World News Tonight

If you’ve seen your heating bills skyrocket this winter, you’re not alone. The combination of plunging temperatures and soaring inflation has led to a literal “perfect storm” of factors contributing to the issue. Add in the real storm that pummeled the Northeast in late January, and many homeowners are finding themselves with unexpected and crippling utility costs.

At Ciel Power LLC, we’re all about helping today’s homeowners live more comfortably and affordably in their homes through energy-efficient upgrades. That’s why ABC World News Tonight came to us when they ran a story on the phenomenon.

Here’s a closer look at the situation, along with Ciel co-founder Scott Fischer’s advice for homeowners looking for relief.

Escalating Heating Bills

Heating system types have been affected to varying degrees. Households with natural gas are seeing an average 30 percent increase in their heating bills, while households relying on electricity are seeing an average increase of 6 percent. Households dependent on heating oil and propane are seeing even more dramatic increases at 43 percent and 54 percent, respectively.

While the numbers are different, the theme is the same: Heating costs are rising for everyone. The good news? There are things you can do to stop the bleed.

Ciel Power Weighs In

As an energy efficiency expert, Scott knows a thing or two about heating and cooling costs. In the report, he weighs in with a top tip for weathering this storm: Signing up for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®.

This national partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helps contractors and energy programs deliver meaningful home energy upgrades. Participation gives homeowners access to a comprehensive home evaluation, recommendations for upgrades, access to a network of trained and qualified contractors, and cashback to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It’s a win-win.

And you don’t necessarily have to make big changes, either. Says Fischer, “A tube of calk and some weather stripping goes a long way.” In fact, it can help your home retain up to 10 percent more heat.

We’re big believers in the adage, “A little goes a long way,” here at Ciel Power LLC. And you can do “a little” right now by watching the ABC World News report below. In less than two minutes, you’ll learn how to start moving in the direction of a safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient home.

Click the video above to watch.

Charged Up; Why One Business Owner Switched to Electric Vehicles

Can businesses gain an advantage with electric vehicles? A look at how electric vehicles impacted the maintenance, marketing, recruiting, and customer engagement strategies of our company.

Thanks to NJBIZ for including the piece in today's edition, and a special thanks to Environment New Jersey and the New Jersey Sustainable Business Council for exploring the conversation in their recent webinar series.

(Must be a NJBIZ subscriber to view the full piece)

There are So Many Reasons We Feel Good About the Newest Addition to our Home Energy Audit Fleet

Tesla. Mere mention of the word evokes thoughts of innovation and progress.  Having owned and driven our Tesla Model 3 as part of our home energy audit fleet of vehicles for a year now, we’re here to tell you: It’s a sweet ride with an even sweeter impact on the planet. 

Ciel purchased its first Tesla Model 3 just over one year ago. The Tesla Model 3 is the first electric vehicle added to Ciel’s Home Energy Audit fleet of vehicles.

The Benefits of Going Electric

Electric cars have come a long way, baby. And while the technology is always advancing, we've reached a point where the environmental benefits of driving an electric car far outweigh any potential downsides. 

The primary reason to switch to an electric car is its impact on the environment. Because they don’t use exhaust systems, electric cars have no emissions. This means that unlike gas engines, they don’t pump fumes into the air. This facilitates fewer greenhouse gasses and cleaner air.

Additionally, electricity is a renewable resource when powered with solar, wind and water, whereas gasoline is not renewable because it’s created using oil. 

And while you may pay a bit more upfront for an electric car, you can also look forward to savings over the course of its lifetime -- both in terms of running cost and maintenance. According to Car and Driver, electric cars cost about a third as much to run as gas-powered cars. Plus, oil changes are a thing of the past with electric cars, as are other typical maintenance and repairs you’d find with traditional gas engines. You can even look forward to fewer brake replacements with an electric car.

New Jersey’s recent introduction of a $5,000 rebate toward the purchase or lease of an electric vehicle helps to further lower the cost of ownership for New Jersey households.

Sharing the Tesla Love

Talking about the benefits of owning and driving a Tesla are one thing. Actually experiencing them for yourself is another. As a Tesla owner, we can happily attest to the fact that the Model 3 is everything we hoped it would be and more. 

One major difference we’ve noticed is that the Model 3 is significantly quieter than its gas counterparts. In fact, some electric car models actually add engine sounds to give the driver the feel of a traditional engine! For us, however,  the silence is bliss -- especially in our “white noise” world. 

The Tesla Model 3 also accelerates like a charm, and is remarkably spacious. we also love its sleek contemporary feel. And then there’s the fact that it continually gains new and enhanced features thanks to regular over-the-air software updates. we just open the “Software” tab on the touchscreen, and are notified of any new updates with the option to install immediately or schedule for later.

