First Set of Electric Heat Pumps Installed at Woodside Houses
NYCHA residents in a dozen apartments at Woodside Houses have received newly installed window heat pumps that provide electrified heating and cooling services in support of the Authority’s efforts to decarbonize buildings.
A total of 36 complimentary heat-pump units were installed in July at the Queens development as part of the first phase of a pilot program. The electric-powered devices, which move warm air between indoor and outdoor spaces depending on the season, are considered more energy efficient than traditional heating systems such as boilers, which burn fossil fuels to produce heat.
NYCHA is seeking to expand the use of electric heating and cooling systems in buildings across the city to help reduce the Authority’s carbon emissions footprint while providing consistent heating and cooling.
“We’re already hearing great feedback that these efficient heating and cooling systems are keeping our residents cool during extreme heat and improving air quality,” Senior Vice President for Sustainability Vlada Kenniff said.
The recent heat pump installations were jumpstarted by an initial $70 million investment last year from NYCHA and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for the development and production of 30,000 heat-pump units at public housing buildings. As part of the Clean Heat for All Challenge, Midea America Corp. and Gradient were selected for contracts to develop 20,000 and 10,000 window heat-pump units, respectively, for use in NYCHA apartments in the coming years. The units are designed to have minimal window obstruction and provide a more affordable option than other green technologies by reducing costs associated with installation work.
The first installations of the new heat pumps were done at Woodside Houses as its heating systems were damaged by Hurricane Ida. Jose Soto is among the residents whose radiator was replaced by three free heat pumps in the living room and bedroom windows.
“The units are great and they’ve [exceeded] the expectations,” said Mr. Soto, a 47-year resident of Woodside Houses.
The pumps are significantly better than his previous air conditioning unit, especially during a recent heat wave in the city, he added.
“You can’t even tell if it’s hot outside at all,” he described. “What I like about these new units is they’re very quiet; you don’t even hear them sometimes.”
During the pilot program and over the next winter, NYCHA will monitor and assess the effectiveness of the first pump systems before moving forward with plans to install the electric units at additional developments throughout the city.
“We especially thank the Woodside residents who are participating in the product trial period,” Ms. Kenniff said.
Photo caption: Electric-powered heat pumps were installed at 12 Woodside Houses apartments for the first phase of a pilot program.
