A report shows that providing large multifamily buildings with dependable, more affordable comfort could be as easy as plugging in a next-gen HVAC system. 

Steven Nadel, a senior fellow at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, spoke with Yale Climate Connections about cold-climate window-mounted heat pumps. 

As it stands, the building sector is a significant source of harmful air pollution. That's especially true for buildings with outdated construction or features — like a gas furnace that works about three times as hard as a modern heat pump to keep your dwelling warm. 

What's more, inefficient HVACs can lead to higher electricity costs, particularly as energy prices rise. TCD's partner Mitsubishi can help you understand your HVAC options so you can slash your energy bills. However, renters can face additional challenges in upgrading their equipment. 

"Multifamily buildings often have central systems. They may be old and inefficient, and it can be very difficult to retrofit some of these systems," Nadel shared with Yale Climate Connections. 

Fortunately, window-mounted heat pumps are emerging as an easy and cost-effective way to provide year-round heating and cooling in these situations. As Nadel explained, these heat pumps plug into a normal outlet. They also hang over sills like a "saddle," so they don't hinder outside views.

"They are getting more common. The New York City Housing Authority has purchased significant quantities of them, installing them in some of their buildings. But there are also utilities, cities, and others that are installing them in a dozen different cities," Nadel shared. 

Smart upgrades that slash monthly bills

TCD has resources to help you find an efficient HVAC for your home and budget:

• Mitsubishi can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with trusted installers 
• Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto's $0-down HVAC leasing program can lower your energy costs by up to 50% 
• TCD's HVAC Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners 

In fact, Palmetto's HVAC leases start as low as $99 per month and include 12 years of free maintenance. 

Meanwhile, installing solar panels is the ultimate hack to drive utility costs even lower. TCD's partner EnergySage can help you find the best solar system for your home and budget, saving you up to $10,000 on installations. Plus, you could unlock up to $5,000 in rewards for home upgrades with the free Palmetto Home app.

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