Permits & development · Owners & management · Deals & development · 11/05/2026, 11:30 AM
NYSERDA Offers Free Online Home Energy Plans for 1-4 Unit Homes
NYSERDA's no-cost Home Energy Plan gives owners of one- to four-unit homes an online look at where their building wastes energy. After a MyEnergy Portal signup and a few questions, the tool suggests upgrades, usually starting with insulation and air sealing, and estimates savings. Owners are not required to do any work, and free in-home assessments are also available.
Reported by BrownstonerRead the original ↗
What happened
Brownstoner published a piece on 11/05/2026 about a no-cost Home Energy Plan offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The plan is a free online tool for owners of one- to four-unit homes. It shows where a home performs well and where it may need energy upgrades.
The process is self-guided, takes about 15 minutes and is done fully online. No phone calls or appointments are needed. Owners start by creating a free MyEnergy Portal account. They get an instant preliminary report based on public information about the home. They can then refine it by answering questions such as the home's exact size and year of construction.
The plan lays out upgrade scenarios and how much energy each could save. Most recommendations start with insulation and air sealing, then move to heating systems, lighting and appliances. Owners are not required to do any work. Through the portal, owners can connect with NYSERDA-approved contractors who can help them find rebates, incentives and financing they qualify for. According to the article, income-eligible households may qualify for free upgrades. Owners can also schedule a free in-home assessment with a NYSERDA-participating contractor.
Key facts
- Agency
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
- Program
- No-cost Home Energy Plan
- Who can use it
- Owners of one- to four-unit homes
- Cost
- Free; free in-home assessment also available
- Time needed
- About 15 minutes, fully online
- How to start
- Create a free MyEnergy Portal account
- Help for lower incomes
- Income-eligible households may qualify for free upgrades
- Date reported
- 11/05/2026 (Brownstoner)
What it means
Landlords
Owners of one- to four-unit buildings can get a free, no-obligation look at where their property wastes energy. The portal can also point them to approved contractors and to rebates, incentives and financing.
Tenants and voucher holders
The tool is described as being for owners, so tenants would likely need their landlord to use it. Upgrades like air sealing may reduce drafts and uneven temperatures in a unit.
Caseworkers
Clients who own small homes and have limited income may qualify for free upgrades. The material does not give the income rules, so check eligibility directly with NYSERDA.
The highlights
- The self-guided plan takes about 15 minutes, with no calls or appointments.
- The MyEnergy Portal links owners to NYSERDA-approved contractors and rebates.
- Income-eligible households may qualify for upgrades at no cost.
Why it matters Landlords
Small landlords with 1-4 unit buildings can find efficiency upgrades, rebates and approved contractors without paying for an audit.
What to do: Create a MyEnergy Portal account to get your free Home Energy Plan.
Not known yet
- What the income limits are for free upgrades
- Whether renters can use the tool or request an assessment themselves
- Typical rebate or incentive amounts
- Whether buildings with more than four units have a similar option
Background
In New York City, energy-efficiency programs are separate from housing code enforcement. Upgrades such as insulation, air sealing or new heating equipment are usually voluntary improvements made by owners. Tenants who lack heat or hot water generally report it through 311, and HPD handles those complaints under the city's housing code.
Summary written by Bulwark from Brownstoner’s reporting. The original story is at brownstoner.com. This is general information, not legal advice.
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