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Clarification of How Multi-Unit Buildings Should be Handled for Comfort Home

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Program: Comfort Home
To: All Comfort Home Contractors
Summary: Clarification of how multi-unit buildings should be handled for Comfort Home:  The number of heating systems will determine how many “projects” and how many incentives will be applicable.
Contact with Questions:  1-888-406-4009 or Comforthome@nyserda.ny.gov

If the whole building is heated with one system, then the whole building is entered into Compass as one project: 

  • One incentive will apply for the whole building. 
  • All areas must be upgraded in order for the building to qualify for Comfort Home incentives. 
  • If package A is proposed, the entire attic must be air-sealed and insulated, even if the attic spans two units.
  • If package B with wall insulation is proposed, all above grade exterior walls must be insulated.

Multi-unit buildings that have separate space heating systems for each unit are eligible for separate Comfort Home incentives for each unit:

  • Each unit should be entered as a separate project in Compass.
  • Each project should use the conditioned floor area associated with that unit.
  • Each project should include details about the HVAC and water heating system associated with that unit. 
  • Each project should use the improved “areas” (insulation, air sealing, windows, etc.) associated with that unit.
  • Each project should use the actual attic area over the unit. 
  • Each project should use the actual basement square footage and rim joist length for the portion under the unit.
  • Each project should use the actual floor square footage for foundation ceiling if insulating the basement ceiling for the unit.
  • A second-floor unit should identify its basement/foundation as “conditioned”.
  • A first-floor unit with a second-floor unit above it should list attic insulation as “>=R38” and the grade as “<10% Voids or Compression”.