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Community First Partnership

The City of Boston is partnered with Mass Save® Sponsors Eversource and National Grid to bring energy savings to all residents and small businesses as part of the Community First Partnership. 

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Mass Save is the go-to program for residents interested in saving energy, money, and improving home comfort.  More than 40,000 Bostonians have signed up for a Home Energy Assessment, and you can too. Connect with us to lower your energy usage and do your part to reduce carbon emissions citywide.

Who are you?

Home Energy Assessment

As a renter, you are still able to participate in the Mass Save programs. Anyone who pays a gas or electric bill is contributing to the programs through a monthly energy efficiency charge.

If you can, the way to benefit the most from the Mass Save programs is to involve your landlord. Encourage your landlord to schedule an energy assessment for the building. See the 1-4 and 5+ Unit Building Owner sections below for more details. If you need support while communicating with your landlord, please reach out to the Boston Energy Advocate.

Whether you're a single family homeowner, live-in landlord, or landlord of a 1-4 unit building, the best way to get started is to schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment. Visit the Mass Save website to complete the intake form to be directed on the correct pathway through the program. 

  • There are also Decarbonization Consultations available if you have specific questions about upgrading your heating system. During these virtual meetings, a Mass Save Specialist will answer your technical questions and provide advice about the upgrade process. Learn more and schedule your appointment.

The Mass Save programs also have offerings for larger residential buildings with 5 or more units. If you own or manage one of these buildings, learn more about assessments, rebates, and construction support on the Mass Save website.

Are you a small business owner interested in making efficiency upgrades to save energy? Learn more about scheduling an assessment, rebates, and services offered by the Sponsors of Mass Save on the Mass Save website.

Income-Based Assistance

Pathways
Income-Eligible Program

If your annual household income is below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) and you are enrolled in Fuel Assistance with ABCD or the Discount Rate through your utility providers, you are eligible for more no-cost options through the Mass Save program. The Income Eligible program is administered through ABCD in Boston. Learn more by visiting the Income Eligible Program page on the Mass Save website. 

Enhanced Residential Offers

If your annual household income falls between 61% State Median Income (SMI) and 80% Area Median Income (AMI), you are eligible for certain enhanced incentives. These may include no-cost insultation and increased rebates. Learn more by visiting the Enhanced Residential Offers page on the Mass Save website. 

Don't Qualify for Income-Based Assistance?

You are still eligible for substantial rebates, incentives, and financing options. Schedule your no-cost Home Energy Assessment today on the Mass Save website.

Energy-Saving Tips

Energy Tips
  • Unplug electronics when not in use, or use a smart power strip to eliminate any "standby" power that devices consume.
  • Look for ENERGY STAR® label when shopping for electronics and appliances. 
  • Use a watt-meter to determine how much energy your devices are using. 
  • The Mass Save Sponsors offer rebates for some energy-efficient appliances.
  • Do not line oven racks with foil. It blocks heat flow. 
  • Use a kettle rather than a pot to boil water. If using a pot, keep the lid on. 
  • Allow frozen foods to thaw completely before cooking.
  • Consider switching to an induction stove to reduce energy use and remove toxic pollutants found in natural gas from your kitchen. The Mass Save Sponsors offer a $500 rebate for replacing natural gas or propane stove with an induction stove.
  • Use the air-drying option instead of heat drying. You can also turn off the drying cycle, open the dishwasher, and let the contents air dry. 
  • The Mass Save Sponsors offer rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers.
  • Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them prior to loading. Use a sink or pot filled with cold water, rather than hot running water. 
  • Be sure that the dishwasher is full, but not overloaded. 
  • Keep all drains and filters clean. 
  • Set your thermostat to 68°F when you are home, and 56°F when you leave. Each degree above 68°F can use 3% more energy!
  • Sign up for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to get a programmable thermostat at no cost. The Sponsors of Mass Save also offer significant discounts smart thermostats.
  • Have your heating equipment checked by a service professional.
  • Clean or replace furnace filters periodically and have your furnace burner checked and cleaned annually. 
  • Dust or vacuum radiator surfaces and vents frequently and keep them unobstructed.
  • Close fireplace dampers when not in use to keep heated or cooled air from escaping the chimney.
  • Keep insulated drapes or shades closed in summer and open on sunny winter days. Close curtains or drapes on winter nights to reduce heat loss. 
  • If you use electric heat, consider replacing it with a high-efficiency, ductless heat pump system. The system can cut electricity use by as much as 50%. The Mass Save Sponsors offer significant rebates for eligible high-efficiency heat pumps.
  • Check for drafts around windows and doors. Caulk and weather-strip where necessary. 
  • Install wall-outlet and switch-plate gaskets to reduce the flow of cold air. 
  • Install storm windows, or purchase window insulator kits to reduce drafts.
  • Install storm doors to reduce heat transfer to the outside.
  • Check your home's insulation, and sign up for a Home Energy Assessment to have a professional inspect your walls, attic, and basement. 
  • Insulate hot water pipes. Get discounts on DIY weatherization supplies through the Mass Save Sponsors.
  • Replace all of your incandescent bulbs with LED ones. 
  • Turn off lights whenever you leave a room or do not need them. 
  • When you are away from home, use a timer to turn lights on and off automatically.
  • Use task lighting over desks, tables, and workbenches. 
  • Take advantage of natural light whenever possible. 
  • Use LEDs in holiday lighting displays. They use 90% less power than incandescent bulbs. 
  • Keep your refrigerator temperature setting around 38°-40°F, and the freezer around 5°F. 
  • Leave several inches of space behind and on the sides of your refrigerator so air can circulate around the unit. 
  • Check for air leaks by shutting a piece of paper in the refrigerator door. If you can remove the paper without resistance, cold air may be escaping. 
  • Clean the condenser coils located underneath or in the back of your refrigerator or freezer periodically. 
  • Let hot foods cool before placing them in the refrigerator, except for cooked meat.
  • Do not open the refrigerator door unnecessarily, or keep it open for prolonged periods.
  • For older refrigerators, remove frost periodically. 
  • Wash clothes in cold or warm water rather than hot, and rinse in cold water. 
  • Fill your washer and dryer to capacity whenever possible. Wash smaller loads using lower water levels. 
  • Hang your clothes to dry whenever possible. 
  • Clean your dryer's lint filter after each load, and clean the outside vent regularly. 
  • If you need to replace your washer, you can get a Mass Save rebate on ENERGY STAR® models.
  • Set your hot water heater at 120°F rather than 140°F. 
  • Replace washers on leaky faucets. Dripping can add up to wasted gallons each month.
  • Turn off the tap when you shave or brush your teeth. 
  • Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators. Sign up for a Home Energy Assessment to receive them for no cost!

More Resources

Boston Home Center

The Boston Home Center has resources for homeowners and homebuyers.

Barriers to installing insulation

There are certain pre-weatherization barriers that can hinder upgrades. Funding is available through the Mass Save programs to help mitigate these costs.

Support for Seniors

The Age Strong Commission provides support for seniors with housing and many other programs.

Key stakeholders

Key stakeholders
Eversource
National Grid
Mass Save

Team

Team

Who's Involved:

Environment
617-635-3850
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