Heating system upgrades are a great way to help you save energy (and money). Though upgrading may seem like an intimidating project, you can break it down into manageable steps:

FIRST, SCHEDULE YOUR NO-COST HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT. If have not yet had an energy assessment or have substantially remodeled your home since your last energy assessment, you can easily schedule one today. Call 866-527-SAVE (7283) for this no-cost service.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INCENTIVES. If your current heating system is older and still working, you might be eligible for the MassSave Early Heating Equipment Replacement program which offers generous rebates for replacing older, working heating systems. During the assessment, be sure to ask your energy advisor how old your current heating system is to know if you qualify for this special rebate. If you have already had a home energy assessment and think you are eligible for this rebate you can request a “special home visit” to confirm whether or not your heating system would qualify.

If your heating system does not qualify for the special rebate, do not worry because the Mass Save Home Energy Services offers great rebates year round that can also help you upgrade your heating system. Your Home Energy Assessment advisor or HVAC technician can also help you determine which incentives apply to your home. Even if you do not need a Home Energy Assessment, you can still contact MassSave® to determine which incentives you qualify for.

NEXT, INSULATE AND/OR SEAL YOUR HOME. Your energy advisor will provide you with a list of energy efficiency recommendations that MassSave® can subsidize such as insulation and air sealing. In addition to these subsidized measures, if you have a hot air system, sealing your ductwork could make a big difference in your heating and cooling bills. If your duct seams are not sealed, you could be losing as much as 30% of your heated or cooled air before it reaches your rooms! You can hire a professional for this work but sealing ductwork in accessible areas like your basement or attic can be an easy D-I-Y project, too, as this video shows.

FINALLY, UPGRADE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM. Once you have completed insulating and air sealing your home, get quotes from two, or preferably three, HVAC contractors on your heating upgrade options. If your current heating system is covered in asbestos wrap insulation, you may be able to get a “barrier mitigation grant” to help cover removal costs. If you are thinking of converting from oil to gas, the gas quotes should include any costs associated with removing your existing oil equipment, including the oil tank, as well as with any new gas pipes that would have to be installed. If you decide to convert to gas, you can get a rebate from the Gas Networks program.

It is wise to think about your water heating system while you are planning to upgrade your heating system. If you currently have a stand-alone water heater, get quotes for an indirect water heating system. These systems are more efficient than a stand-alone water heater. And if you currently use air conditioning and you are replacing a forced air system, or if your home is compact, consider getting quotes for an electric heat pump system for combined heating and cooling.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 0% FINANCING. To help finance your upgrade you can apply for a HEAT Loan. This is a ZERO percent interest loan for up to $25,000 that could be used to finance qualified energy efficiency upgrades, including high efficiency heaters. For a limited time, the cap for HEAT Loans has been expanded to $50,000 for some larger projects. For more details regarding the Expanded HEAT Loan, visit the Mass Save website.

Program Eligibility Requirements:

Eligibility for rebates/incentives is based on findings from the home energy assessment. No-cost air sealing is targeted based on findings of the energy specialist.  Incentives for insulation improvements include 75% off of the cost up to $2,000 for qualified measures (up to $3,000 for qualified multi-family homes). HEAT Loan financing is subject to lender approval from a participating lender. Residents receiving fuel assistance or the utility discount rate may qualify for additional incentives based on their income.