Hey Worcester homeowners! Whether you've just survived another winter chill or you're gearing up for the next one, we all know the struggle of keeping our homes warm without burning a hole in our wallets. Lucky for you, there are some fantastic ways to make your Worcester abode more energy-efficient, and we’re here to spill the beans!
Here are five essential energy efficiency tips from Mass Save:
- Insulate your home or apartment:
- Install weather-stripping on doors.
- Caulk around windows and doorframes.
- Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty.
- Take advantage of MassSave’s Weatherization Program which will weatherize your home for 75-100% off!
- Smart Thermostats for Smart Worcester Homes: Worcester's weather can be unpredictable, but your thermostat doesn't have to be. Invest in a smart thermostat that learns your habits, adjusting the temperature when you're away and making your home the perfect temperature when you return. It's like having a personal climate assistant! You could get a smart thermostat for no-cost through a Mass Save home energy assessment or apply for a rebate at any time.
- Replace appliances with energy efficient models when you need to replace them. Check out energy star refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and heating and cooling systems.
- There are programs out there that want to make your energy efficiency journey affordable – whether you’re switching out your window AC or replacing an entire furnace system.
- Explore Mass Save’s wide library of residential rebates and incentives.
- Depending on your income, you may even be eligible for no-cost appliance replacements through Mass Save.
- Check your heat pump or furnace air filters monthly, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every three months. Dirty filters slow down airflow and make the system work harder, thereby wasting energy.
- Have your heating system serviced once every two years, and never try to repair it yourself. Tuning up your heating and cooling system improves efficiency and comfort, as well as overall performance.
Don’t know where to start?
Contact the city’s Energy Advocate! The advocate was hired by the city to help residents navigate how to increase their homes energy efficiency through energy assessments, utilizing MassSave’s resources and incentives, and much more. You can reach the advocate at: energyadvice@worcesterma.gov
Learn more about our Smart Energy Advice program at worcesterma.gov/energyadvice