The Winter Comfort & Energy Guide

How to Use Your Energy Systems Wisely Through Cold Weather

Winter doesn’t break energy systems — but it does change how they behave. Modern systems are now better designed for shorter days, colder temperatures, snow cover, and the occasional outage.

If you’ve lived through a Northeast winter, you know it’s the season where homes and energy systems really show how they perform. A few thoughtful adjustments can go a long way towards comfort, efficiency, and resilience.

Solar in Winter: Your System Is Working as Designed

As a reminder, solar systems are designed around annual production, not month-to-month performance.

In winter, it’s normal to experience:

• Shorter days and lower sun angles

• Monthly production that’s lower than the yearly average

• Temporary dips following snowstorms or extended cloud cover

  
  

If your system was installed in winter, early monthly output will likely be lower compared to the annual average – that’s expected. Solar performance is best understood over a full 12-month cycle.

Net Metering

Grid-tied solar systems in New York are designed to produce more electricity during higher-sun months (spring, summer, and early fall). When your system produces more energy than your home uses, that excess power is sent back to the grid and credited to your account.

Those credits are then applied during lower-production months, helping offset your usage when solar output is naturally reduced. In other words, your system isn’t meant to match usage perfectly every month — it’s designed to balance out over the full year.

Snow on Panels: When to Let Nature Work

In most cases, the safest and most effective move is to wait.

• Panels are designed to shed snow naturally as the sun warms them.

• On pitched roofs, snow often slides off faster than expected.

• Clearing panels on icy or elevated roofs adds unnecessary risk.

  
  

If snow does need to be cleared:

• Use a soft foam brush designed for solar.

• Never scrape or use metal tools.

  
  

Batteries in Winter: Protect Your Runtime

In winter, your focus for battery usage should be endurance.

When solar production is limited:

• Batteries recharge slowly – or not at all if your solar panels are completely covered.

• Stored energy becomes more valuable.

• High-draw appliances can drain storage quickly.

  
  

During these periods:

• Avoid stacking large electrical loads.

• Be intentional with energy use.

• Focus on extending backup time.

  
  

NEPM Insight

During outages, some of the biggest battery drains aren’t obvious appliances – they’re background loads like network equipment, entertainment systems, and idle electronics.

The key is either clearly defining which circuits you want backed up, or, if you prefer flexibility, being mindful of those “phantom” loads. This is where tools like smart electrical panels or energy monitoring devices can be especially helpful, offering visibility and control – and for many clients, real peace of mind, especially when they’re away from home.

Heat Pumps, Batteries & Outages: Understanding the Tradeoffs

Heat pumps – both air-source and geothermal – are excellent heating and cooling systems. They’re efficient, clean, and reliable when the grid is available.

During outages, though:

• Heat pumps are large electrical loads, so running them on batteries can drain storage quickly.

• Covering those loads will require more storage capacity (more batteries).

  
  

This doesn’t mean heat pumps are the wrong choice – it simply means running them off battery power during outages can deplete your stored energy quickly. If heat pumps are your only heat source, or if avoiding fossil fuels is a priority, thoughtful operation makes a real difference.

During outages:

• Lower thermostat setpoints – even 2–4°F can have a big impact.

• Avoid frequent adjustments or deep temperature setbacks.

• Let systems run steadily rather than cycling aggressively.

• Limit other high-draw electrical loads.

  
  

Key takeaway: Think of outage operation as “gentle mode” – steady, modest heating helps preserve both batteries and equipment.

Insulation: Keeping the Energy You Make

One of the most overlooked winter energy strategies has nothing to do with technology – it’s about keeping the energy you already have inside your home.

Energy efficiency improvements such as air sealing and insulating your home have many benefits:

• Reduce heat loss during cold snaps.

• Lower overall energy demand.

• Extend battery runtime during outages.

• Improve comfort regardless of heating system type.

  
  

Why Supplemental Fossil Fuel Heat Can Improve Resilience

Electrification is the future – but resilience often comes from layered systems.

For homes with existing oil, propane, or gas heat:

• These systems use very little electricity to operate.

• Batteries can easily support ignition and controls.

• Backup runtime is significantly extended.

  
  

Using fossil fuel heat only during outages, while relying on heat pumps day-to-day, often provides the best balance of comfort, cost, and resilience.

Battery Placement & Cold Weather Performance

Modern batteries are designed for cold climates.

• Many are rated for outdoor installation, even in the Northeast.

• Slight efficiency reductions in extreme cold are normal.

• Indoor installation typically improves winter performance and longevity.

  
  

Electric Vehicles

Cold weather affects EV range and charging behavior.

• Expect reduced range in winter.

• Precondition vehicles while plugged in (before driving) to limit strain on the vehicle's heating system and battery.

• Be thoughtful about charging during storms or extended cold snaps.

  
  

Start Here Before Adding More Tech

Before adding new technology – more batteries, larger systems, or additional equipment – it’s always worth taking a step back and looking at the full picture.

In many homes, the biggest gains come from:

• Understanding how existing systems are actually being used.

• Reducing unnecessary energy loss.

• Clarifying what you truly want covered during outages.

• Making sure systems are layered thoughtfully.

  
  

Final Thoughts

A smaller, well-designed system paired with a well-sealed and adequately insulated home outperforms a larger, more expensive setup that’s working harder than it needs to.

At NEPM, we always recommend starting with a conversation about your energy goals – then it's up to us to help guide you towards the most optimal outcome. The smartest energy upgrades start with understanding, not equipment.

Get the foundation right, and every system works better.

If you, or someone you know is interested in building a resilient energy plan for a home or business, please submit this form to get started.

Cheers to comfortable living this winter!

New Energy Project Management