 A Town collaboration with HomeWorks Energy (HomeWorks), a Mass Save® partner, can lower energy use and carbon emissions while improving home comfort for Wellesley residents who are gas customers of National Grid. HomeWorks representatives resume canvassing Wellesley neighborhoods in mid-August inviting residents to schedule a no-cost home energy assessment. Representatives wear bright yellow vests displaying Town of Wellesley and HomeWorks Energy logos. When a specialist visits a home for a scheduled assessment, they review the home’s energy performance and show the resident how to save energy year-round.
National Grid customers can schedule home energy assessments now by calling HomeWorks at 781-305-3319 or visiting HWE.Works/Wellesley. Residents who heat with oil, propane, and/or electric resistance are not eligible for the Mass Save program. For assistance, call the Center for EcoTechnology at 888-577-8448 or schedule an assessment with the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant.   Thank you to Michael M. for sharing his story!
Now that we have had our heat pumps running for 2.5 years, I thought I would share an update for those considering switching to air-source heat pumps in their homes. Here is the initial article I wrote in April 2024 which has more background info. This is a good time to consider it as the Town of Wellesley and the State of MA offer incredible rebates and incentives for things like energy audits, insulation, heat pumps, and EVs — often more than the federal government. I have been tracking our electrical, water, and sewer costs for over 5 years. Having this data enabled me to verify that the investment we made to switch to heat pumps made financial sense. Above you will see two graphs that I hope you will find to be of interest. The first graph shows our Electric costs (Green) and our Oil costs (Orange) from 2021 through 2024. If you compare the total costs of 2022 (electricity + oil) your will get a total of $7,201 ($1,490 in electricity plus $5,711 in oil costs) for the year. If you then look at the cost of only electricity in 2024 (since our oil furnace was removed) you get a total cost of $2,606. The ratio of these two costs is $2,606 / $7,201 you get a ratio of 36%. That means that our 2024 costs were $36% of our 2022 costs, or the 2024 costs were 64% less than the costs in 2022. The second graph shows the same story but using our costs per square foot. You’ll notice in 2022 the cost per square foot for oil + electric was $4.06 ($0.84+$3.22) and the cost in 2024 for all electric was $1.47. That cost ratio is also 36%. Overall, we have had a great outcome from switching to air-source heat pumps. This experience has compelled me to become an “energy coach” in Wellesley to assist other residents considering making a switch from oil or gas to an all-electric solution. One final note, the cost of electricity in Wellesley is ~$0.16/kWh largely due to the presence of our Municipal Light Plant (MLP). Other towns in Massachusetts without an MLP have costs of $0.32/kWh and higher.  Now is a great time to consider replacing your existing heating and cooling system before it fails with an air source heat pump because attractive local, state, and federal incentives are available now! Heat pumps are especially economical if you replace oil, propane, or electric baseboard heating.
Take advantage of up to $10,000 in incentives and 0% financing when you replace your aging furnace or AC with an energy-efficient air source heat pump. Register here for a webinar on Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom to learn about the cost savings, cleaner air, and climate benefits of air source heat pumps. Join us at this free event to learn about:
Sign up here here for this webinar co-sponsored by the Town of Wellesley’s Climate Action Committee, Municipal Light Plant, Health Department, and by Sustainable Wellesley. It is the an ideal time to take advantage of local, state, and federal incentives to modernize your home’s heating and cooling with an energy efficient air source heat pump while lessening your exposure to fossil fuel’s volatile pricing and harmful indoor air pollutants.  Join the “How to heat your home more efficiently and comfortably,” discussion TONIGHT at 7pm with experts from Abode Energy Management. Wellesley homeowners will be on the call as well to share how their air source heat pumps take on New England's winters and summers. Heating with electricity pulled from renewable sources, vs. gas, is HEALTHIER as well.
It's a good time to consider heat pumps as the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant has extended its Clean Comfort Program to June 2022. Abode is the contractor they have hired to help Wellesley residents explore heat pump solutions. Abode's Heat Pump Specialists are provided at no cost to Wellesley residents. This program also includes a $2,000 rebate to those who replace air conditioners or furnaces with efficient, quiet, air-source heat pumps. To learn more about the financial rebates as well as unbiased, personal, expert advice, call 781-235-7600 or email [email protected]. Schedule a consultation to improve your home's heating/cooling systems today. You will be more comfortable and will reduce your energy usage. Don't forget, buildings emit 56% of the greenhouse gas emissions here in Wellesley, and 58% of that that comes from the residential sector. Wellesley has an emissions reduction goal to meet so let's rethink the way we heat and cool our homes. You will find many benefits along the way. |
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