By the Bronxville Green Committee

June 26, 2024: ‘Tis the Season: The heat is here and so are efficient air conditioning systems! 

If you’re ready for an upgrade, or just considering your options, you might consider the comfort, safety, and efficiency of a heat pump cooling system. 

If you’ve already made the move and installed an air source/mini split system, ground-source/geothermal system, or heat pump hot water heater after June 2023, please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Village is working to apply for a grant through NYS’s Climate Smart Communities Program and Clean Energy Communities Program demonstrating our residential efforts to convert to clean cooling and heating systems. EVERY HOME COUNTS! Funds awarded would be used to meet our climate action plan goals for reducing municipal emissions 40% by 2030.

There are two types of heat pumps:

1) Air-Source or Mini-Splits:  These units can fit into the walls or be tucked discreetly in the ceiling.  A compressor unit, which may service several mini-splits, is situated outside.

2) Ground-Source or Geothermal: This type of heat pump takes advantage of the constant temperature just below the ground’s surface.  This system requires drilling a small-bore well through which water can circulate.  

The benefits of heat pump technology: 

-Efficiency! Heat pumps, which run on electricity rather than fuel oil, natural gas, or propane, are two to three times more energy efficient than any other cooling (or heating!) technology.

-Also Provides Heat! A dual-purpose heat pump system provides both cooling and heating. In winter, heat pumps work in reverse, extracting warm air from outdoors and bringing it into your home.

-Rebates and Tax Credits are available from the federal government through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), New York State’s Clean Heat program, and ConEd. You can combine incentives from all three sources! These incentives help offset the additional costs that sometimes come with heat pumps.

-Safety! Because heat pumps do not burn anything, they do not emit methane, carbon monoxide, or other gases; they are the safest option for your family (and pets!).

-Comfort! Heat pumps cool evenly and quietly. Say goodbye to noisy, leaky window A/C units that block your view…

-Individual Thermostats! Heat pump systems allow for temperature controls throughout your home, allowing you to target exactly where you need heating or cooling. 

-Fights Climate Change! Heat pumps run on electricity, which can be produced from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric. Even though our local grid is only about 12% renewable today, a heat pump system powered by grid electricity will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions from heating by 40-60%. These emissions will continue to decrease from year to year as our grid becomes greener, whereas the emissions from fossil fuels will stay the same.

-Works in Bronxville’s Older Homes! Yes, Bronxville’s older homes are suited to being retrofitted with heat pumps.  The logistics can be complicated but an experienced, NYSERDA-certified contractor will work with you to find a set-up that’s right for your home.

-Available to condo and co-op apartments! You will need permission from the Board of Directors to install heat pumps. If you’re denied, you might ask the board to consider converting the entire building to an air-source or ground-source heat pump system. With fuel costs rising, and financial incentives plentiful, it may make sense for the co-op to invest now for future savings.

Don’t forget to check with the Bronxville Building Department to determine if you need a building permit for your installation. Proper filing will also help the Village access funding opportunities for other green initiatives.

Since most of Bronxville’s greenhouse gas emissions come from residential heating and cooling (transportation being the other big source), one of the most effective ways to reduce our contribution to climate change is to electrify our homes. That includes our heating/cooling systems, appliances, and hot water heaters. 

For more information about heat pump systems and resources to help start your project, visit our website.

The Bronxville Green Committee is a volunteer organization that is part of the Village of Bronxville. We work to propose and implement environmentally sustainable programs in our community. Visit our website and follow us on Instagram @bxvgreencommittee to learn more.