Understanding your Home Energy Assessment options

If you're considering a Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment or weatherization upgrades, it's helpful to understand the different program partners involved and the role each one plays.

Understanding the roles of Lead Vendors, Home Performance Contractors, and Independent Installation Contractors, can help you navigate the process with confidence and determine which option is the best fit for you and your goals.

In this guide, we'll break down what each partner does, what to expect throughout the assessment and installation process, and how recommended weatherization upgrades move from evaluation to completion.

If you qualify for the Mass Save Income Eligible Program, your pathway may differ from the options outlined below. Eligible households should visit the program page to learn more and get started.

Two ways to get a no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment

The Sponsors of Mass Save offers two pathways for receiving a no-cost Home Energy Assessment and completing recommended weatherization upgrades, such as insulation and air sealing.

It's important to know that technical standards and pricing for air sealing and insulation upgrades is standardized through the program. That means there is no need to collect multiple quotes for weatherization work, allowing you to focus on selecting the pathway that best fits your preference and needs. The two options provided by the Sponsors of Mass Save are:

Schedule with your Mass Save Sponsor's Lead Vendor

• Best for: Customers who prefer working with a neutral advisor that conducts the Home Energy Assessment but does not perform the weatherization upgrades.
• What to expect:
  • You can schedule online or by calling 866-527-SAVE (7283).
  • A Lead Vendor, assigned based on your Mass Save Sponsor, will conduct the assessment and identify opportunities to improve the energy performance of your home.
  • Following the assessment, you'll receive a Decarbonization Report outlining recommended upgrades and available incentives.
  • If you decide to move forward with recommended weatherization improvements, the Lead Vendor will assign your project to a qualified Independent Installation Contractor and provide quality assurance throughout the installation process.

Work with a Home Performance Contractor (HPC)

• Best for: Customers who prefer working with the same participating contractor for both their Home Energy Assessment and any recommended weatherization work.
• What to expect:
  • Select an HPC from the participating contractor network.
  • The contractor will conduct your no-cost Home Energy Assessment and review recommendations with you.
  • If you choose to move forward with insulation or air sealing improvements, the same contractor can complete the work during a future visit.
  • Some HPCs may also offer additional home improvement services beyond weatherization. Participation in those services is optional, and because pricing is not set by the program, it's recommended that customers obtain multiple quotes before proceeding with those projects.

Considering an Independent Installation Contractor

For some customers, the fastest path to recommended weatherization upgrades may be to work directly with a participating Independent Installation Contractor (IIC). These contractors specialize in insulation and air sealing improvements.

• Best for: National Grid and Eversource customers who are confident their home would benefit from insulation and air sealing improvements and wish to bypass the Home Energy Assessment step.
• What to Expect:
  • Contact a participating IIC.
  • The contractor will review your home's eligibility and determine next steps.
  • Depending on your situation, you may be able to move forward with weatherization work without first completing a Home Energy Assessment.
  • If eligible, the contractor can complete recommended insulation and air sealing improvements. Pricing is standardized across participating IICs, so there is no need to collect multiple quotes for this work.

How Quality Assurance Inspections protect your investment

Once insulation and air sealing work is complete, the Sponsors of Mass Save offer no-cost Quality Assurance Inspections to help ensure the installed measures meet program standards and perform as intended. These inspections are available regardless of which participation path you choose or which participating contractor completed the work, providing an additional layer of oversight and confidence for homeowners.

What to Know:

• Customers may be selected for a Quality Assurance Inspection after installation and are encouraged to accommodate the visit.
• Customers can also request an inspection through the program at any time after the work is completed, even if their contractor has already completed an internal review.
• If an inspection identifies issues that are determined to be the contractor's responsibility, the Mass Save Sponsors will work with both the customer and contractor to address them.
• Quality Assurance Inspections do not replace any required local or state building inspections.
• Inspections are conducted by a Lead Vendor, which may include Abode Energy Management, CLEAResult, RISE Engineering, CMC Energy Services, or Center for EcoTechnology, depending on your Mass Save Sponsor.

Quality Assurance Inspections help verify that weatherization improvements are completed according to program requirements, giving customers added confidence in the long-term performance of their energy-saving upgrades.

Who does what? A quick comparison

With several program partners involved, it can be helpful to understand who is responsible for each step of the process. Here's a quick overview of the roles and responsibilities of Lead Vendors, HPCs, and IICs.

Understanding these distinct roles can help you choose the pathway that best aligns with your preferences while knowing exactly who you'll be working with at each stage of the process.

Need help deciding? We're here to help

Whether you prefer to start with a Home Energy Assessment, are ready to move forward with insulation and air sealing improvements, or simply want to better understand your options, the Sponsors of Mass Save offer multiple pathways to help you get started. The right choice depends on your home's needs, your goals, and preferences.

If you have questions or would like assistance, the Mass Save Solutions Center is available to help.

• Phone: 1-866-527-SAVE (7283)
• Email: [email protected]

A Solutions Specialist can help you understand your options, connect with the appropriate program resources, and take the next step toward a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.