Energy‑Efficiency Tips for Massachusetts Homeowners

As winter approaches and natural‑gas prices remain elevated, improving your home’s energy efficiency isn’t just about comfort, it’s a smart financial and environmental move.

In Massachusetts, where many homes rely on natural gas or electric heat, small upgrades can translate into noticeable savings and qualify you for generous rebates and tax credits.

This guide walks you through practical steps to prepare your house for colder months, along with local incentives to make upgrades more affordable.

Schedule a Home Energy Assessment

Before making improvements, learn where energy is being wasted.

A professional assessment (often free through programs like Mass Save) uses diagnostic tools to find leaks, poor insulation, and inefficient equipment.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that air sealing and insulation are among the most cost‑effective ways to cut heating and cooling costs. An assessment can prioritize sealing these.

Completing a home energy assessment is also required to access some rebates from Mass Save, such as a $500 weatherization bonus for partial home heat‑pump installations .

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks around doors, windows and utility penetrations allow warm air to escape and cold air to creep in.

• Caulk and weatherstrip: The DOE recommends caulking cracks around plumbing and wiring penetrations and using weatherstripping on moving components like doors and operable windows . These inexpensive materials pay back quickly in energy savings.

• Foam gaskets and outlet covers: Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates to reduce drafts .

• Plastic film and insulating drapes: On drafty windows, apply clear plastic film or install insulating curtains. DOE suggests covering drafty windows with plastic or heavy drapes for winter. For a mix of aesthetic and functional purposes, we’d recommend a good drape.

• Use sunlight: Open curtains on south‑facing windows during the day to let the sun heat your home and close them at night to reduce drafts .

Improve Insulation

Insulation provides resistance to heat flow and is essential for keeping warm air inside. The DOE notes that proper insulation reduces heat loss and lowers heating costs. Focus on:

• Attics and roofs: Heat rises, so inadequate attic insulation is a major source of heat loss. Add layers or upgrade to higher R‑value materials.

• Walls and floors: Insulate exterior walls and floors over unheated spaces (crawl spaces or garages). Consider blown‑in cellulose or spray foam where feasible.

• Basements and foundation: Insulate rim joists and foundation walls to reduce drafts and moisture.

• Windows: Replacing single‑pane windows with double‑pane, low‑emissivity glass can improve comfort and reduce heat loss .

Maintain and Upgrade Heating Systems

Efficient heating equipment is key to winter comfort.

• Routine servicing: Schedule annual maintenance for your furnace or boiler; clean or replace filters regularly. Check your systems specific instructions but changing these with the seasons is a good way not to forget.

• Fireplace efficiency: Keep fireplace dampers closed unless a fire is burning; install tempered glass doors and a heat‑air exchange system; and seal fireplace flues .

• Consider high‑efficiency heat pumps: Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling and are dramatically more efficient than resistance heat. Massachusetts’ Mass Save program offers rebates up to $10,000 for whole‑home air‑source heat pumps, though rebates decrease starting January 1, 2026 . Customers who install heat pumps may also benefit from lower seasonal electric distribution rates beginning November 1, 2025 .

• HEAT loan program: Mass Save offers 0% interest loans up to $25,000 for qualified energy‑efficiency upgrades, including heat pumps .

Use Your Thermostat Wisely

• Lower temperature when you’re away or sleeping: Setting your thermostat 7–10°F lower for eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on heating.

• Install a smart thermostat: Programmable or smart thermostats automate temperature adjustments and may qualify for rebates. For heat pumps, maintain moderate settings to maximize efficiency; turning them up and down frequently can reduce performance .

• Zone heating: If possible, heat only the rooms you use regularly and close vents to unused rooms (but consult an HVAC professional to avoid strain on your system).

Manage Hot Water and Appliances

• Set water heater to 120°F: DOE advises setting the water heater thermostat to 120°F to reduce energy use and prevent scalding .

• Insulate pipes and heater: Wrap water pipes and water heater tanks to retain heat.

• Use ENERGY STAR appliances and LED lighting: ENERGY STAR‑certified appliances and LED lights are more efficient than standard models; LED holiday lights reduce electricity costs .

Plan for Larger Upgrades and Incentives

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state programs offer substantial incentives for home energy upgrades:

• Federal tax credits through 2025: Section 25C provides a 30% tax credit (up to $3,200 per year) for qualifying home improvements, including insulation, windows, doors, and heat pumps. From 2025 onward, taxpayers must use equipment from qualified manufacturers and include a Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number (QMID) on their tax return. Consult a qualified tax professional on how to plan around incentives.

• Long‑term credits for new construction: Section 45L (homes) and 179D (commercial buildings) provide credits through mid‑2026 for builders and developers who meet high‑efficiency standards.

• Mass Save rebates and loans: As noted above, Massachusetts offers significant rebates for heat pumps, weatherization, and energy assessments.

• Future programs: Massachusetts plans to implement HOMES and High‑Efficiency Electric Homes Rebates (HEAR) once federal approval is granted. These programs could provide up to $20,000 for deep retrofits, especially for low‑income households, but they are not expected to start until 2026.

Final Thoughts

Improving home energy efficiency before winter is an investment in comfort, savings and sustainability.

Start with low‑cost measures like sealing leaks and adjusting your thermostat, then plan bigger upgrades like insulation or heat pumps using the generous rebates and tax credits available now.

For Massachusetts homeowners and real‑estate professionals, these improvements can also enhance property value and appeal to buyers who want lower utility costs.

By acting soon—before rebates decrease in 2026 and federal credits expire—you’ll maximize savings and ensure a warmer, more efficient home.

Connect with a Local Expert

If you’re planning to buy, sell or renovate a home in Greater Boston, The Mazur Team at Compass can help you navigate energy‑efficiency upgrades, incentive programs and market dynamics. Contact us today to learn how smart energy improvements can improve your home’s value and cut winter heating costs.