The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of clean energy in Massachusetts. It has created the Weatherization Checklist to help homeowners ask the right questions of an energy auditor.
Weatherizing your home by air sealing and insulating has many benefits including:
- saving money on heating and cooling costs,
- increasing comfort by reducing drafts and uneven temperatures,
- reducing your home energy consumption,
- reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions,
- and requiring a smaller heating or cooling system the next time you need to replace it.
During a home energy assessment, a home energy auditor evaluates your home virtually or in-person and recommends weatherization upgrades. Mass Save®, a state sponsored energy-efficiency program, offers no-cost energy assessments through partner companies like Homeworks Energy.
Mass Save® also pays for 75% (or higher for income-eligible homeowners) of insulation and air sealing work. For example, if the cost of insulation is $10,000, you would only pay $2500–a great savings–allowing you to recoup that investment faster over time through savings on your utility bills. There are also 0% loan programs available through Mass Save® to help finance energy efficiency projects.
The weatherization steps not eligible for incentives from Mass Save® or your electricity provider may not be proactively suggested during a professional home energy assessment. However, all the items on this MassCEC checklist are still important to consider when tightening your home’s envelope, especially if you are considering electrifying your home’s heating system. Use this checklist to get the most out of your meeting with a home energy assessment professional.
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