Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization

Case Study

Residential Case Study Holliston, Massachusetts

Brought to you by Eversource

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Approximate Energy & Cost Savings

$12,800
Incentive amount
$750
Annual Cost Savings
250
Annual gallons of oil saved

Overview

Massachusetts residents Tony and Mary Varone have enjoyed over 45 years in their Holliston home. With their retirement years ahead of them, the couple started evaluating their household expenses, including energy costs, to find ways to better manage their budget while improving energy efficiency.

 

After learning about no-cost Home Energy Assessments, provided by Eversource, a Mass Save® Sponsor, Tony and Mary decided to sign up to explore potential savings on their energy bills.

Goal

Eversource connected Tony and Mary with a qualified Energy Specialist who conducted an inhome assessment. The evaluation revealed that their 1968 home lacked proper insulation. This was contributing to significant energy loss. In the winter, heat escaped, making it difficult to keep the home warm, while, in the summer, cool air seeped out, forcing their heating and cooling systems to work harder.

To make the family’s residence more efficient and lower monthly energy costs, the Energy Specialist recommended insulation upgrades in the attic and walls, along with additional upgrades including air sealing, weatherstripping and more.

Outcome

During the no-cost Home Energy Assessment, the Energy Specialist found that the 2,000 sq. ft. home only had three inches of insulation in the attic—well below the levels recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program.

To help the Hollistons lower their energy use, the following upgrades were recommended:

  • Attic and wall insulation - Installed in two attic spaces, including in the walls and ceiling, to improve temperature regulation
  • Attic stair cover - A thermal barrier added to reduce heat loss through the attic entry
  • Air sealing and weatherstripping – Applied to doors and windows to minimize drafts
  • Energy-efficient ventilation fan – Installed to enhance indoor air quality and circulation

As a moderate-income household, Tony and Mary qualified for enhanced incentives which made it possible for them to move forward with the upgrades at a significantly reduced cost. They were connected with Rogers Insulation, an Eversource-approved contractor based in Framingham, to complete the work.

Once the upgrades were completed, the couple immediately noticed a difference. Their home was much warmer and so quiet that they could no longer hear any outside noise, including the wind.

In addition to improved comfort, the energy efficiency improvements are delivering real savings. Tony and Mary are now using approximately 250 fewer gallons of oil per year and are projected to save over $750 annually on energy costs.

With these upgrades, the Hollistons can enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home for years to come—all while keeping their energy expenses in check.

 

“Because of my positive experience with Eversource as part of the Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment, I have already encouraged others to sign up and am interested in exploring other energy saving opportunities,”
– Tony Varone, homeowner