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Frequently Asked QuestionS

Browse Frequently Asked Questions

At HomeWorks Energy, we help Massachusetts homeowners, renters, and landlords make their homes more energy efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective. From helping you understand energy-saving programs and Mass Save® incentives to guiding you through every step of your assessment, upgrades, and financing, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.

If you don’t find what you need here, call us at (781) 305-3319 and we’ll be happy to help you find the answers right away 

Table of Contents

Coverage & Eligibility

HomeWorks Energy serves homeowners, renters, and landlords throughout Massachusetts. Our coverage includes Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Waltham, Worcester, Lynn, Salem, Beverly, Quincy, Plymouth, and surrounding communities.

We also support residents across MetroWest, the North Shore, the South Shore, Cape Cod, Central Massachusetts, and the Pioneer Valley.

Eligibility depends on your utility provider, building type, and participation in Mass Save programs. HomeWorks Energy specialists confirm your utility account, inspect your property type, and identify which energy upgrades qualify for Mass Save incentives. We walk you through the process step by step, so you know exactly what services are available for your home or building.

Yes. Landlords can request assessments for their multi-unit buildings and access insulation, air sealing, and heating/cooling improvements. HomeWorks Energy coordinates with tenants, ensures eligibility, and helps you maximize available Mass Save rebates for your property.

Yes. Renters with a qualifying utility account can schedule a Home Energy Assessment and receive energy upgrades at no cost. If certain upgrades require landlord approval, HomeWorks Energy provides guidance to ensure you can access eligible improvements.

Absolutely. Older homes often have the greatest opportunities for insulation, air sealing, and heating/cooling efficiency improvements. HomeWorks Energy specialists assess your home and recommend upgrades that maximize comfort and savings and qualify for Mass Save incentives.

Yes. HomeWorks Energy serves residents throughout Massachusetts, including smaller towns like Framingham, Fitchburg, Leominster, Haverhill, Barnstable, and Plymouth.

No matter where you live in the state, we guide you through scheduling an assessment, understanding recommended energy upgrades, and accessing all available rebates, incentives, and financing options.

Our team manages the eligibility process for you. During a Home Energy Assessment or consultation, we review your utility account, building type, and energy use. You’ll receive a detailed report outlining available energy upgrades, step-by-step instructions for accessing rebates, and guidance on financing for larger projects.

HomeWorks Energy partners with Massachusetts utilities, including Eversource, National Grid, and Cape Light Compact. If your home receives service from one of these providers, you may be eligible for Home Energy Assessments, energy upgrades, and Mass Save rebates.

Some municipal electric or gas customers also qualify for Mass Save-supported programs. As long as you have either gas or electric provided by National Grid, Eversource, or Cape Light Compact, you can qualify for Mass Save benefits. HomeWorks Energy can confirm your eligibility and explain what upgrades and incentives are available based on your utility.

Your utility provider determines which Mass Save incentives and rebates are available for your home. During your assessment, a HomeWorks Energy specialist will review your utility services, explain which of your recommended upgrades are eligible for incentives, and help you take advantage of all programs available at no cost to you.

Mass Save Program

Mass Save is a statewide energy-efficiency initiative sponsored by Massachusetts utilities, including Eversource, National Grid, and the Cape Light Compact. The program helps homeowners, renters, and landlords reduce energy usage, lower energy bills, and improve home comfort. Through Mass Save, you can access Home Energy Assessments, energy upgrades, insulation and air-sealing improvements, heating and cooling upgrades, and 0% financing options through the HEAT Loan. HomeWorks Energy guides you through the entire process to make it simple and stress-free.

Homeowners, renters, and landlords with a utility account from a participating provider are typically eligible. Single-family homes and multi-family buildings with up to four units could receive energy upgrades at no cost to you. We confirm your eligibility, explain what improvements would benefit your property, and handle the details to make sure you receive every applicable rebate.

Simply schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment with HomeWorks Energy. Our certified Home Energy Specialists verify your eligibility, walk through your home or building, and identify the upgrades that qualify for Mass Save incentives. We handle rebate paperwork, explain financing options, and guide you through installation.

