Ways To Save: Free energy inspections

(WWLP) - With temperatures and oil prices rising, people are looking for ways to save on their energy bills.

Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) has teamed up with MassSAVE, the Massachsuetts home energy efficiency program, to offer consumers a free energy home assessment.

A MassSAVE home energy advisor will assess your home from basement to attic, testing appliances for efficiency and noting air leaks and areas that need added insulation. At the end, the advisor makes recommendations for improvements.

To help customers implement these improvements, MassSAVE provides an array of incentives. MassSAVE is currently offering a 75% reduction on the cost of insulation and air sealing. There is also a 0% interest loan that homeowners can apply for to finance not only insulation and air sealing, but high efficiency heating and hot water systems, solar hot water, and ENERGY STAR® windows. Rebates are also available for high-efficiency heating and hot water systems, programmable thermostats, windows and other items.

Since the start of the year, MassSAVE has more than tripled the amount of assessments for WMECO customers over the same period last year. Homeowners spend on average $400-$800 to make the recommended upgrades, and WMECO kicks in an additional $1,300 in funding per home. WMECO has so far provided customers with more than $500,000 to make upgrades.

For low-income residents, WMECO also offers the Energy Bucks program, available through local community action agencies. Energy Bucks provides families with fuel assistance, weatherization services, and discount utility rates. Visit www.energybucks.com for more information.

If interested in scheduling a home energy assessment, call (866) 527-7283, or visit www.masssave.com.