The Smart Path to Energy Savings (And How to Get Started)

Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, saving energy is simpler than you think. The Sponsors of Mass Save are here to guide you every step of the way, as well as connect you with rebates and incentives on energy-saving upgrades that help make your home more comfortable and efficient. It’s time to take the smart path towards maximizing your energy savings and minimizing your stress, in just three steps:

Step One: Discover your opportunities to save

Whether you own or rent, the first step to saving energy is understanding how your home uses it and where it may be wasting it. A Mass Save home energy assessment can help you do just that and discover savings opportunities.

During the visit, an Energy Specialist will evaluate your home’s energy use to identify energy saving opportunities and recommend upgrades tailored to your space, while also helping you navigate available rebates and incentives. After the energy assessment, you will receive a custom energy report with personalized recommendations and your eligibility for savings.

What kind of rebates and incentives are available?

• 75-100% off approved insulation improvements
• No-cost targeted air sealing
• Rebates of up to $25,000 on qualifying energy-efficient heating, cooling and/or water-heating equipment
• The opportunity to apply for 0% financing through the Mass Save HEAT Loan Program for eligible upgrades

How do I book a Home Energy Assessment?

Call 866-527-SAVE (7283) or visit MassSave.com/HEA to schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment.

Step Two: Seal in your savings

Once you’ve received your custom recommendations, the next step is taking action. Weatherization is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to start, with upgrades like insulation and air sealing significantly improving your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. The Sponsors of Mass Save make it easy by connecting you with trained, participating contractors and offering no-cost air sealing and 75-100% off approved insulation upgrades.

What kind of upgrades does weatherization include?

• Air sealing: Minimize gaps that allow indoor air to escape and outdoor air to get in. Air leakage can represent up to 40% of space-conditioning costs in a leaky building.
• Insulation: Adding insulation slows heat transfer through the building envelope (i.e., walls, roof, floors), which helps keep warm air inside during the winter and hot air out during the summer, improving year-round comfort and efficiency.
• Ductwork upgrades: If your home uses a centralized heating or cooling unit with ducts outside of the conditioned space of the home (i.e., in an attic, basement, garage, or crawlspace), sealing and insulating the ducts can significantly improve the overall efficiency of your system by ensuring that more of the heated or cooled air gets delivered where it is needed.

What are the benefits?

Weatherizing your home can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15%, but the benefits go beyond energy savings:

• Decreases drafts to improve comfort and humidity all year long
• Minimizes outside noise for a quieter, more peaceful environment
• Prevents allergens and pests from entering your home
• Reduces the chance of ice dams—protecting your home from potential damage

Thanks to rebates and incentives from the Sponsors of Mass Save, upgrades like air sealing and insulation are more affordable and accessible to homeowners and renters statewide.

Step 3: Maximize your savings

Once your home is properly weatherized, increase your savings with energy-efficient equipment, products, appliances and more. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and equipment is a practical next step in reducing energy use. Efficient models, ENERGY STAR® certified products, use less energy to perform the same tasks. These upgrades not only benefit the environment but can maximize your long-term household savings.

In an average U.S. household, almost half of an average energy bill goes to heating and cooling. Today’s cold climate heat pumps are two to three times more efficient as a boiler or furnace. Heat pumps use electricity to both heat and cool your home efficiently, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating the need for in-home fuel storage or combustion.

Is a heat pump right for your home?

Every home is different, so it’s important to work with a qualified contractor who can recommend the right system and design a solution tailored to your space. You can also connect with a Mass Save Decarbonization Specialist during a Decarbonization Consultation to receive technical guidance and support on upgrading your heating and cooling equipment and ask questions.

What about financing?

To help make the switch easier, the Sponsors of Mass Save offer rebates on heat pumps along with 0% interest loans for qualifying upgrades up to $25,000.

Keep water heating in mind

It’s often a home’s second-largest energy expense. Heat pump water heaters are up to three times more efficient than traditional electric models and the Sponsors of Mass Save offer rebates to help you upgrade.

With the help of the Mass Save Sponsors, following the smart path to energy savings is easier and more affordable for homeowners and renters alike. Whether you're just starting out with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment or ready to upgrade to a heat pump, every step adds up to a more efficient home and better savings. Start today to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy a home that’s comfortable all year long.