Mass Save provides multiple benefits, including:

  • Improved energy efficiency that can lower your energy bills
  • Increased comfort and reduced drafts
  • 75-100% off weatherization upgrades such as insulation and air sealing
  • Up to $16,000 in rebates for high-efficiency heating and cooling systems
  • Access to rebates and 0% HEAT Loan financing up to $25,000 for larger projects
  • No-cost efficiency items installed on the spot, like programmable thermostats and water-saving devices
  • Guidance from certified home energy specialists to ensure every upgrade maximizes savings

Yes. Residents across Massachusetts, from Boston and Cambridge to Worcester, Cape Cod, the North Shore, South Shore, and Central Massachusetts, are eligible for Mass Save-supported programs. Additionally, smaller towns like Framingham, Haverhill, and Barnstable can access energy upgrades and rebates.

To view our entire coverage area, visit our Areas We Serve page.

Yes. Landlords can schedule assessments for their single- or multi-unit buildings and access incentives for insulation, air sealing, and heating/cooling upgrades. Renters can also receive energy upgrades at no cost, and HomeWorks Energy provides guidance if landlord approval is needed.

Yes. Mass Save upgrades can be combined with federal energy-efficiency tax credits and other state or local incentives. HomeWorks Energy will guide you on what applies to your property and make the process straightforward.

Most energy upgrades identified during a Home Energy Assessment can be completed within a few weeks, depending on your property size and the scope of upgrades. Our team coordinates with contractors and schedules installations to minimize disruption to your daily routine.

HomeWorks Energy specialists handle all utility-related questions. We review your account, explain which energy upgrades and rebates apply, and guide you through the entire Mass Save process, ensuring your property receives the maximum benefit.

No-Cost Energy Efficient Items & Upgrades

HomeWorks Energy provides a variety of energy upgrades for eligible Massachusetts residents, including programmable thermostats, faucet aerators, energy-efficient showerheads, LED lighting, insulation improvements, and air sealing. Our specialists assess your home and recommend the upgrades that will maximize energy savings, comfort, and rebate eligibility.

Schedule a Home Energy Assessment or heating/cooling consultation with HomeWorks Energy. Our team evaluates your home, identifies qualifying upgrades, installs or provides them at no cost to you, and gives guidance on how to use and maintain each measure for maximum efficiency.

A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts your heating and cooling schedules to match your daily routine. This reduces energy waste, keeps your home comfortable, and can significantly lower monthly energy bills. HomeWorks Energy specialists install and program the thermostat for optimal performance during your no-cost assessment.

A faucet aerator mixes air with water to reduce flow while maintaining water pressure. It decreases the energy needed to heat water, lowers water consumption, and helps reduce energy bills.

Energy-efficient showerheads reduce hot water use while maintaining a strong, comfortable flow. This reduces the energy needed to heat water and lowers your monthly bills. HomeWorks Energy installs these upgrades at no cost to eligible residents during the no-cost Home Energy Assessment.

Savings depend on your home size, existing systems, and energy use. On average, Massachusetts residents who complete energy upgrades through HomeWorks Energy see noticeable reductions in heating, cooling, and energy bills.

Yes. Landlords can schedule assessments for single- or multi-unit properties and have eligible upgrades installed at no cost to you. HomeWorks Energy coordinates with tenants and provides guidance on the proper installation and use of each upgrade.

Most upgrades require minimal maintenance. Programmable thermostats come with instructions to optimize efficiency, while faucet aerators and showerheads typically last for years without replacement. HomeWorks Energy provides guidance on proper care during installation.

Home Energy Assessments

A no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment is a professional evaluation of your home’s energy use provided through the Mass Save program. HomeWorks Energy specialists identify areas where energy is lost and recommend upgrades to improve efficiency and comfort and lower energy bills. The assessment helps homeowners, renters, and landlords access Mass Save incentives and rebates at no cost.

Homeowners, renters, and landlords with a participating utility provider are eligible. Single-family homes and multi-unit buildings up to four units typically qualify for energy upgrades and rebates. HomeWorks Energy confirms eligibility and ensures your home receives all applicable measures.

While assessments can be scheduled year-round, the ideal time is before peak heating or cooling seasons. Scheduling in the spring or fall allows you to implement upgrades before winter heating or summer cooling demand, maximizing comfort and energy savings.

During a Home Energy Assessment, our specialists:

  • Inspect attics, basements, crawl spaces, and living areas for insulation gaps and air leaks
  • Evaluate heating and cooling systems, including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and air conditioners
  • Check water heaters, lighting, faucets, and showerheads for safety issues and efficiency opportunities
  • Test for drafts, temperature inconsistencies, and energy waste throughout the home
  • Provide personalized recommendations for upgrades that qualify for Mass Save rebates and incentives

Most in-person assessments take 2-3 hours, depending on home size, while virtual assessments usually take 60-90 minutes. Specialists explain each step so you understand what they’re inspecting and how it affects energy efficiency.

No. Assessments are non-invasive. We equip our energy specialists with tools to get around a variety of challenging home obstacles, particularly in attics and basements. No worries if you are in the middle of moving, have kids, or your house is just a little messy. We’ll work around it.

Clearing access to attics, basements, mechanical systems, and utility areas makes the assessment quicker and more thorough. Specialists may also need access to HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels.

It helps to have your utility bills, any past energy assessments, and information on previous upgrades. This allows specialists to compare energy usage and identify improvements.

You’ll receive a detailed report showing:

  • Areas where energy is being wasted
  • Recommended upgrades and energy-saving measures
  • Guidance on rebates, incentives, and financing options

 HomeWorks Energy also explains which upgrades are most effective and provides installation at no cost to you when eligible.

Yes. The audit identifies hidden energy inefficiencies and recommends upgrades that reduce heating, cooling, and electricity costs. Combined with Mass Save incentives, most residents see reductions in their monthly energy bills.

DIY checks can identify obvious issues, but professional home energy audits uncover hidden inefficiencies, provide Mass Save rebate eligibility, and deliver expert recommendations tailored to your home.

All specialists are trained and certified to perform Mass Save Home Energy Assessments. They follow program standards, provide expert guidance, and ensure your home receives upgrades that maximize savings and comfort.

Yes. Eligible homes can receive on-the-spot upgrades such as programmable thermostats, faucet aerators, and energy-efficient showerheads at no cost. Specialists install or provide these items and explain proper use to maximize efficiency.

No. You are never required to make changes. HomeWorks Energy provides detailed recommendations so you can choose which upgrades to implement while maximizing energy savings and Mass Save rebates.

Yes. Landlords can schedule audits for single-family and multi-unit buildings. Specialists coordinate with tenants, explain eligible upgrades, and ensure the property qualifies for all applicable Mass Save incentives.

If further improvements are recommended, HomeWorks Energy can schedule follow-up visits or consultations. We guide you through applicable Mass Save incentives and financing options to make upgrades affordable.

Most homes benefit from an assessment every 3-5 years, or after major renovations or system upgrades. Regular assessments ensure you continue to maximize energy savings and maintain optimal home efficiency.

Local Efficiency Upgrades

HomeWorks Energy is a certified Mass Save contractor serving homeowners, landlords, and renters across Massachusetts, including Boston, North Shore, South Shore, MetroWest, Cape Cod, and Central Massachusetts. Working with a local contractor ensures your upgrades meet Mass Save program requirements, are eligible for the HEAT Loan, and are tailored to your region’s climate and building types.

Energy efficiency needs vary by region. Coastal homes may face higher humidity and salt air, which can impact insulation and HVAC system performance, while inland homes may need extra heating efficiency for colder winters. HomeWorks Energy evaluates your local conditions to recommend upgrades that maximize comfort, reduce energy waste, and lower energy bills.

Coastal areas like Cape Cod and the South Shore often require moisture-resistant insulation, improved ventilation, and HVAC solutions that handle humidity and salt air. Inland areas, such as MetroWest or Central Massachusetts, may need enhanced insulation, high-efficiency heating systems, and duct sealing to prevent heat loss during colder winters.

Homes in Massachusetts face cold winters, hot summers, and humid coastal air. These factors influence how insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems perform. Local energy assessments consider climate-related factors to ensure upgrades are optimized for energy savings and year-round indoor comfort.

Older homes in Boston or Cape Cod may have unique challenges like uninsulated walls, outdated windows, or older ductwork, while newer homes may benefit more from HVAC optimization and smart thermostat controls. HomeWorks Energy tailors recommendations to your property type, ensuring maximum energy efficiency for your location.

Working with a certified local Mass Save contractor like HomeWorks Energy ensures your upgrades are installed correctly, meet program standards, and are designed for your region’s climate. Local expertise helps maximize the performance of insulation, ductwork, heating, and cooling systems, as well as smart thermostats.

Combining location-specific insulation, air sealing, and HVAC upgrades with ductless systems, smart thermostats, and energy assessments ensures your home is efficient in both summer and winter. HomeWorks Energy creates a tailored plan that considers your climate, building type, and local conditions for maximum energy savings and comfort.

Heating & Cooling Consultations

We provide installation, replacement, and maintenance for high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, central air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems across Massachusetts, including Boston, North Shore, South Shore, MetroWest, Cape Cod, and Central Massachusetts. Our specialists ensure your home or rental property is energy-efficient, comfortable, and optimized for year-round performance.

Ductless mini-splits deliver heating and cooling directly to individual rooms or zones without ductwork. They are ideal for older homes, home additions, finished basements, or areas that need targeted comfort. By avoiding energy loss from ductwork, ductless systems can significantly lower heating and cooling costs while improving comfort.

Ductless systems provide zone-specific control, so you only heat or cool the areas you use. This targeted approach reduces energy waste and can lead to measurable savings on electricity and gas bills, especially when paired with insulation and smart thermostat controls.

Modern high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and air conditioners use less energy to heat or cool your home. When combined with a Mass Save Home Energy Assessment, these systems are sized correctly, optimized for performance, and paired with duct sealing, insulation, and thermostat controls to maximize energy savings for homes across Massachusetts.

A Mass Save assessment, or home energy audit, identifies inefficiencies in your heating and cooling systems, insulation, and overall energy usage. Our specialists provide detailed recommendations for energy-efficiency upgrades, including ductless systems, heat pumps, and smart thermostats, ensuring your home is optimized for comfort and lower energy costs.

The Mass Save 0% HEAT Loan allows Massachusetts residents, landlords, and renters to finance approved high-efficiency heating and cooling upgrades, including ductless mini-splits, heat pumps, and furnaces. With no interest and flexible repayment terms, the HEAT Loan makes it easier to implement energy-saving measures immediately without upfront costs.

Homeowners and landlords with qualifying utility accounts are eligible, and renters can participate with landlord approval. HomeWorks Energy helps you navigate the application, ensuring your projects meet Mass Save requirements and HEAT Loan eligibility.

Yes. Landlords can schedule energy assessments and upgrades for single- and multi-unit buildings, while renters can participate with landlord consent. Our team ensures installations meet Mass Save and HEAT Loan guidelines, improving energy efficiency and lowering energy bills for all residents.

Our Massachusetts-based services include:

Ductless mini-splits can supplement or replace parts of your current system. They provide energy-efficient heating and cooling to rooms that need it most, reduce energy loss from unused zones, and can work alongside central systems for maximum efficiency.

Insulation, air sealing, and weatherization help reduce energy loss and improve system performance. Massachusetts residents who combine these measures with high-efficiency HVAC upgrades often see lower energy bills and a more comfortable home year-round.

Spring or early summer is ideal for cooling upgrades, while fall is best for heating improvements. Scheduling before peak energy demand ensures your systems operate efficiently and keep your home comfortable during high-use periods.

You’ll receive a detailed report outlining recommended upgrades, energy-saving measures, and next steps. HomeWorks Energy guides you through HEAT Loan financing, coordinates installation, and ensures your home or rental property is optimized for efficiency and long-term savings.

Combining high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, ductless mini-split zones, proper insulation, air sealing, and smart thermostat controls is the most effective strategy. HomeWorks Energy creates a tailored energy plan for your property, helping reduce electricity and gas bills while improving comfort year-round.

Rebates & Financing

HomeWorks Energy helps Massachusetts homeowners, landlords, and renters access Mass Save programs to reduce energy expenses. We start with a no-cost home energy assessment, where BPI-certified specialists evaluate insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, and ductwork. You receive a detailed plan showing eligible upgrades, Mass Save rebates and incentives, and no-interest financing options.

Mass Save provides up to 75-100% off insulation for single-family homes and multi-unit properties. Air sealing is covered 100% for all eligible homes, targeting leaks in the thermal boundary of your home. These measures improve comfort and reduce heating and cooling costs.

The 0% Mass Save HEAT Loan allows homeowners and landlords to finance eligible energy-efficient upgrades over time with no interest. HomeWorks Energy helps verify your property’s eligibility, documents recommended improvements from your assessment, and coordinates with certified contractors to ensure upgrades meet Mass Save standards.

Yes. Multi-unit buildings can receive full coverage for insulation and air-sealing upgrades, and additional improvements, such as high-efficiency heating and cooling and ductless mini-split systems, may qualify for the HEAT Loan. HomeWorks Energy guides landlords through scheduling, assessments, documentation, and installation.

Eligibility depends on property type, utility provider, and planned upgrades. HomeWorks Energy conducts a no-cost energy audit, identifies qualifying improvements, and provides a clear plan showing costs, incentives, and potential savings.

Yes. Measures like insulation, air sealing, smart thermostats, heat pumps, high-efficiency boilers, and ductless systems can be combined. HomeWorks Energy coordinates installations to maximize Mass Save rebates, HEAT Loan financing, and overall energy savings.

Regional climate and property type influence which upgrades are most effective. Coastal homes may need moisture-resistant insulation and ventilation improvements, while inland homes may benefit more from high-efficiency heating systems and duct sealing. HomeWorks Energy tailors recommendations to your location for maximum efficiency and savings.

Savings vary based on property type, current energy efficiency, and the upgrades implemented. Typical single-family homes may reduce heating and cooling costs by 10–30% annually through insulation, air sealing, and high-efficiency heating/cooling upgrades.

Eligible upgrades typically include insulation, air sealing, high-efficiency boilers, furnaces, ductless mini-split systems, programmable thermostats, and heating and cooling system improvements. HomeWorks Energy identifies which upgrades your property qualifies for and guides you through the process.

Yes, renters can participate with landlord approval. HomeWorks Energy coordinates assessments and installations, ensuring tenants can access eligible upgrades, improve comfort, and reduce energy bills.

Once your assessment is complete, HomeWorks Energy helps submit all documentation. Rebates are generally applied once upgrades are completed, and HEAT Loan approval can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on property type and project size.

Start with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment from HomeWorks Energy. A specialist will evaluate your property, identify eligible upgrades, explain incentives and financing options, and coordinate installation. This ensures your home or building qualifies for the maximum Mass Save benefits.

Yes. Older homes often benefit from insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades. HomeWorks Energy evaluates older properties to determine which Mass Save programs and HEAT Loan options can maximize energy savings while improving comfort and efficiency.

Absolutely. Combining upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and heating/cooling system improvements increases energy efficiency and maximizes available rebates and incentives. HomeWorks Energy coordinates all work to streamline the process and maximize savings.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency

Fall is the best time to get your home ready for the colder months. A no-cost Home Energy Assessment from HomeWorks Energy can show you where your home is losing heat and which upgrades will save you the most on your heating bills. Common improvements include adding insulation in your attic, walls, or basement; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; and upgrading your heating system. Completing these upgrades before winter helps your home retain heat, lowering your energy bills.

Spring is ideal for preparing your home for the cooling season. Our specialists can inspect your HVAC system, check your ductwork, and evaluate insulation to ensure your home stays comfortable while keeping cooling costs down. Ductless mini-splits, heat pumps, and smart thermostats can be installed or optimized during this time to maximize efficiency. Spring upgrades also help prevent issues caused by humidity and heat spikes, especially in coastal areas.

Yes. The $1,200 insulation tax credit through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is available for improvements completed before December 31, 2025. This credit covers energy-saving insulation and air-sealing projects. HomeWorks Energy can help you plan upgrades to make sure you qualify for this credit while also taking advantage of Mass Save rebates, incentives, and HEAT Loan financing.

Upgrades are most effective when completed before extreme weather:

  • In fall/winter, sealing leaks and adding insulation reduces heating gas use.

In spring/summer, the same upgrades help your cooling system run efficiently and reduce electricity use.
By planning around the seasons, you can maximize comfort and energy savings all year.

Yes. Coastal homes often face humidity and milder winters, so moisture-resistant insulation, proper ventilation, and efficient cooling are key. Inland homes experience colder winters, so insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades are especially important. HomeWorks Energy customizes recommendations based on your location to make sure you get the most effective improvements.

The 0% HEAT Loan lets you finance approved energy-efficient upgrades while spreading out payments over time. This makes it easier to install insulation or upgrade heating and cooling systems before peak energy seasons and start saving immediately. HomeWorks Energy helps you apply and coordinates the work to achieve the best results.

Ideally, schedule your assessment well before peak seasons:

  • Late summer/early fall for winter heating upgrades
  • Late winter/early spring for summer cooling upgrades

Getting your assessment early ensures you have time to complete improvements and enjoy maximum comfort and savings.

  • Fall: Check your heating system, replace filters, test your thermostat, and complete insulation or air-sealing projects.

Spring: Clean and inspect your cooling system, check ducts for leaks, and schedule a Mass Save energy audit if it’s been a few years since your last one.
HomeWorks Energy specialists include these checks in their assessments to keep your home running efficiently year-round.