  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. ​Interested in Cost and Energy Savings on Heating and Cooling? Hear from Experts Dec. 9th 7pm11/30/2021
 Due to broad interest, Wellesley’s Municipal Light Plant has extended its pilot “Clean Comfort” program through June 30, 2022. Wellesley residents have been taking advantage of this program which offers personal, expert coaching as well as financial rebates to move to air source heat pumps. To learn more about this program and air source heat pumps, join a discussion with experts and users on December 9th at 7pm.
Register here for this 1 hour Zoom meeting to learn how you can save money and lower your carbon footprint. “The no cost coaching offered by the Town’s consultants Abode Energy Management, in combination with the incentives, made this transition easy,” said a Wellesley resident. If you are considering replacing oil furnaces or air conditioners, you may be particularly interested in this program. For those that have air source heat pumps, learn how to use them to their full capacity as well. View the Air Source Heat Pump Rebate Program Requirements. Can't make this event? You can watch the May 19th webinar here or the November 9th here. Have questions? Call 781-235-7600 or email [email protected]. Sustainable Wellesley is hosting this free webinar. The Town of Wellesley has a goal to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, and buildings play a big part in reaching that goal as they emit 56% of our greenhouse gas emissions (58% of that comes from the residential sector). Learn how you can help Wellesley reach its goal, while lowering your heating and cooling costs and be more comfortable.  Join the Zoom TONIGHT at 7.30pm to hear one woman's story how she walked away from tailpipe emissions and is loving her electric car. Its a great way you can take real action.
Register here. Sharon Kirby, a member of Sustainable Wellesley, generally tries to “do the right thing.” When it was time to buy a new car, she did her homework, ultimately choosing an Electric Vehicle (EV). She is so thrilled with her choice that she offered to share her research with us in this simple half-hour presentation. She has some surprising discoveries about Electric Vehicles and Hybrids. There will be plenty of time for questions afterward. For car lovers, prepare to get excited and know you will be defending the planet as well. Believe it or not, 43% of Wellesley’s carbon emissions are due to the use of gas and diesel vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines. In other words, transportation in and around Wellesley is one of the single largest cause of greenhouse gases in our town. So when you drive; drive electric. There are a variety of mobility options in and around Wellesley. If you are in the market for a car- new or pre-owned - small or large - join the conversation tonight and/or head over to the parking lot next to the library to see a variety of electric and hybrid cars this Saturday, October 2nd from 1-4pm. See and talk to owners of Polestar 2 Mustang Mach-E Tesla Model Y Audi e-tron SUV MINI Countryman Plug-In Hyundai KONA Chevrolet Bolt Chevrolet Volt Toyota Prius Prime Tesla Model 3 Volkswagen ID.4 Nissan LEAF Chrysler Pacifica Register here or just come on by. Both events are free and open to all. Ask about incentives on electric vehicles!  Did you know that furnaces typically last about 15-20 years and boilers start aging out around 25-30 years?
When you sign up for a no cost Home Energy Assessment, you can learn how your home consumes and loses energy and how efficient your current heating and cooling systems are in your home. During a Home Energy Assessment, ask your energy specialist about the latest rebates for upgrading to a more energy-efficient HVAC system. The sponsors of the Mass Save® program provide 0% financing for $25,000, up to 7 years, for energy efficiency upgrades. Sign up for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to ensure your system lasts all winter. As an added bonus, scheduling here provides Sustainable Wellesley with a donation for every completed - NO COST -Home Energy Assessment. Be one of the eligible Massachusetts residents can save energy and money this coming winter. |
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