The Homeowners' Guide to Understanding the Mass Save Program

Facing the extreme climate of Massachusetts can mean having to pay hefty bills for electricity, oil and gas. Fortunately, Mass Save has arrived on the scene to provide some respite for homeowners!

With home heating costs expected to rise this year, this program will allow homeowners to save hundreds of dollars in energy savings - making it easier than ever before to stay warm or cool no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

What is Mass Save?

Mass Save is a program focused on optimizing the energy efficiency of homes in the State of Massachusetts. The goal of the program is to reduce energy waste and help Massachusetts homeowners save money along the way. Through this innovative program, several utility companies and energy suppliers have joined forces with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to provide rebates, loans, incentives and training to help Massachusetts homes become more energy efficient. So, whether you're looking for some extra savings or want to reduce your environmental footprint, Mass Save is definitely worth looking into.

Who can take advantage of Mass Save?

Virtually any electricity consumer can take advantage of the savings, ranging from homeowners and renters to landlords and schools. The program also provides additional support services for low-income households and small business owners. For instance, low-income households may qualify for complimentary electrical appliances or upgrades.

Why is Energy Efficiency Important?

Energy efficiency should be important for homeowners for two main reasons: first, by improving energy efficiency, you can save hundreds of dollars every year on your electricity bills (who doesn’t like more money in their pocket); second, by investing in energy efficient products you do your part in reducing your carbon footprint and overall pollution within state borders (it’s a win-win).

How do I know what improvements I should make for my home to be more Energy Efficient?

It can be challenging to know exactly where to start on your journey to making your home more energy efficient. In response to this, the Mass Save program provides no-cost home assessments, conducted by certified specialists, for homeowners who want advice about how best to upgrade their home-energy systems and what steps to take to get there. Energy assessments are an incredibly valuable tool for understanding the current energy efficiency of your home and discovering which improvements would help maximize your overall energy efficiency. 

Am I eligible for a No-Cost, Home Energy Assessment?

Normally, home energy assessments cost hundreds of dollars – but, if you’re eligible, you can take advantage of Mass Save’s free no-cost energy assessment. In order to be eligible you must:

• Live in a one to four unit home;

• Have unimpeded access to the home with the ability to install recommended energy efficiency products (e.g. weatherstripping or LED bulbs);

• Be a residential customer of one of Mass Save’s sponsors (e.g. Cape Light Compacts); and

• Be willing to work with an Energy Specialist virtually or in person in the home.

What do I get from the Mass Save No-Cost Home Energy Assessment?

During this assessment process an Energy Specialist will come into your home (or connect with you virtually) and examine your current windows as well as other areas related to energy use (e.g., insulation levels). This energy assessment can usually be completed in under two hours. At the end of your assessment, the Energy Specialist will provide you with a detailed and personalized report outlining recommendations and potential improvements that could be made to your home in order to reduce monthly energy costs over time. With the Energy Assessment you will also obtain the following:

• Delivery to your home of free energy-saving products, such as ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs and advanced power strips, that were recommended to you by the Energy Specialist;

• A discount of up to 75% on approved insulation improvements;

• Free targeted air sealing;

• A screening for eligibility of applicable Mass Save rebates and 0% interest financing under the Mass Save HEAT Loan.

A Home Energy Assessment provides you with an opportunity to learn more about your home and get involved in the process of making it more energy efficient, all from the comfort of your home. With a Home Energy Assessment, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to help save on your energy bills. You can book your Energy Assessment directly with Mass Save .

Does Window Replacement help with the Energy Efficiency of my home?

When it comes to energy efficiency upgrades, replacing old, drafty windows can have a significant impact. For instance, installing ENERGY STAR® certified windows is one of the best ways to increase a home's energy efficiency. In fact, upgrading your windows with ENERGY STAR® certified windows can reduce energy consumption by as much as 25% and help lower heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. Making the switch can also reduce your home’s carbon footprint by 12% and add value to your home. These windows are designed for optimal efficiency, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, while reducing energy costs. What’s more, these windows are constructed with low-emissivity coatings to reduce UV sun damage to your floors, carpets, and furniture.

