SOMA

EVs offer much greater efficiency than other vehicles. They use only a fraction of the energy that other vehicles use, which means cost savings and less air pollution in our community. Now is a great time to consider a new or used EV with incentives from the state and federal governments, public utilities, and technologies that have dramatically extended the range and charging speed of EVs. Actions you can take right now If you already own an EV, including a Plug-in Hybrid: Visit PSEG’s EV Charging Program to see if you qualify for their off-peak charging credit, which may cut your charging costs in half!...

Installing rooftop solar can help homeowners save on electricity bills over time and provide greater energy resilience — as well as helping combat climate change. Thanks to sharp declines in the cost of panels, and government incentives, getting solar now makes financial sense for many homeowners. If you don’t have these on your roof yet, there is no better time to look into it! Actions you can take right now If you already have solar: Share your story with neighbors....

Heat pumps offer superior energy-efficiency compared to furnaces and air conditioners. You may have seen them on your neighbors’ homes around SOMA. Don’t be fooled by the word “heat” in the name — heat pumps can both heat and cool your home. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from one space to another. During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your house to the outdoors, and during the heating season, they move heat (even when it is very cold) from the outdoors into your home....

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are the most energy-efficient water heaters on the market. Like other water heaters, they use a large tank to store hot water that is available whenever you need it. However, unlike other water heaters, HPWHs transfer heat from the surrounding air instead of creating it by burning fuel, saving energy! HPWHs also differ from tankless water heaters, which use a tremendous amount of energy to instantly heat water when needed....

Weatherizing your home — sealing and insulating a home to maximize its energy efficiency and comfort — can bring significant benefits. Weatherization can reduce the cost of heating and cooling, improve comfort, reduce indoor air pollution, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Heat that leaks through your home’s outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings wastes energy and increases utility costs, while negatively affecting your comfort and even health. A well-sealed home envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a real difference on both utility bills and your quality of life....