Frequently Asked QuestionS
Browse Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions that we are most often asked by our neighbors. If you don’t find what you need here, call us at (781) 305-3319 and we’ll be happy to help you find the answers right away.
Table of Contents
No-Cost Energy Efficient Items
How do I access the no-cost items?
All you have to do is complete a Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment! At your assessment, you receive eligible no-cost programmable thermostats, advanced power strips, faucet aerators, and water-saving showerheads. It’s that easy!
What is an advanced power strip?
A “phantom energy load” is a term used to describe the energy you lose when your electronics are plugged in or left on while you’re not using them (think about when you’re sleeping). Instead of unplugging all your devices around the house one by one, an advanced power strip makes it easy to reduce wasted energy with a switch of a button.
What is a programmable thermostat?
A programmable thermostat is a great way to save on your heating and cooling costs. You can adjust your temperature settings so that your home automatically adapts to your routine, saving energy and money while you’re at work or sleeping. You control the settings and you can adjust them when special circumstances come up like vacations, dinner parties, and more. No more remembering to turn the thermostat up and down!
What is a faucet aerator?
A faucet aerator helps you save energy and money in the kitchen and bathroom. It lowers a fixture’s water usage by about 4% using a mixture of air and water to create a more consistent stream. It’s a tiny, round device that is hardly noticeable and you can actually run the faucet for a longer period of time, while using less water.
What is an energy-efficient showerhead?
An energy-efficient showerhead helps save water and energy, without you having to do a thing in the shower! Due to its advanced technology, it uses less than 1.5 gallons of water per minute, all while providing you with the water pressure that you love.
Home Energy Assessments
What is a Home Energy Assessment?
A Home Energy Assessment is a way for you to learn about how your home or building loses and consumes energy throughout the year. A Home Energy Specialist will come to your home, show you your savings opportunities, and address your energy efficiency concerns such as home discomfort or high energy costs. You’ll get a custom home energy report that details findings and recommendations and you also get access to Mass Save program benefits like HVAC rebates up to $2,750, 75%+ off insulation upgrades, 100% off air sealing, access to 0% financing for energy efficiency upgrades (up to $25K for 7 years), and no-cost items like programmable thermostats, advanced power strips, and water-saving devices.
How much does an assessment cost?
As a Mass Save partner, we always offer Home Energy Assessments at no cost. There is no additional cost for participating in the program because you help fund it through a charge on your monthly energy bill.
Who can sign up for an assessment?
Massachusetts residents who live in a single-family home or building with 4 or fewer units can sign up for an assessment with us. You can be a homeowner, renter, landlord, or building owner – you just need to have an active utility account with one of the Mass Save sponsors, like Eversource, National Grid, or Cape Light Compact. We cover the entire state so don’t worry about if your neighborhood is eligible. We can help you figure out if you’re qualified – just call us at (781) 305-3319.
I’ve already had a Home Energy Assessment before – do I still qualify?
If you have completed an assessment on your home in the last 3 years, you are not eligible to sign up for another assessment today. The good news is that you can still take advantage of the rebates and incentives through the Mass Save program, you just need to call us at (781) 305-3319 to move forward.
How long is an assessment?
An in-person assessment can last up to 3 hours and a virtual assessment can take up to 90 minutes. We’re always respectful of your time and will work efficiently so that you get the most thorough assessment without taking up too much of your time.
Are home energy assessments invasive?
We’ve seen many, many homes in our time, and we equip our Energy Specialists with tools to get around a large variety of challenging home obstacles. No worries if you are in the middle of moving, have kids, or your house is just a little messy. We’ll work around it. All you have to do is let us in, and we’ll take it from there.
Will an assessment help me save money?
The more energy you consume every month, the more you pay in energy costs. A Home Energy Assessment is designed to lower your energy usage, which means less money coming out of your wallet. The assessment is about long-term solutions that can help your entire household understand energy efficiency and create habits to live a greener life. While every home is different, our neighbors are often surprised at the differences they see from making easy home energy efficiency upgrades.
How are you handling assessments during the pandemic?
The health and safety of our customers and employees is, and will always be, a top priority. We follow social distancing guidelines, limit our in-home time as much as we can, and wear personal protective equipment like masks. We are constantly monitoring the facts and we will continue to adjust as needed to keep everyone safe and healthy. If you are feeling unwell, we offer rescheduling options that are easy so that we can get you back on the schedule when you’re well. We also offer virtual Home Energy Assessments.
I can just DIY an assessment, right?
Our employees love a good DIY project, but we would not recommend taking this one on by yourself. If you choose the YouTube route, you won’t get access to the Mass Save rebates and incentives and you’ll miss out on the opinions of trained energy efficiency experts. It is recommended by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the U.S. Department of Energy, and others to get a professional for your assessment, instead of handling it on your own.
How experienced are the Home Energy Specialists?
