Ever find yourself wondering how you can reduce your carbon footprint and utility bills? If you’re a homeowner, a home energy assessment could be the answer. Not only is it free, but it can help you identify home energy efficiency improvements that can benefit both the planet and your wallet!
What is a Home Energy Assessment?
Free home energy assessments are available for Massachusetts homeowners through Mass Save, and for Rhode Island homeowners through RISE Engineering. A home energy assessment involves an inspection of your home by an energy professional and provides energy-efficiency recommendations specific to your home. In some cases, your energy specialist may also provide you with free products during your assessment to help you save energy. These could include items such as energy-efficient lightbulbs, advanced power strips, and water-saving showerheads.
Expected Takeaways
During a home energy assessment, your professional energy auditor will typically review every room in your home and provide you with a written report at the end of their inspection.
Common recommendations that come out of home energy assessments include:
- Upgrading your heating system to a newer, energy-efficient version
- Replacing your current heating system with a heat pump
- Changing the air filters in your heating or cooling system
- Replacing old home appliances with energy saving versions
- Replacing old, drafty windows
- Insulating and sealing ductwork
- Adding insulation to your attic, walls, or basement
Financing Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Another benefit of getting a home energy assessment through Mass Save or EnergyWise is that it could provide you with access to interest-free financing for eligible home energy upgrades. The Mass Save® HEAT Loan program and the Rhode Island 0% Financing Program can provide no-interest loans for qualifying energy improvements such as insulation, heating systems, water heaters, and heat pumps (which can provide heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer).
Do both your wallet and the planet a favor and schedule a home energy assessment. By discovering where the bulk of your home energy consumption lies, you can make the changes necessary to reduce your energy use and energy bills. If you’re a Massachusetts or Rhode Island homeowner who is interested in learning more about interest-free loans for energy-focused home improvements, visit bankfive.com/heatloan or contact us today.