SOMERS, N.Y. - Every autumn in New York brings out dog walkers, hikers, cyclists, festivalgoers and birdwatchers enjoying the last bit of warmth and seasonal activities, from football games to trick-or-treating.
This year, the fall foliage is exceptional, but here in Somers, so is something else. As those striking colors fall to the ground, one can't help but notice the growing number of solar panels, electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps around neighborhood homes.
While a greener home could include an Energy Star-rated major appliance, many Somers residents are making broader changes to their homes and properties. Common updates in these eco-friendly homes include ducted heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, solar panels, home batteries, EV chargers, electric and solar-powered lawn equipment, and native landscaping.
As environmental concerns grow, many neighbors have taken on the role of thoughtful stewards of community resources while making household improvements.
Heat pumps are electric systems that transfer heat between the indoors and outdoors. Ducted systems can use existing ductwork. Their energy efficiency comes from their ability to deliver three or more times as much heat energy as the electrical energy they consume.
A heat pump water heater is often a companion option for a heat pump heating and cooling system, or an upgrade when the time is right. It works much the same way and often includes a backup electric heating component, known as a hybrid system, for periods of high hot water demand.
Induction cooktops use energy efficiently and heat quickly through direct energy transfer. They maintain precise temperature control, are easy to clean and offer improved safety. They work through magnetism, so cookware must be compatible. Magnetic cookware includes cast iron, enameled cast iron and many multi-clad stainless steel pans.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that a home can use directly, reducing the amount of power drawn from the electric grid and often lowering household energy bills. Excess energy generated by the panels can feed into the electric grid, supplying others with power and potentially giving homeowners a credit on their energy bills.
New York state offers solar tax credits and other incentives worth exploring for homeowners considering solar panels.
Home batteries are an alternative to sending excess solar power back to the grid. With a battery, homeowners can store excess energy for later use, such as in the evening or during a power outage.
Home batteries without solar panels can also draw energy during lower-cost hours and provide backup power during outages or help offset electricity use during peak periods. Statewide battery incentives remain a priority in New York.
Native landscaping is often designed for aesthetic appeal and to support pollinators. Increasingly, homeowners are also using it to solve practical yard challenges.
If you have a soggy spot, consider planting moisture-loving native plants. If you love finches or worry about bees or monarch butterflies, there's a plant for that. Always had a preference for heirloom gardens? Incorporate a trellis for that climbing rose and a focal point for your hydrangeas.
Native plants are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for insects, birds and smaller animals. Their root systems and growth patterns can cover troublesome spots in the lawn, absorb excess moisture and help filter rainwater on its way to reservoirs.
Today, there are many models and applications of heat pumps, solar panels, storage batteries and appliance upgrades, along with expert technicians who can advise homeowners on the process, cost and overall benefits.
Several native plant experts are also located right here in Somers.
For contact information or additional resources, reach out to the Somers Energy and Environment Committee (SEEC) through Denise Schirmer at dschirmer@somersny.gov. Residents can also inquire about town procedures for heat pumps, solar panels and other major home installations.
As autumn's colors fade and the leaves settle in for winter, the growing number of solar panels, heat pumps, EV chargers and native landscapes appearing around Somers offers another sign of seasonal change — one that will remain in the years to come.
In the meantime, enjoy the leaf peeping, dog walking and trick-or-treat candy.
Article courtesy of Somers Energy and Environment Committee.
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