More than 5,000 Unitil customers in Massachusetts have taken advantage of no-cost home energy assessments to make their homes more energy-efficient.
“We’ve seen strong participation in these assessments over the years. It’s clear that many customers see the value in taking a closer look at how their homes use energy and learning where simple improvements can make a difference,” said Unitil’s External Affairs Director, Alec O’Meara.
As a sponsor of Mass Save, Unitil offers home energy assessments and rebate programs to help homeowners, renters and businesses use energy more efficiently. Mass Save is a collaborative of Massachusetts’ public natural gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers.
The assessments typically take just a few hours and result in a customized report with recommendations, such as adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading heating or cooling systems. Many homeowners make the recommended energy efficiency improvements detailed in the reports, but there is no obligation to do so. A home or apartment will use appreciably less energy after making the efficiency improvements.
For one local resident, it was Unitil’s no-cost energy assessment that identified and provided financial incentives for upgraded insulation, new mini-split pumps, and other improvements. They also wanted to reduce the home’s carbon footprint.
“Unitil anticipates that the new equipment will save 1.8 metric tons of greenhouse gases annually, which is equivalent to taking a gasoline-powered vehicle traveling nearly 5,000 miles yearly off the road,” O’Meara said.
Information about no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessments and other programs can be found at unitil.com or masssave.com. When a homeowner signs up for an energy assessment, an approved vendor for Mass Save conducts an in-person or virtual review of their insulation, caulking, heating equipment and other items. A comprehensive no-obligation report is generated identifying areas for improvement. Financial incentives are also available to assist homeowners in making improvements.
