Welcome to HeatSmart Branford

Learn how to save money and reduce C02 emissions with energy efficiency and heat pumps !

Dear Branford Citizens,

We all like to save money on our heating and air conditioning bills and we all need to pitch in and control Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions that contribute to Global Warming. Heat pumps serve both these objectives.

As part of our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions , Branford has partnered with Peoples Action for Clean Energy (PACE) to encourage the adoption of energy and money saving, low emission heat pump systems to heat and cool homes in our community.

Please take a look at the information on this website and follow it up by filling out the request for information on the “I’m Interested” page. We all like to save money and we all need to make a contribution to controlling Global Warming.

Sincerely,

James Cosgrove
Branford, First Selectman

For a video on HeatSmart and Connecticut’s energy plans to HERE

Click here >> I’m interested

To watch a video about Clean Energy and HeatSmart in Branford go HERE

More about the HeatSmart Program

The HeatSmart program in is sponsored by the Peoples’ Action for Clean Energy (PACE). HeatSmart’s goal is to promote clean energy while saving homeowners money by investing in clean, efficient heat pump energy systems. By participating in the HeatSmart program you can save money while reducing the use of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions here in Branford.

How the Program Works

How the program works

  1. Get a home energy audit with a Home Energy Solutions (HES) inspection: An authorized contractor will come to your home. The contractor will evaluate and upgrade your home’s energy efficiency . The contractor will also conduct important safety tests, install weatherization measures and energy-saving improvements. A $75 HES audit delivers about $800 worth of products and services and, in the future, will typically deliver over $180 per year in energy savings.

    You will also receive a personalized report recommending ways to save money and energy, such as improving insulation and upgrading to energy-efficient equipment. Generous rebates are available for these.

    For a nice, informative video about the HES audits, go HERE
  2. Carry out recommended efficiency upgrades : If the home owner wishes, they can carry out the auditor’s recommended upgrades to make their home even more efficient. A more efficient home will require a smaller, less expensive heat pump and cost less to heat and cool.
  3. Install a heat pump: If the homeowner wishes, they can then contract with HeatSmart’s preferred heat pump installer or they are free to choose their own installer. HeatSmart selected the preferred installer based on the companies experience ,reputation, expertise and service standards. There are generous rebates for heat pumps and financing is currently available at rates as low as 0.99%

    To view a video about Heat Pumps, go HERE. For more information about them go HERE
  4. Install rooftop solar: Rooftop solar panels also offer an excellent way for homeowners to reduce their energy bills. If you have electricity and a sunny exposure, you should consider solar energy.

    For a nice, informative video about rooftop solar, go HERE. PACE offers a series of introductory pamphlets on various aspects of solar and storage HERE
  5. Consider batteries: Increasingly popular home energy storage with batteries has multiple advantages: resiliency in times of grid outages and participation in attractive Eversource programs such as Energy Storage Solutions or Connected Solutions. Incentives make a home energy storage system more affordable.  Paired with a solar array, a home battery is an excellent way to maintain independence and protect against power emergencies.  Details can be HERE and at the CT Green Bank’s website: HERE.

How can I get started?

For more information and to get started with an HES audit, go to the “I’m interested” web page. If you then want to get a heat pump, or rooftop solar, we will send you the information you need to get the right system, at the right price, and with the right financing.

CLICK HERE >> I’m interested

Special programs for income eligible families

Income Eligible Residents Qualify for Free Home Energy Improvements

Qualification under social service and energy assistance programs is transferrable. Here are the CT income levels by household size. If your income is below these levels you qualify for no-cost HES-Income Eligible services:

Income eligible customers receive significant discount’s on:

  • Insulation
  • Heat Pumps
  • High Performance window replacement
  • Potentially more services

Branford town sustainability page.