Local Contractors Install Nearly-Free Heat Pumps for Those in Need
- Published on Friday December 13th, 2024
Author: Anna Chott, Sustainability Planner at East-West Gateway Council of Governments
Nick Johnson decided to go into the field of building energy efficiency after reading on the EPA’s website that Black children are four times more likely to die from asthma than white children. He says that Healthy Homes is all about getting people in a good environment, and also education about the causes of negative health impacts.
Photo credit: Green Titans Energy
In 2017, Nick founded Green Titans Energy, a company that offers heat pump installation, weatherization (sealing of the building envelope), and mechanical ventilation to reduce the risk of mold. As an Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Ally, they have the ability to install heat pumps with 90 to 100% of the cost covered (including labor and equipment) for income qualified homeowners in eligible Illinois zip codes (especially East St. Louis) as well as businesses. These discounts for income-eligible customers are made possible with funding from the US Department of Energy and incentives from the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. Illinois residents can find out more about the program here, or see below for a list of links for programs based on location and income. Nick says that even if the home’s furnace in need of replacement is natural gas, funding can cover the wiring needed for the conversion to an electric heat pump. He also points out that these heat pumps are being paid for in order to reduce energy consumption, to eliminate the need to open up more power plants.
Nick says that heat pumps are the way to go. “The homeowners love the heat pumps,” he says. “We were also able to give away free smart thermostats worth $200 and install them for free. They work extremely well with the heat pumps. They [the homeowners] never have to touch the thermostat, and they save on their energy bill. I get a lot of good feedback about heat pumps. I give customers an HVAC 1-on-1, so they can share about it with others when they’re in group conversations.”
Before founding his own company, Nick was an instructor for the Building Performance Institute. Most of the people he trained there in heating, cooling, and weatherization became independent contractors. He says they are doing extremely well, as there is a lot of work in this field. His company is based in East St. Louis but serves the Greater St. Louis Region, and they have no shortage of work installing energy efficient upgrades. Over time, the company’s crew has grown.
To find incentives for heat pumps and other energy efficient upgrades that you may be eligible for, you can explore the links below.
Ameren Illinois
- Energy efficient upgrades for income-qualified residents
- Discounts on energy efficient upgrades for all residential customers
- Discounts on energy efficient upgrades for business customers
Ameren Missouri
- Energy efficient upgrades for income-qualified residents
- Discounts on energy efficient upgrades for all residential customers
- Discounts on energy efficient upgrades for business customers
Photo credit: Green Titans Energy Nick Johnson worked and instructed in the field of building energy efficiency before starting his own HVAC company.