Buying a new car is a big decision and a major investment. When you decide to purchase an electric car, you’re not just investing in your own financial wellness and quality of life, but also in the wellbeing of the planet -- and we can't think of a better investment than that. 

If you’re still on the fence about whether a Tesla Model 3 or other electric car is right for you, a rebate or tax credit may be just what you need to make the leap. Go here to check out state-specific incentives aimed at getting more drivers behind the wheel of eco-friendly electric vehicles.

Ciel Home Energy Audit Program Yields 1,000 Trees!

In 2018, Ciel Power committed to planting one tree each time the company performed a home energy audit. This August, Ciel crossed a significant milestone with its home energy audit tree-planting program, planting more than 1,000 trees since the inception of this program two years earlier.

Every day, we wake up in the morning and come to work examining people’s homes to see how we can make them more comfortable and energy-efficient. Most days, we repeat the process several times each day.

Our routine is so habitual that sometimes we hardly even think about it — let alone ponder the impact it may have on the planet. And yet if you’re out driving around to people’s homes each day, you’re adding to the burden on the environment every time you show up for an appointment. Why? Because we’re visiting so many places each week, consuming energy through the equipment and vehicles that help us do our jobs.

While there’s a pretty compelling case for planting trees, the question remains: would a few trees a day add up to meaningful change? Fast-forward two years and our membership with TreeEra has resulted in the planting of more than 1,000 new trees. When you look at it this way, what initially seemed like a very small impact has escalated into a pretty significant one -- taking us further off the sidelines in reducing our individual carbon footprint and in the much greater fight against climate change.

Ciel Power Home Energy Audits and Upgrades Featured In New York Times Article

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Cold Comfort by Jen A. Miller

Is your home ready for the first deep freeze? As the winds gear up and winter’s icy fingers beckon, a home-energy audit could help.

Ciel Energy Expert Shares Home Heating Tips On ABC World News Tonight with David Muir

Colder temperatures have arrived in the northeast, and Ciel Energy Expert, Scott Fischer, joins ABC News Chief Business, Technology, and Economics Correspondent, Rebecca Jarvis on a Ciel Home Energy Audit underway at the home of Kathryn Timpson in Summit, New Jersey.

In this segment, Ciel uncovers three ways to lower the Timpson family’s energy bills. Recommendations include adding insulated window treatments, installing a learning thermostat with wireless remote sensors, and adding insulation to the garage ceiling to improve comfort in the room above the garage.

Click here to watch the video.

Princeton University Hosts New Jersey Climate Policy Forum

A student-led New Jersey Climate Policy Forum took place this weekend at Princeton University to answer the question; “what policies should New Jersey pass in the next 10 years to achieve its 2050 emissions goals?”

The forum, hosted by Princeton University, and organized by The Princeton Student Climate Initiative, sought to understand the perspectives of a diverse group of stakeholders on eight different topics, including; long-term emission reductions, transportation, buildings, economic transition, coastal resiliency, and solid waste. Invited guests included representatives of sustainability groups, academia, labor, business, energy, government, and environmental justice sectors.

The forum is intended to be used as a launchpad for the creation of a summary report designed to help policymakers charged with formulating New Jersey’s 2019 Energy Master Plan, a strategic vision for the production, distribution, consumption, and conservation of energy in the State of New Jersey.

Ciel Power LLC Managing Member, Scott Fischer, joined the “Buildings” Round Table discussion, one of eight parallel discussions taking place at the full-day event. Other invited stakeholders on the “Buildings” panel included Brandon Castro, Work Environment Council; Julianne Cort, The Climate Mobilization; Senator Linda Greenstein, Molly Jones, Sustainable Princeton, and Trina Mallik, The Nature Conservancy.

The summit was organized, moderated, and attended entirely by students. 

The Princeton Student Climate Initiative, a student group with the Pace Center for Civic Engagement at Princeton University, hosted the event in collaboration with NJPIRG Student Chapters, Princeton Citizen Scientists, Rutgers Students for Environmental Awareness, Science Policy and Advocacy at Rutgers, Chi Epsilon NJIT Chapter, Stockton Echoing Climate Optimism, and West Orange Fight for Green Club.

Event sponsors included the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, the Center for Policy Research in Energy and the Environment, the Princeton University Chemical Biological and Engineering Department, the Princeton University Chemistry Department, the Graduate School Government Events Board, the High Meadows Foundation Sustainability Fund, the Keller Center, and the Pace Center for Civic Engagement, the Princeton Environmental Institute.

