If you live in New York and need a new clothes dryer, you might be able to get one for free.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which furthers eco-friendly initiatives in the state, is distributing small grants to New York households to help fund the purchase and installation of energy-efficient heat pump dryers. Heat pump dryers can reduce energy consumption by 30%, which reduces energy bills, according to NYSERDA.
Are you eligible for the NYSERDA Appliance Upgrade Program? Here’s how to potentially unlock thousands of dollars in savings.
Check if you’re eligible
Your eligibility is determined by your household income and size. If your income is at or below 80% of your county’s Area Median Income (AMI), you qualify for 100% coverage of the cost, up to $840. If your income falls between 80% and 150% of the AMI, you are eligible for 50% coverage.
For instance, a two-member household in the five boroughs of NYC with an income below $99,550 qualifies for the full coverage.
You can easily check your eligibility here by entering your resident county and the number of members in your household.
The program is open to both homeowners and renters, but renters must obtain their landlord’s approval, particularly for electrical modifications. When applying, renters are required to submit the landlord’s written consent for the appliance installation and any necessary electrical upgrades.
Apply for the program
To get started, create an account on the MyEnergy Portal and complete the Appliance Upgrade Program application. After submitting your application, NYSERDA will review it, and once approved, you will receive an email with two coupon codes — one for the dryer rebate and another for any necessary electrical upgrades.
Buy a qualified dryer
Not all dryers qualify for the program, so you must select a model from the ENERGY STAR® qualified product list. Once you’ve selected an eligible dryer, visit a participating retailer and present your rebate coupon at checkout to apply the discount. If your rebate covers 100% of the cost, you won’t have to pay anything at the time of purchase.
Handle electrical upgrades if needed
If your heat pump dryer requires electrical upgrades, such as panel or wiring updates, you can use your electrical upgrade coupon to cover the cost. Hire a participating contractor to complete the work, and if you’re replacing a gas dryer, they can also cap the gas line for safety. The program also covers up to $4,000 for electrical panel upgrades and $2,500 for wiring upgrades, depending on your eligibility.
For any questions about the Appliance Update Program, you can contact NYSERDA by email at AUP@nyserda.ny.gov, by phone at 518-862-1090 or toll-free at 1-866-NYSERDA. Their office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
