If you live in Massachusetts and want to save money on your energy bills, a Mass Save Energy Audit might be just what you need. This program helps homeowners understand how they use energy and find ways to use less.
With an energy audit, you can discover simple changes that can make your home more comfortable and efficient. Not only will this help you save money, but it can also be good for the environment.
In this article, you will learn about what a Mass Save Energy Audit is, the benefits it offers, and the best time to get started on your journey to saving energy.
What is a Mass Save Energy Audit?
A Mass Save Energy Audit is a thorough check-up of your home’s energy use. During the audit, a trained expert will visit your house to look for ways you can save energy and money. The expert will examine different parts of your home, like your:
- Heating system
- Insulation
- Appliances
You don’t need to worry about any costs because the program is free for most Massachusetts residents. To be eligible, you must own or rent a home in the state and be a customer of certain utility companies.
The audit usually takes about two to three hours, depending on the size of your home. At the end, you’ll receive a report with suggestions on how to make your home more energy-efficient.
Benefits of a Mass Save Energy Audit
Scheduling a Mass Save Energy Audit offers numerous benefits. By implementing the recommendations from your audit, you can significantly lower your monthly energy bills.
Not only will your home feel more comfortable with fewer drafts and consistent temperatures year-round, but you’ll also contribute to a healthier environment by reducing energy consumption and minimizing your carbon footprint.
The audit can even make your home safer by identifying potential issues with your heating system or other appliances. As a bonus, energy-efficient homes often have higher resale values. By making the suggested improvements, you’re not just saving money now but also investing in your home’s future value.
Best Time to Get a Mass Save Energy Audit
While you can benefit from an energy audit any time of year, certain seasons offer unique advantages. Spring and fall are ideal times for an audit because mild temperatures allow for accurate testing of your home’s insulation and air leakage.
During these seasons, your heating and cooling systems aren’t working as hard, making it easier to spot inefficiencies. Summer audits can help you prepare for the hot weather by improving your cooling system’s efficiency and identifying areas where cool air might escape.
Winter audits are great for finding drafts and heat loss issues when they’re most noticeable. You might also consider scheduling an audit before a major home renovation or after buying a new house. By getting an audit before making changes or moving in, you can prioritize energy-efficient upgrades and potentially save money in the long run.
How to Prepare for an Energy Savings Program Audit
Getting ready for your energy audit can help you get the most out of the experience. Before the specialist arrives, gather your recent energy bills to give them a clear picture of your home’s energy use patterns.
Make a list of any concerns you have about your home’s comfort or energy use, such as drafty rooms or high bills. Clear the areas around your heating and cooling equipment, electrical panels, and attic access to ensure the specialist can easily examine these important spots.
Think about your daily routines and be ready to share information about when you’re typically home and how you use different appliances. If you have pets, plan to keep them in a separate room during the audit for their safety and to allow the specialist to work efficiently. Taking these steps will help the energy specialist provide the most accurate and helpful recommendations for your home.
What to Expect During Your Massachusetts Energy Audit
Scheduling your Mass Save Energy Audit is easy and convenient. You can book an appointment online or by phone, choosing a time that works best for you. On the day of your audit, an energy specialist will arrive at your home to perform a detailed assessment of your energy use. The specialist will use special tools to check for air leaks, examine your insulation, and test the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
During the visit, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and learn about energy-saving tips. The specialist might also install some free energy-saving items right away, like LED light bulbs or a programmable thermostat. After the audit, you’ll receive a report with personalized recommendations for improving your home’s energy efficiency.
After your Mass Save Energy Audit, you’ll receive a report with suggestions for bigger energy-saving projects. These recommendations are tailored to your home and can lead to significant long-term energy savings if you choose to implement them.
The report might suggest upgrades like:
- Adding insulation
- Replacing old appliances
- Installing a new heating system
To help you afford these improvements, Mass Save offers various rebates and incentives.
Key Areas Examined During the Audit
During your Mass Save Energy Audit, the specialist will look at several important areas of your home. Each part of your house plays a role in how much energy you use, so the audit covers everything from top to bottom. Let’s explore the main areas the energy specialist will check and why they matter for your home’s efficiency.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Your heating and cooling systems are often the biggest energy users in your home. The energy specialist will check how well your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump is working and if it’s the right size for your space. They’ll look at the age of your equipment and how efficiently it runs.
You might learn about newer, more energy-efficient options that could save you money in the long run. The specialist will also check your ductwork for leaks and make sure your thermostat is set up correctly to maximize energy savings.
Insulation and Air Sealing
Good insulation and proper air sealing are key to keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. The energy specialist will check your walls, attic, and basement to see if you have enough insulation and if it’s installed correctly.
They’ll use special tools to find air leaks around windows and other openings where heated or cooled air might escape. You’ll learn about different types of insulation and air-sealing methods that could help you save energy. Improving these areas can make a big difference in your home’s comfort and your energy bills.
Lighting and Appliances
The energy specialist will take a close look at your lighting and appliances during the audit. They’ll check how much energy your current light bulbs and fixtures use and suggest more efficient options like LED lights. For appliances, the specialist will examine your:
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Any other major devices
You may receive recommendations on upgrading older appliances to newer, energy-efficient models. Additionally, the specialist can provide practical tips, such as using power strips or optimizing your refrigerator’s temperature settings, to help you lower your energy bills with minimal effort.
Immediate Energy-Saving Measures
One of the best parts of a Mass Save Energy Audit is that you can start saving energy right away. The energy specialist may install free energy-saving items during your audit, helping you begin to reduce your energy use immediately. These items can include things like:
- LED light bulbs that use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs
- Low-flow shower heads that can save water and energy
- Smart power strips that cut electricity to devices when not in use
Beyond these free installations, you’ll also learn about quick behavioral changes that make a big difference. Simple actions can help reduce your energy consumption:
- Turning off lights when leaving a room
- Unplugging electronics not in use
- Using natural light can help reduce your energy consumption
The specialist might demonstrate how to adjust your thermostat to optimize heating and cooling. For example, lowering the temperature by just a few degrees in winter can save significant energy. You’ll also receive personalized tips about your specific home’s energy profile.
These might include recommendations like:
- Using ceiling fans to improve air circulation
- Sealing small air leaks around windows with weatherstripping
- Using cold water for laundry to reduce water heating costs
Implementing these immediate measures means you can start seeing energy savings quickly and build momentum for larger efficiency improvements.
Make Home Savings Your Reality
A Mass Save Energy Audit is the first step to saving money and making your home more comfortable. By understanding how your home uses energy, you can make smart choices about improvements that will have the biggest impact.
If you’re ready to start your energy-saving journey, reach out to us to get started. At Endless Energy home services, we offer free, no-obligation home energy audits as part of the Mass Save program. Our team of experts will guide you through the entire process, from assessment to implementation of energy-saving measures. Take the next step to improve your home today.