Reducing New Jersey's Energy Consumption and Emissions | 2019 Energy Master Plan

To achieve the Governor’s ambitious energy goals, the Energy Master Plan Committee is organized into five work groups. The Reducing Energy Consumption Forum took place on September 14th, 2018 at the New Jersey Statehouse and was led Sara Bluhm, Business Ombudsman for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

With Executive Order 28, Governor Phil Murphy put New Jersey on a path to 50% renewable energy by 2030, and 100% renewable energy by 2050. Reducing energy consumption and emissions while maintaining efficiency and affordability will also be an integral part of New Jersey’s 2019 Energy Master Plan.

In preparation for this transition, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced a series of five public hearings to gather information in key areas;

• Clean and Renewable Energy

• Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure

• Reducing Energy Consumption

• Clean and Reliable Transportation

• Building a Modern Grid.

The public hearings bring stakeholders and citizens together to put New Jersey on track to meet these goals.

On Friday, September 14th, 2018, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities hosted the Energy Efficiency Stakeholder Meeting at the State House Annex in Trenton, New Jersey.

Scott Fischer, Managing Member of Ciel Power LLC joined with Richard Lawton, Executive Director of the New Jersey Sustainable Business Council to offer insight to the committee.

Our own Scott Fischer, Managing Member of Ciel Power LLC, joins Richard Lawton, Executive Director of the New Jersey Business Council, at the Reducing Energy Consumption Energy Master Plan Stakeholder Forum on September 14th, 2018 in Trenton, New Jersey.

New Jersey Home Performance with Energy Star; Simple Steps to Lower Energy Use

In case you missed it, the conversation was in full swing at CivicStory's Ecology & Economy: Can New Jersey Lead In Renewable Energy forum in Summit, New Jersey.  Sustainability experts like Richard Dovey, President of the Atlantic County Utilities Authority and Chair of Sustainable Jersey, Laura Stern, Co-Founder & President,Nautilus Solar Energy, and Claire Cummins, a newly minted sustainability expert with a Masters Degree in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, captivated the audience with their perspectives on New Jersey's ability to lead in the area of renewable energy.

In this excerpt, Scott Fischer, Co-Founder and Managing Member of Ciel Power shares information about New Jersey Clean Energy's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.  The incentive program, administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, offers cash-back and financing incentives to New Jersey homeowners for installing energy efficiency upgrades.  

Why Is My House Cold? Ciel's Own Scott Fischer Shares Tips for the Snowpocalypse

The freakish frost sprawling up the eastern seaboard for the past several weeks has household energy bills spiking as home heating systems work overtime to keep up with temperatures well below the freezing mark.  

Today, Rebecca Jarvis, host of ABC World News Tonight's Your Money brings together energy efficiency experts from across the country to examine ways to lower winter electric bills..  Our own Scott Fischer joined the conversation from his home in Nutley, New Jersey.  

ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos

How Can I Lower My Heating Bill?

The freakishly cold temperatures being foretasted for New Jersey have homeowners scrambling to protect their homes against frigid temperatures, elevated energy costs, and comfort issues inherent in older New Jersey homes.

With sub-zero temperatures and "bomb cyclones", the voracious combination of below-zero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, and nearly foot of snow that slammed New Jersey earlier this year,  Scott Fischer, Managing Member of Ciel reconnected with Rebecca Jarvis, host of ABC World News Tonight's Your Money to examine ways to save money on winter heating bills.

If you haven't prepared your home for colder weather, there are some smart, even scientifically-backed stay-warm tips to note.  In this segment, we caught up with the Friedman's of Ridgewood NJ nearly a year after their Ciel Home Energy Audit.  The home energy audit performed on their older Ridgewood, New Jersey home uncovered a number of upgrade opportunities including insulation, air-sealing, and weatherstripping.  

5 tips to reduce your heating bill this winter

As an arctic chill grips much of the country, home heating costs are soaring. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts they could spike as much as 32 percent this winter. That could increase even more if temperatures continue to drop below the current forecast. So how can consumers save...

'Realizing Tomorrow's Potential' A Look Back On Our 2017 New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference

The New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference is where state leaders and local officials from across New Jersey's 565 municipalities and 21 counties gather to discuss the year ahead.

The annual affair, which this year features the theme “Realizing Tomorrow's Potential,” invites guests of the event to “learn as much as they can” with three days of breakout sessions on topics ranging from cyber-security to pension and heath benefit reform.

Sustainable Jersey

This year's event featured a number of breakout sessions hosted by Sustainable Jersey, a nonprofit organization that plays an important role in fulfilling New Jersey's sustainability goals.

With 89% of New Jersey's population living in a Sustainable Jersey certified municipality, the organization encourages communities to pursue sustainability programs in an effort to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve environmental equality.

