Non-decommissioning install
A non-decommissioning install is when the homeowner keeps their current heating system — gas or oil stays — and Sunny adds heat pumps for cooling and supplemental heating.
These jobs are simpler and faster than decommissioning, but they don’t qualify for the Con Edison Clean Heat rebate.
What’s different from decommissioning
Section titled “What’s different from decommissioning”| Aspect | Non-decommissioning | Decommissioning |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler/oil tank | Untouched | Boiler removed or oil tank removed (oil decom always includes electric water heater) |
| Permits | Electrical only | Electrical + mechanical + plumbing |
| Site survey | Often skippable | Always required |
| Rebate | Not eligible | Eligible (Clean Heat) |
| NYSERDA / EFS financing | Not eligible | Eligible |
| Central air sizing | Stay at existing tonnage (e.g., 3 tons) | Default 5 tons |
Why only an electrical permit
Section titled “Why only an electrical permit”The mechanical permit is only required when the heat pumps become the primary heating source. In a non-decommissioning install, the boiler stays on as primary heat — so no mechanical permit is needed.
See Permits by jurisdiction for full breakdown.
When a site survey is needed
Section titled “When a site survey is needed”Often skippable if:
- The rep is confident in unit count and sizing
- Job is under 5 units
- Layout was entered accurately in the Newtonian app
Always survey if there’s any uncertainty about electrical capacity or unit placement. See Site survey for the full criteria.
Financing
Section titled “Financing”NYSERDA / EFS will not approve a non-decommissioning job. Use:
- Cash (collect $1,000+ deposit)
- Lease (Palmetto / Lightreach)
- Green Sky
- Synchrony
- Wisetack for split / gap loans
Central air sizing on non-decommissioning
Section titled “Central air sizing on non-decommissioning”Because BTU coverage doesn’t need to satisfy Con Edison full-home calc, you can replace a 3.5-ton system with a 3-ton system if appropriate. See Central air.
Speed-to-install
Section titled “Speed-to-install”These jobs run fastest:
- 1–2 day permits in the boroughs (see Permits)
- Often no survey needed
- Deal sold at 4 PM, installed next day is realistic
See Speed-to-install.