Massive energy savings and lower costs set to transform the NYC retrofit market
Original publication by Urban Green Council • October 21, 2026
Room heat pumps are an innovative technology with massive potential to accelerate energy-saving, lower-cost space-heating retrofits in multifamily buildings. For building owners and residents seeking to transition away from fossil-fuel-based systems, room heat pumps offer a flexible way to decarbonize their buildings.
Project data shows:
80-90% reduction
in energy used for heating
Reduced retrofit costs and streamlined installation
Below are three retrofit case studies highlighting room heat pump retrofits that use two versions of this technology: window heat pumps and wall heat pumps. From large multifamily towers to smaller garden-style buildings, these properties are demonstrating that room heat pump retrofits can deliver substantial energy savings, lower upfront costs, resident satisfaction and flexible implementation. Click through the case studies to learn more!
Explore the case studies
This page and the case studies will be updated as new projects and data become available.
Explore our NYC building data hub
Learn more about NYC's buildings and their energy use in this interactive data hub.
Grid capacity remains high for more heat pumps
New York State’s current grid can reliably support heat pump installations
Local Law 97
NYC’s groundbreaking climate legislation sets carbon emissions caps for large buildings that began in 2024.