Spring Energy Refresh: What to Clean, Check, and Upgrade Before Cooling Season

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home’s energy efficiency and prepare for the warmer months ahead. Small steps like cleaning key systems, sealing air leaks, and making simple efficiency upgrades can improve comfort and lower cooling costs all summer long.

It’s also a smart time to explore rebates and incentives available through the Mass Save programs. In this guide for Massachusetts homeowners and renters, we’ll cover easy spring maintenance steps, easy efficiency upgrades, and available rebates to help you prepare for a cooler, more efficient season before the calendar flips to summer and heat arrives.

Check and seal your home

Even the most efficient cooling system can’t keep up if cool air is escaping through leaks and warm air is entering. Spring is a great time to check for drafts and seal gaps that could drive up energy use as temperatures rise. Take a look at the checklist below to tighten up your home before summer arrives:

• Inspect windows and doors for leaks or damaged weatherstripping.
  The Sponsors of Mass Save offer rebates for ENERGY STAR^® Most Efficient certified windows, which can help reduce energy costs, prevent drafts, and limit UV sun damage to floors, carpets, and furniture. Replacing single-pane windows with these models can save a typical home about $101 to $583 per year.
• Seal small cracks around the foundation, attic, or exterior walls to prevent unwanted air exchange.
• Check insulation levels in attics and basements to reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in colder months.
• Explore Mass Save insulation and air sealing rebates to offset upgrade costs
  This includes 75-100% off approved insulation improvements and no-cost targeted air sealing for many homes. Income-eligible residents may qualify for fully covered insulation and air sealing upgrades, helping reduce heating and cooling costs year-round, while also reducing dust, allergens, and drafts in the home.

Upgrades for greater efficiency 

If your home is ready for the next step, simple upgrades can deliver long-term energy savings and additional comfort. From smarter controls to high-efficiency equipment, the options below can help reduce cooling costs while modernizing your home’s systems:

• Install a smart thermostat to better schedule home cooling and reduce unnecessary energy use.
  Smart thermostats use sensors and automation to adjust to your habits and changing weather, helping optimize comfort and efficiency. They can also be monitored and controlled remotely through a smart phone. The Sponsors of Mass Save offer rebates of up to $100 per ENERGY STAR^® certified smart thermostat (up to three). Eligible devices can also enroll in the ConnectedSolutions program, which provides incentives for lowering energy use during peak demand periods.
• If applicable, evaluate your current AC system. Is it time to upgrade to a more efficient cooling solution?
  Heat pumps are an efficient option that provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Because they run on electricity, they require no in-home fuel storage and produce no on-site carbon emissions. The Sponsors of Mass Save offer rebates on heat pumps, along with opportunities to apply for 0% financing.
• Replace older appliances with ENERGY STAR^® certified models to reduce energy use and lower long-term operating costs.
  Upgrading to energy-efficient home appliances and products can make a big difference in yearly savings. Residents can also take advantage of income-based assistance to further lower the price of energy-efficient appliances and products.

Clean and maintain your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Spring is a great time to get your home’s heating and cooling system ready for the months ahead, so it runs efficiently and keeps your home comfortable all year long. Taking a few proactive steps now can improve airflow, lower energy use, and reduce allergens before cooling season begins. Start with the tips below to get your system prepared for peak performance:

• Replace or clean air filters to improve airflow, boost efficiency, and reduce dust and allergens circulating in your home.
• Inspect vents and ductwork for blockages or leaks that can restrict airflow and lower system performance.
• Schedule professional HVAC maintenance to ensure your AC is operating safely and efficiently before peak summer demand.
• Close blinds or curtains during the warmest parts of the day to block heat from entering your home and reduce the strain on your cooling system.
• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades so they spin counterclockwise in the summer, creating a cooling breeze that can help you feel comfortable while using less air conditioning.
• Sign up for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment through the Sponsors of Mass Save to identify additional efficiency opportunities and available incentives.

During the assessment, an Energy Specialist will evaluate your home for energy-saving improvements, recommend upgrades, and help you navigate rebates, incentives, and 0% financing. You’ll also receive a Decarbonization Report outlining the incentives you may qualify for. A common first step toward improved efficiency is weatherization, including air sealing and insulation upgrades, both key elements of the next step in your spring refresh.

Outdoor and seasonal prep 

Small maintenance tasks around your home can have a big impact on comfort and energy use. Before summer heat sets in, check these often-overlooked areas to keep systems running efficiently and save energy year-round:

• Clear debris, leaves, and dirt from outdoor AC units to maintain proper airflow and efficiency.
• Check outdoor lighting and switch to LED bulbs for long-term energy savings.
• Inspect attic fans, ceiling fans, and vents to ensure they’re operating properly and support airflow throughout your home.

Bottom line

A little spring prep can go a long way toward a cooler, more efficient home. From tuning up your HVAC system and sealing drafts to making simple upgrades, these steps help you save energy and money and improve comfort. By planning ahead and taking advantage of rebates and incentives from the Sponsors of Mass Save, you can head into summer with a home that’s ready for the season. Visit MassSave.com to learn more.