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While we hope you find this content useful, it is only intended to serve as a starting point. Your next step is to speak with a qualified, licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Nothing in this article, nor in any associated resources, should be construed as financial or legal advice. Furthermore, while we have made good faith efforts to ensure that the information presented was correct as of the date the content was prepared, we are unable to guarantee that it remains accurate today.

As the Temperature Drops, Take a Look Around.

As temperatures begin to drop, many homeowners may start thinking about turning the heat back on. Fall could also be an appropriate time to review how efficiently a home uses energy before colder weather arrives.

Some energy-efficiency measures involve routine maintenance, while others may involve larger improvements. Depending on the home, certain projects could help address energy loss or improve comfort over time. An energy assessment may help identify areas that could warrant further consideration.

Start With the Places Where Heat May Escape

If a home feels drafty in the fall, increasing the thermostat may not be the only option to consider. Heat may escape through gaps around windows and doors, poorly sealed areas, attics, basements and other parts of the home's envelope.

Weatherstripping around doors and windows and sealing noticeable air leaks could help address drafts. Larger issues may warrant insulation improvements or professional air sealing. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends considering insulation and air sealing together, since addressing only one area may leave other sources of energy loss unresolved.

Check Your Heating System Before You Need It

Fall could be a suitable time to have a heating system reviewed before colder weather arrives.

For forced-air systems, homeowners may wish to check the filter and replace it when appropriate. A dirty filter could restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder. The Department of Energy recommends checking filters regularly and replacing them when they become dirty.

For older heating systems, routine maintenance could also provide an opportunity to ask a qualified professional whether the system appears to be operating as intended or whether an upgrade may be appropriate. Any repair or replacement decision could depend on the system's condition, the home's needs and the recommendations of a qualified professional.

Consider Your Thermostat Settings

Adjusting a thermostat schedule may be one option for managing energy use when a home is unoccupied or while household members are sleeping.

A programmable or smart thermostat could make scheduled adjustments easier by changing the temperature according to a household's routine. The Department of Energy has reported that lowering a thermostat by 7–10 degrees for eight hours a day could reduce annual heating and cooling costs by as much as 10%, although results may vary based on factors such as the home, heating system, weather and household habits.

Homeowners may wish to select settings that are appropriate for their household, comfort preferences and heating system.

Don't Overlook Your Windows

Windows may be one source of heat loss, particularly in older homes.

Before replacing windows, homeowners may wish to review the condition of the existing windows. Smaller gaps could potentially be addressed with caulking or weatherstripping, while more significant issues may warrant additional improvements.

If replacement windows are already being considered, ENERGY STAR® certified products could be one option to research. The project may also be evaluated as part of the home's overall energy efficiency rather than as an isolated upgrade.

Consider Other Energy-Using Systems

Heating is not the only part of a home that uses energy.

Water heating may represent a significant household energy expense, so fall could be an appropriate time to review the condition and efficiency of a water heater. If a larger renovation is already being planned, homeowners may wish to ask a qualified professional whether a more efficient water-heating system could be suitable for the home.

Similarly, if several improvements are being considered, an energy assessment could help identify which projects may be appropriate to evaluate first rather than selecting an upgrade based only on visibility.

Consider Starting with an Energy Assessment

An energy assessment could help identify where a home may be losing energy and which improvements may be worth evaluating.

A Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment may help identify potential areas for improvement and connect eligible homeowners with available incentives and energy-efficiency programs. In Massachusetts, eligible customers may also have access to rebates or other assistance for qualifying improvements, which could include insulation, air sealing and certain heating and cooling upgrades.

Available programs, incentives and eligibility requirements may vary. Homeowners may wish to review current Mass Save® information and consult with qualified professionals before deciding whether to pursue a particular project.

Considering a Larger Energy-Efficiency Project?

If an assessment identifies a larger project, financing could be one option to consider.

The Mass Save® HEAT Loan program, available through Clinton Savings Bank, may provide eligible homeowners with 0% APR* financing of up to $25,000 for qualifying energy-efficiency improvements. Qualifying improvements may include weatherization, insulation and certain heating and cooling projects. Eligibility, loan terms, qualifying improvements and credit approval are subject to applicable program and lender requirements.

For homeowners considering energy-efficiency improvements this fall, starting with an energy assessment could help identify areas of the home that may warrant further evaluation. From there, homeowners can review available incentives and financing options that may apply to qualifying projects.

Energy-efficiency improvements may help reduce energy waste or improve home comfort, depending on the home, the improvement and other factors.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Monthly payment based on a loan amount of $12,500.00 at 0.00% APR and a repayment term of 84 months is $148.81. Offer applies to 1-4 family, owner-occupied, primary residences only. Not available for homes currently for sale or intended to be sold within 6 months of closing. Minimum loan amount $500.00. Maximum loan amount $25,000. All HEAT loans will be secured with a UCC-1 filing; $80 UCC filing fee will apply. Maximum closing costs of $80.00 will apply. All loans subject to meeting Mass Save Heat Loan Program guidelines. Heat Loan Program may require a Home Energy Assessment from a Mass Save Energy Specialist; to schedule your assessment call 866.527.7283. Financing is subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Some restrictions apply and offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com for full details.