There's a financial and recognition component woven in, too, as actions taken by a municipality are tracked, tallied, and submitted for points towards bronze, silver or gold certifications and access to grants and financial incentives to support other sustainability projects.

Who Was There & What Was The Agenda?

The guest list was stacked with elected officials as a mix of Mayors and Council Members came together with employees of cities, states, towns, and boroughs for three days of intensive meetings, workshops and networking events.

On the third day of the event, guests made their way to a corner of the fourth-floor meeting space at the Atlantic City Convention Center where Sustainable Jersey hosted a breakout session focused on ways to conduct effective outreach of energy efficiency programs.

Our Session

Summit Mayor Nora Radest presided over the session and was one of several panelists who underwent a Ciel Home Energy Assessment.  Summit-based Hometowne TV lent its efforts to the Mayor's home energy audit with coverage of the event on the inaugural episode of “See You Around Town.”

Panelists

Beth Lovejoy, Chairperson of the Summit Environmental Commission and Christine Symington, Program Director of Sustainable Princeton joined the group of panelists to discuss the City of Summit's Home Energy Insight Program and Princeton's EnergySmart Homes program.

Michael Thulen from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Tony O'Donnell, an Economist with Sustainable Jersey, and Scott Fischer, Managing Member of Ciel Power LLC rounded out the panel of speakers.

Introduction

The presentation started at 9:00 A.M. with Summit Mayor Nora Radest welcoming attendees and introducing the morning's first speaker Tony O'Donnell, an Economist at Sustainable Jersey.

Performance Statistics

O'Donnell quickly set the tone for the meeting, citing statistics that showed a 6.8 fold average increase in household participation in New Jersey's Home Performance with Energy Star Incentive program for municipalities that engaged the Sustainable Jersey Home Performance with Energy Star Municipal Program Action Item.

To obtain these numbers, Sustainable Jersey compared NJHPwES participation rates for two years leading up to the launch of the municipal outreach program against participation rates that occurring while the municipal energy efficiency outreach campaign was underway.

The specific municipalities included Glen Rock, Highland Park, Millburn, Princeton, Watchung, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, each current or former outreach programs administered by Ciel Power LLC.

Ours & Other NJ Clean Energy Incentive Programs

Michael Thulen, ESIP Coordinator for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities addressed the crowd next offering an overview of the wide assortment of energy efficiency incentive programs available through New Jersey's Clean Energy program including:

• Home Performance with Energy Star

• COOL Advantage

• WARM Advantage

• Residential New Construction

• Comfort Partners

• New Jersey Smart Start Buildings

• Local Government Energy Audit

• Pay for Performance

• Direct Install

• Combined Heat & Power

• SREC Registration Program (SRP)

• Utility Financing Program

Summit

Shortly after Mike's remarks, Beth Lovejoy, Chairperson of Summit's Environmental Commission, and Scott Fischer, Managing Member of Ciel Power LLC recounted their efforts behind the creation of Summit's Home Energy Insight program, a residential energy efficiency outreach program designed to promote awareness and participation in New Jersey's Home Performance with Energy Star program.

Program Benefits:

• A single, vetted, municipally-endorsed provider

• A highly-discounted rate for home energy audits

• Comprehensive safety household safety testing

• A strong likelihood of improved comfort & energy efficiency upon the completion of the project

• Cash-back and financing incentives available to help offset the cost of the recommended upgrades.

A Personal Note

Beth Lovejoy interrupted her remarks for a moment saying;

"I'm taking off my Summit Environmental Chairperson hat and putting on my homeowner hat.”

to indicate that the upcoming remarks were not being offered as a representative of Summit, but rather a non-official capacity.  She continued;

“My personal experience with everyone on the Ciel team was very positive. There were three rooms in my home that were always very cold during the winter.” She said, “John, my Ciel Home Energy Auditor, used blower door testing and another device that shows temperature as color [an infra-red camera] to figure out why.”

“We had Ciel install the work they recommended and these rooms have been much more comfortable since. During our project, Ciel's team arrived on-time, was very respectful of our home, and cleaned up after themselves at the end of each work day.”

Princeton

Later that morning, Christine Symington took the microphone to discuss the more than 175 home energy audits performed in Princeton as part of Sustainable Princeton's EnergySmart campaign.

More than 35 Princeton homeowners installed energy efficiency upgrades as part of this campaign.

A follow-up survey indicated the following reasons that residents of Princeton heeded the recommendations and installed upgrades:

• Improve Home Comfort: 38%

• Reduce Energy Use: 38%

• Reduce Energy Bills 19%

• Other 5%

Symington also indicated that the survey results obtained by Sustainable Princeton revealed that the incentives available through the New Jersey Home Performance with Energy Star program were an important reason for respondents to request a home energy audit and were an integral part of the program's success.