Where the Most Energy is Used in Your Home and How to Save

Knowing how to reduce energy use isn’t always obvious but understanding where the most energy is used is the first step toward saving money and improving comfort. The Sponsors of Mass Save are here to help Massachusetts homeowners and renters better understand their energy use and identify practical ways to save.

Whether heating and cooling, insulation, or everyday appliances, some areas of your home use more energy than others. In this blog, we’ll break down where energy use is typically highest, share simple steps you can take to start saving, and highlight programs from the Mass Save Sponsors that can help you boost efficiency and stay comfortable year-round.

Identify the biggest energy use areas in your home

You might be surprised which parts of your home use the most energy. Some systems and personal habits have much bigger impacts than others. Understanding where energy use is typically highest can help you focus on the changes that make the biggest difference in your home.

Heating, cooling and water systems

Heating and cooling account for nearly half the energy use in most homes, making them the largest source of residential energy consumption. Furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and air conditioners work hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, especially during extreme winter and summer weather.

Water heating is typically the second highest energy-using system in a home. From showers and laundry to dishwashing, hot water is a daily necessity, and an important opportunity for energy savings.

More efficient technologies, such as high-efficiency heat pumps for space heating and cooling, can use significantly less energy than traditional furnaces or boilers. Similarly, heat pump water heaters are far more efficient than conventional electric water heaters. Choosing the right equipment and ensuring it’s properly sized, installed, and maintained can make a meaningful difference in both energy savings and overall home comfort.

Duct leakage and poor insulation

Air leaks and inadequate insulation allow heated or cooled air to escape, driving up energy use and reducing comfort. Drafty windows and doors, poorly sealed attics and basements, and leaky ductwork can all contribute to energy loss and uneven temperatures throughout the home. Air and duct sealing can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. Sealing and insulating these areas is a simple way to improve comfort and save money.

Appliances

Major appliances like refrigerators, clothes dryers, and dishwashers use energy every day. Older or less efficient models can consume significantly more energy than newer, highly efficient options, but upgrading or using them with reducing energy use in mind can help you save.

Everyday habits

Daily routines can also affect your home’s energy use. Long, hot showers, thermostat settings that are too high or too low, and leaving electronics on when they’re not in use can all add up over time. Simple changes like taking shorter showers, adjusting your thermostat, or turning off devices when not in use can help you save money and energy.

Easy first steps to start saving energy right away

You don’t have to make major upgrades to start saving energy right away. Small, everyday actions can add up quickly, helping you lower energy use, improve comfort, and save some cash.

Try these easy energy-saving steps:

• Turn down your water heater temperature if it’s set higher than needed
• Seal obvious drafts with weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors
• Set thermostat schedules so your system runs only as needed
• Install smart power strips in high-use rooms to reduce energy used by electronics when they’re not in use
• Wash clothes in cold water to cut back on energy used for heating
• Clean dryer lint and replace HVAC filters regularly to keep appliances and systems running efficiently

These simple steps are a great place to start, and they can make an even bigger impact when paired with energy-saving upgrades and Mass Save rebates and incentives.

How Mass Save programs, rebates and incentives can help you save

Once you understand where your home uses the most energy and start making small changes, Mass Save programs, rebates and incentives can help you lower upfront costs and take the next step towards saving even more and improving overall comfort.

Home Energy Assessments

A no-cost Home Energy Assessment provides a personalized look at how your home uses energy.

During the assessment, a trained Energy Specialist will conduct a thorough review of your home to identify energy-saving opportunities. They’ll look for air leaks and drafts, inspect key systems and areas throughout your home, and recommend improvements based on your specific needs.

After your assessment, you’ll receive a customized energy report outlining clear next steps and Mass Save incentives you may qualify for, including support for insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling upgrades, and more.

A no-cost Home Energy Assessment can help prioritize the improvements that matter most, making it easier to start saving money and energy. Call the Mass Save Solutions Center at 866-527-SAVE (7283) or visit MassSave.com/HEA to schedule your assessment.

Insulation and air sealing to reduce heat loss and improve comfort

Insulation and air sealing help prevent heat loss in the winter and keep cool air inside during the summer by closing gaps in areas like attics, basements, and around windows and doors.

These improvements are often among the most impactful upgrades you can make and are commonly recommended after a Home Energy Assessment. Through Mass Save incentives, you may qualify for 75–100% off approved insulation improvements and no-cost targeted air sealing.

High-efficiency heating, cooling and water heating systems to lower energy use year-round

Improving your home’s insulation and sealing air leaks not only reduces heat loss and improves comfort but also lays the groundwork for upgrading your heating and cooling system. High-efficiency equipment, such as heat pumps, can significantly reduce energy use while improving comfort year-round. Modern systems provide consistent temperatures, better humidity control, and quieter operation.

The Sponsors of Mass Save offer rebates and incentives for qualifying heating and cooling upgrades, helping reduce upfront costs and make energy-efficient equipment more affordable.

Additionally, upgrading to a heat pump water heater can use significantly less energy than traditional electric resistance or standard gas models. These systems provide reliable hot water for daily needs while lowering overall energy consumption.

Mass Save rebates and incentives on qualifying high-efficiency water heaters, make it easier to upgrade and start saving on one of your home’s most consistent energy uses.

Smart thermostats to help manage heating and cooling more efficiently

Smart thermostats help manage heating and cooling more efficiently by following schedules, adjusting automatically, or responding to your daily routines. Many models can be controlled from your smartphone, helping reduce unnecessary energy use while keeping your home comfortable.

The Sponsors of Mass Save offer rebates and incentives for qualifying thermostat upgrades, making this an easy way to start saving.

ENERGY STAR® certified appliances that use less energy without sacrificing performance

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified appliances, such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers, can significantly reduce energy use without sacrificing performance. These upgrades support long-term savings and can help prepare your home for larger efficiency improvements in the future.

Save on new, energy-efficient appliances and products with Mass Save rebates and incentives.

Understanding where the most energy is used in your home is the first step toward making smarter, more efficient choices. Now you know which areas of your home use the most energy, how small changes can lead to meaningful savings, and where efficiency improvements can make the biggest impact.

Rebates, incentives, and no-cost Home Energy Assessments from the Sponsors of Mass Save can help make energy-saving upgrades more affordable and easier to prioritize. With the right information and support, improving your home’s energy efficiency can lead to greater comfort and long-term savings.