Worried About Rising Energy Costs? Request a Free Energy Assessment


11/14/2022 • 2 years ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

This winter, Eversource home heating gas prices will increase. The City of Cambridge urges Cambridge residents and property owners to request a Mass SaveⓇ no-cost Home Energy Assessment to buffer against these increased costs by identifying opportunities to reduce energy use. City staff will also host a free webinar on December 1 about energy efficiency and how to save money throughout the winter.

For 1-4 unit buildings, insulation is offered at no cost for all rental units, all units in a building when the full building is insulated at once, and units occupied by low and moderate income households. All other 1-4 unit buildings can receive no-cost air sealing and 75-100% off the cost of approved insulation. 

Residents are eligible for an energy assessment every two years, so all residents who have not had an assessment recently are encouraged to request one.  Property owners can request an energy assessment for residential buildings of all sizes. Renters in 1-4 unit buildings can also get an assessment and can receive devices that instantly save energy and water such as programmable thermostats, high-efficiency shower heads and water faucets, and advanced power strips - all at no-cost.

After receiving no-cost Home Energy Assessments in 2021, 453 Cambridge households in 1-4 unit buildings installed weatherization upgrades, such as insulation and air sealing. So far in 2022, 225 have increased weatherization in their homes.

Property owners of buildings with 5 or more units can also receive incentives for energy efficiency improvements including insulation, air sealing, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and controls, water heating equipment, programmable thermostats and more. In addition, building owners can access no-cost advising services from the City of Cambridge’s Multi-Family Retrofit Advisor.

The City of Cambridge encourages renters in 1-4 unit homes and owners of residential buildings of all sizes to request a no-cost Home Energy Assessment. Everyone can get started by visiting cambridgeenergyalliance.org or by calling the Cambridge Energy Helpline at 617-430-6230.

Residents can also learn about other programs offered by the City to reduce energy costs and access renewable energy at the website and number above. The City is participating in the 2023-2024 Mass Save Community First Partnership, sponsored locally by Eversource, to increase participation in energy efficiency programs.