For this reason, Mass Save offers homeowners rebates and incentives that can help them save money on ENERGY STAR® certified window replacements. 

What Programs are Available for Window Replacement?

If your Energy Assessment recommends replacing some or all or your windows, one of the Mass Save programs you can benefit from is the window rebate . In a nutshell, you can get a rebate of up to $75 per window on recommended window replacements by upgrading your single pane windows to triple pane ENERGY STAR certified windows. 

Another Mass Save program you can benefit from if window replacement was suggested via your Energy Assessment is the Mass Save HEAT Loan. The HEAT Loan is a no-interest loan that can be used by homeowners to pay for the cost of Mass Save approved energy efficient window installations. Qualifying homeowners could get up to $25,000.00 with 0% interest under the loan program with a term of up to 7 years.

Can I Combine Mass Save HEAT Loan with the Window Rebate?

Yes, if you qualify, you can obtain both the per window rebate and the Mass HEAT Loan to help subsidize the cost of your recommended window replacements.

What Type of Windows Qualify for Mass Save?

To qualify for the Mass Save window replacement rebate, your new windows must be ENERGY STAR® certified and have a U-Factor rating of 0.25 or lower (this indicates how well the window insulates). The rebate will only cover the replacement of single pane windows with triple pane ENERGY STAR® certified windows.

Am I Eligible for the Window Rebate?

To determine whether you’re eligible for the Window Rebate, you must:

• Have a residential electric and/or gas account with one of the Mass Save Program providers (e.g. Cape Light Compact, Liberty Utilities, Eversource, National Grid and/or Unitil);

• Have your existing windows verified during an Energy Assessment and complete any weatherization recommendations made during the Energy Assessment;

• Replace single pane windows with triple pane ENERGY STAR® certified windows;

  • Purchases must be made between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

How do I get the Mass Save Rebate?

To qualify for the Mass Save Rebate, you must:

• Have your existing windows verified (quantity and types of windows) through a Home Energy Assessment of Virtual Special Home Visit;

• Complete any weatherization recommendations made during the Energy Assessment;

• Purchase and install the number of ENERGY STAR® certified windows verified during your Home Energy Assessment;

Once you’ve installed your new windows, submit the rebate form provided to you during your Home Energy Assessment in the Mass Save rebate portal .

Am I Eligible for the Mass Save HEAT Loan?

To determine whether you’re eligible for the HEAT Loan, you have to meet the following criteria:

• Own a residential home in the state of Massachusetts;

• Have a residential electric and/or gas account with one of the Mass Save Program providers (e.g. Cape Light Compact, Liberty Utilities, Eversource, National Grid and/or Unitil);

• Obtain approval for the loan from a participating Mass Save HEAT Loan Lender; and

• Use the HEAT Loan funds for qualifying energy-efficient improvements under the Mass Save Program.

How do I Apply for the Mass Save HEAT Loan?

1. The first step in applying for the loan is scheduling and completing your No-cost home Energy Assessment by calling 1-866-527-7283 ;

   • During your Energy Assessment, the home energy auditor will complete and provide you with your copy of a HEAT Loan Intake Form.

2. Once you’ve completed your home Energy Assessment and obtained your HEAT Loan intake form, obtain a signed quote from a window installation contractor;

3. Through the Mass Save HEAT Loan online portal , complete and submit the Intake Form.

   •  If all is good, you will receive an Authorization Form.

4. Submit your Authorization Form to the HEAT Loan approved lender you’ve selected.

If everything is approved, you’ll receive a two-party check payable to you and your contractor(s).

Conclusion

It goes without saying that there are certainly some advantages to taking a closer look at what Mass Save programs you may be able to leverage in optimizing your home’s energy efficiency. Taking part in some of Mass Save’s programs, like the HEAT Loan and the Window Rebate can have a positive, far-reaching impact. Not only could you benefit financially from interest-free loans, rebates and overall lower utility bills, by investing in efficient windows, you can also reduce CO2 emissions from your home, which helps create healthier environments throughout our Massachusetts communities. Have a look and see what advantages you can leverage!