As a homeowner in Massachusetts, finding ways to improve energy efficiency in your home is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money on your energy bills. One of the best ways to achieve these goals is by scheduling a no cost home energy assessment with a Mass Save® approved contractor like Endless Energy.
A home energy assessment is an essential first step toward making your home more energy-efficient, and it helps provide you with a clear understanding of where energy is being lost, how much you could save, and which improvements will provide the most benefit towards both savings and decarbonization. But what exactly can you expect during this assessment? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the entire process so you can be prepared and know what to expect every step of the way.
What is a Home Energy Assessment?
A home energy assessment, also known as an energy audit, is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy use. The goal of the assessment is to identify areas where energy is being wasted and recommend solutions to help improve your home’s efficiency. As a Mass Save® Home Performance Contractor, Endless Energy is specially trained to perform thorough energy assessments, offering advice on energy-saving improvements and how to take full advantage of available rebates and incentives.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Home Energy Assessment
Here’s a breakdown of the typical process you’ll experience during your home energy assessment with Endless Energy:
1. Initial Consultation & Scheduling
The process begins with a simple phone call (508-501-9990) or online request to Endless Energy to schedule your home energy assessment. During this conversation, we’ll ask you about your home’s size, age, heating/cooling systems, and any specific concerns you may have (e.g., drafts, high energy bills). Based on this information, we’ll schedule a convenient time for the assessment, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the size of your home.
2. Arrival & Introduction
When our Endless Energy BPI certified home energy specialists arrives, they will introduce themselves and go over the process with you. They will also ensure that the home is safe for the assessment and ask you about any specific areas of concern that you’ve noticed in terms of energy usage. This is a great opportunity to mention any particular issues you’ve had, such as cold rooms in winter or rooms that are always too hot in the summer.
3. Inspection of Your Home’s Insulation & Sealing
One of the first tasks of the assessment is to check your home’s insulation and air sealing. Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing the amount of energy required to heat or cool your home. The technician will inspect areas such as your attic, walls, and basement to see if your insulation is up to standard. They’ll also check for air leaks around windows, doors, and vents that may be letting warm or cool air escape. In Massachusetts, where winters can be harsh, proper insulation is especially important for preventing heat loss.
4. HVAC System Evaluation
The next step is to evaluate your heating and cooling systems (e.g., furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, etc.). Our technician will assess the condition, age, and efficiency of your HVAC system. If your system is outdated or inefficient, it could be costing you more in energy bills. If you’re using a central heating system or mini-split heat pumps, we will discuss options for improving performance, including the possibility of installing more energy-efficient systems or utilizing the Mass Save® rebates available for upgrades.
5. Water Heater Check
Your water heater is another key area that contributes to energy usage. The technician will check your water heater’s age, insulation, and efficiency to see if it’s operating at its best. If your water heater is old, inefficient, or in need of replacement, the technician will offer recommendations, including options for energy-efficient heat pump water heaters. We’ll also explain how to access available rebates to help offset the cost of an upgrade.
6. Lighting and Appliance Evaluation
Energy-efficient lighting and appliances are essential to lowering your energy bills. During the assessment, our technician will assess your home’s lighting and appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. You may qualify for energy-efficient lighting upgrades, and you’ll be advised on any appliances that may be consuming excess energy, along with suggestions for more efficient alternatives.
7. Energy Savings Report & Recommendations
At the conclusion of your assessment, you will receive a detailed energy savings report. This report will outline areas where energy is being wasted and provide a clear plan for improvements. We’ll prioritize recommendations based on cost-effectiveness and the potential for long-term savings. Some of the most common recommendations include:
- Air sealing and insulation upgrades (attic, walls, basement)
- Upgrading HVAC systems to more energy-efficient heat pump models
- Installing a smart thermostat to optimize energy use
- Replacing older water heaters with heat pump systems
8. Mass Save® Incentives & Next Steps
As a Mass Save® Home Performance Contractor, Endless Energy is able to help you take advantage of various rebates and incentives available through the Mass Save® program. The energy specialists will explain the rebates you may qualify for and how these can help offset the cost of recommended upgrades. They’ll also walk you through the next steps to take action on the recommendations made during the assessment, including scheduling installations or upgrades with our team.
How Endless Energy Can Help You After Your Assessment
Once your home energy assessment is complete, Endless Energy is here to guide you through every step of the process. From recommending the best energy-efficient upgrades to handling installations, our expert team is ready to help you create a more comfortable, energy-efficient home. We work with you to ensure that all recommended improvements are made in a timely, cost-effective manner, helping you save money on your utility bills for years to come.
Additionally, we’ll help you navigate the Mass Save® rebates to maximize your savings on upgrades like insulation, heat pump systems, heat pump water heaters, and more.
Final Thoughts
A home energy assessment with Endless Energy is an excellent first step in improving your home’s energy efficiency. It provides valuable insights into how your home is performing and what improvements you can make to save energy and reduce costs. With our professional expertise and guidance, you can access Mass Save® incentives and make informed decisions about how to make your home more energy-efficient.
Ready to get started? Contact Endless Energy today at 508-501-9990 to schedule your home energy assessment and take the first step toward a more efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective home.