HomeWorks Energy was founded in 2008 and we’ve been working nonstop since then to help Massachusetts residents save energy and money. We have performed almost 140,000 Home Energy Assessments and we’re proud to have grown to be the largest Home Performance Contractor in the state. The Home Energy Specialists at HomeWorks Energy are certified, trained, and experienced to give you a quality assessment of your home.
Do I get no-cost energy efficiency items with an assessment?
When you complete a Home Energy Assessment, virtually or in-person, you can get programmable thermostats, advanced power strips, faucet aerators, and water-saving showerheads at no cost. If you choose the virtual option, the items will be mailed to you after your completed assessment.
Am I required to make any upgrades after the assessment?
The assessment is a no obligation experience for all our neighbors. Your Home Energy Specialist will show you how you can save more energy and money year-round, give you a custom home energy report, and install your no-cost items. If you are ready to make any upgrades such as discounted insulation, we can schedule it on the spot. If not, there’s no rush – we will be here when you’re ready to take the next step toward additional savings.
If I’m a landlord, can I get an assessment on my building?
Of course! We work with many local landlords to make their buildings more efficient. If your building has 2-4 units, we can help you find increased incentives such as 100% off insulation. To access the rebates and incentives, all units must be assessed – we can do them all at once or separately if that works best for you. If your building has 5 or more units, click here for further information.
Can I sign up if I’m a renter?
Yes, renters are eligible to sign up for an assessment and access all of the no-cost items available. To get the full line of Mass Save rebates and incentives, we will need to work with your landlord to do a full building approach. We do this often, so we’re happy to facilitate any conversations – it can be as easy as sending us your landlord’s contact information and we can take it from there.
How do I schedule an assessment?
Call (781) 305-3319 to sign up over the phone or go here to schedule online. It’s easy and only takes a couple of minutes!
What if I can’t afford to make my home more efficient?
Mass Save® provides many incentives and rebates to make improvements more affordable. Our Moderate Income Incentive provides insulation installing and air sealing at no-cost for income-qualified customers. With each assessment, we’re also able to install no-cost saving measures such as low-flow showerheads, advanced power strips, and programmable thermostats. Even if nothing else, getting an assessment will still give you valuable information and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Heating & Cooling Consultations
What is a Heating & Cooling Consultation?
A Heating & Cooling Consultation is a no-cost, no obligation way to learn about your replacement options, whether you’re looking for a new boiler, furnace, air conditioner, or ductless system. We’ll listen to your concerns, take a look at your current system, and provide you with a custom quote that solves your home’s unique energy efficiency challenges.
How much time does a consultation take?
A Heating & Cooling Consultation typically takes about 90 minutes. We know that you have a busy schedule, so we move quickly and efficiently, but we also take pride in giving you the best quote and the most accurate information.
How much does a consultation cost?
At HomeWorks Energy, we never charge for a Heating & Cooling Consultation. There’s no catch and you are not required to move forward with any work unless you’re ready. We’re just happy to help our neighbors get the best information to make the most informed decisions about their home.
Do I have to get both heating and cooling quotes?
We are experienced with home heating and cooling systems, but we will just follow your lead and give you the quote that you need. We’re here to give you a quote for what you need now or next season.
What happens after the consultation?
Before we walk out the door, we will give you your custom quote and answer any questions you may have about the recommendations. Our company does it all so we can easily move forward with replacement right away or wait until you’re ready – no pressure!
Are there heating and cooling rebates available?
Great question! Because we are a Mass Save partner, we can help you access heating and cooling rebates up to $10,000 and 0% financing for system upgrades (up to $25K for 7 years).
Is a Home Energy Assessment the same thing as a Heating & Cooling Consultation?
No, an assessment and a consultation are different offerings. If you want to learn more about a Mass Save Home Energy Assessment, click here. If you have any questions about which no-cost offering you should schedule, call (781) 305-3319 and we can help you figure it out!
How do I sign up for a consultation?
To sign up for a consultation, click here or call (781) 305-3319 and we can get you on the calendar over the phone. It only takes a couple of minutes! oggle Content
Rebates & Financing
What energy efficiency rebates and incentives are available?
Thanks to the sponsors of the Mass Save program, you can get no-cost items like programmable thermostats, 75%+ off insulation, 100% off air sealing, up to $10,000 in heat pump rebates, 0% financing for energy efficiency upgrades (HEAT Loan), and more.
How much does a consultation cost?
You don’t even have to worry about that because we take care of all the rebate paperwork for you. It’s our goal to make the process as simple as possible for you!
Are the rebates just for Massachusetts residents?
Right now, eligibility only extends to homeowners, renters, building owners, and landlords living in or with properties in the state of Massachusetts, with a current electric account.
What can I use the 0% financing for?
The HEAT Loan (up to $25,000 for 7 years) can be used for home energy efficiency upgrades like heating, water heating, central AC, heat pumps, insulation, and more.
If I’m a municipal electric customer, can I use the HEAT Loan?
If you heat your home with natural gas (provided by a Mass Save program sponsor), you can apply for the loan for all upgrades except central air conditioners, heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters.