The Mass Save program is very important to keep in mind if your Kensa inspection uncovers old heating or cooling systems, insufficient insulation, or other items related to the energy efficiency of your new home.
The state requires home inspectors to give you a short handout about Mass Save. Even if it wasn’t required it would still be included with your Kensa inspection report because it can help you save a lot of money. You can read all about it at their website (link below), but here’s the condensed version:
When you pay your gas or electric bill, there’s a line that says “Energy Efficiency Charge” or similar. Mine was $9.25 on my last National Grid electric bill. That’s you and me paying for the program every month, and that’s why a lot of the services they provide are free.
You start with doing an online assessment of the energy efficiency of the home. In the past they would come to your house and do an energy audit of the whole entire place; check with them regarding any current COVID-19 restrictions. Whether online or in person, the goal is to find things you can do to increase the energy efficiency and thereby reduce your monthly utility bill.
So, let’s say your furnace is beyond its intended life, or it’s not a high-efficiency system. Well, Mass Save may give you rebates or incentives toward the cost of a replacement. That’s just one example. At one point they were covering up to 100% of the cost of adding insulation, such as in the basement or attic. They usually offer 0% construction loans for bigger projects. And they have been known to give away LED light bulbs and programmable thermostats, among other things. Details and programs do change, so get the latest information from them.
It’s a great service and you can potentially save a ton of money. Even if you decide you don’t want or need to change a thing in your new home, you should still get the free energy assessment. Knowledge is power, as you know (hence your decision to get a home inspection!), and you’ll get a ton of information about the energy efficiency of your new home and ways to improve it to save money on your utility bills every month.
You do have to deal with their process, being handed off to third-party contractors and the associated sales tactics involved, but it’s worth the effort.
You have options!
So, don’t fret if that furnace or water heater is overdue for replacement, or if the attic lacks sufficient insulation, or if those windows aren't insulated. The headline is that you will likely have options to mitigate the cost of upgrades or replacements of Big Ticket Items in your new home!
Did I mention it’s free?
More Information
The Mass Save logo is a service mark of The RCS Network.