Heating and cooling costs

Heating, cooling, and electricity are significant expenses for homeowners — especially in upstate New York winters. Programs are available to help income-eligible homeowners reduce energy costs, improve efficiency, and manage utility bills. These resources can help.

  • NYSERDA EmPower+ provides no-cost or subsidized energy efficiency upgrades — including insulation, heating and cooling systems, and appliances — to income-eligible homeowners and renters in one- to four-family homes across New York State. Learn more
  • RG&E Help With Your Bill offers income-eligible RG&E customers in the Rochester region access to bill credits, HEAP enrollment, and the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to help manage monthly energy costs. Learn more
  • RENEW (Rochester ENergy Efficiency and Weatherization) is a Rochester Area Community Foundation initiative that serves as a bridge for homeowners who fall through the gaps of other programs, combining funding from multiple sources to cover weatherization, energy efficiency, and health and safety repairs. Learn more
  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free energy efficiency improvements — including heating system repairs, insulation, and window sealing — to income-eligible homeowners in Rochester and Monroe County. In the city, services are delivered by Action for a Better Community; outside city limits, by PathStone. Learn more — ABC | Learn more — PathStone

More Resources

Mortgage basics

Buying a home also means understanding the loan that helps...

Home equity

Home equity is the portion of your home that you...

Before you buy

Thinking about buying a home? The more you understand the...

Neighbors helping neighbors

FAMforward ROC is a community built around homeownership—where renters, first-time buyers, and homeowners find guidance, encouragement, and trusted partners every 
step of the way.

STAY CONNECTED. SHARE YOUR STORY. JOIN FAMforward.

FAMforward ROC is an initiative of WealthForward ROC™