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News
Best Replacement for Fuel Oil
Fuel oil prices have become increasingly volatile in recent years due to global supply disruptions and geopolitical conflicts, including those involving Russia and the Middle East. If you are considering replacing a fuel oil heating system, one technology worth serious consideration is geothermal.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps represent one of the most efficient and reliable heating and cooling technologies available today. These systems utilize the stable temperature of the earth—typically around 50°F just a few […]
Best Heating Systems for Cold Climates
2026 Guide to Replacing Oil Heat
By Matt Desmarais, Certified Energy Manager
Choosing the right heating system for a cold climate requires balancing several competing factors. In this article, we rank common heating technologies based on five key criteria:
- Operating costs
- Comfort during harsh weather conditions
- Expected lifetime
- Environmental impact
- Aesthetic impact
Worst Option: Fuel Oil Boiler / Furnace
The fuel oil hot water boiler is a staple heating system, especially in the northeast […]
10 Easy Ways to Reduce Utility Bills
By Matt Desmarais, Certified Energy Manager
Utility costs are rising across the United States. In Upstate New York, for example, National Grid has proposed electric rate increases of approximately 31% and natural gas increases of 40% over the next several years. Similar increases are occurring in many regions as utilities invest in aging infrastructure, electricity demand grows, and energy markets continue to shift.
While homeowners cannot control utility rates, they can control how much energy […]
Energy Catalyst: Getting off the Ground with Help from New York State
Powering the Future with Geothermal: The Energy Catalyst Story
Bringing Clean Energy to Homes and Businesses
At Energy Catalyst, the mission is simple but ambitious: make geothermal heating and cooling accessible and affordable for everyone. Founded by Matt Desmarais in 2019, Energy Catalyst manufactures geothermal heat pumps, […]
Albany Business Review Highlights Energy Catalyst’s Geothermal Innovation
Energy Catalyst and founder Matt Desmarais were recently featured in the Albany Business Review for their pioneering work in geothermal technology. The article explores how Energy Catalyst is helping older buildings transition from traditional boilers to geothermal heat pump systems—unlocking new potential for clean energy retrofits across the Northeast. Desmarais discusses the growing market need and the company’s mission to make geothermal heating more accessible and scalable.
How Much Does Geothermal Cost In NY?
When building a new home, it is wise to consider a heating and cooling system that has low operating costs. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are the highest efficiency option available to home owners and are 45% higher efficiency than air source heat pumps, according to the Department of Energy. This high efficiency can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the building and save big money over the life of the building.
Geothermal heat pumps […]
