The Clean Energy Home, Part 1

There are many ways that homeowners and renters can improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money in their utility bills. This 2-part discussion offers advice, information, and resources about energy improvements in general as well as specific renewable energy technologies.   

Introduction

The Transition to Clean Energy: Overviews for Homeowners

Getting Started: Home Energy Assessment

Energy Efficiency and Weatherization

 

Introduction

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions produced by fossil fuels is fundamental to controlling climate change. In Massachusetts, which has set a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, residential buildings account for about 25% of these emissions; other sources include transportation and industry. MA’s goal is to have an average of nearly 100,000 homes install heat pumps or other renewable thermal systems each year for the next 25-30 years.

Our town of Sharon has adopted a Net Zero Campaign to reduce our carbon footprint. Residents, whether homeowners or renters, can take steps to electrify and improve the energy efficiency of our homes. These changes can cut energy consumption, boost indoor air quality, cut carbon emissions, and save money.

On this page and in Part 2, you can find useful information whether you are starting the process or adding to actions you might have already taken. Here are a few words about the resources cited here.

  • SSC’s recommended resources represent a small sample of the tremendous amount of information available to homeowners and consumers.

  • Since these organizations and websites typically provide both general information and detailed discussions of alternatives (e.g., insulation, heat pumps, appliances), they are cited throughout these pages. The links should bring you to the relevant content. The linked pages may include text, videos, and links to other resources.

  • While we highlight information and resources for homeowners, the same organizations and websites may also address opportunities for renters and businesses.

  • We recommend that you browse some of these resources for familiarity and initial ideas, and then delve more deeply as your planning progresses.        

The Transition to Clean Energy: Overviews for Homeowners

There are many opportunities to upgrade your home’s energy systems. Here is one overview from RMI, an organization working to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve lives.

“All-electric, superefficient homes typically follow a common recipe. Ideally, the home is powered by renewable electricity, is well insulated, and well-sealed to reduce drafts from windows and doors. With those efficiency measures in place, super-efficient electric heat pumps are key to both heat and cool the house and provide hot water. And in the kitchen, it means switching over to an electric induction stove.”

This RMI article goes on to suggest 5 starting steps:

Step 1: Value set – what benefits do you want out of your home improvement?

Step 2: Get a home energy assessment

Step 3: Find reliable, reputable contractors who are excited about electrification

Step 4: Find financing options including incentives, rebates, & climate loan programs with low interest rates

Step 5: Just get started!

Here are some other resources that help set the stage, suggest the types of projects, and describe a process for homeowners.

Getting Started: A Home Energy Assessment

The best way to start your home upgrade is with a home energy assessment, which will reveal opportunities to save energy and money by lowering the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home and by switching out fossil fuel systems or appliances for upgraded clean energy options. Also, completing the assessment allows you to take advantage of cost rebates and savings.

The free home assessment is offered by Mass Save and its network of certified experts. Customers receive recommended energy- and water-saving products (e.g., programmable thermostats, shower heads, power strips). Services then offered at no cost or reduced costs include insulation and air-sealing. You also qualify for rebates on high-efficiency appliances and heating and cooling equipment. Additional financial benefits are available based on income.

Here are some ways you can sign up for the free energy assessment, along with information resources about assessments.

  • Schedule a free home energy assessment with Sustainable Sharon Coalition’s partner, HomeWorks Energy. Read about this offer here.  

  • Consider two programs available to Sharon residents through the town’s Energy Advisory Committee:

    1) the Community First Partnership offered by the Sponsors of Mass Save; 

    2) a partnership with Relay Power in which residents complete a survey to identify their energy needs. For both programs, follow the links on the Energy Advisory Committee website.

  • Mass Save, a collaborative of the state’s electricity and gas companies, manages energy assessments and related programs available to homeowners, renters, and businesses. Mass Save gives helpful information here.  

Energy Efficiency and Weatherization

Your home energy assessment will identify ways to help save on utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home, regardless of your heating and cooling system’s fuel type. Common improvements include adding insulation, doing air sealing, installing new windows, replacing light bulbs with LEDs, and more. The cost of these changes may be covered or reduced with rebates and low-cost loans. A tighter, more insulated home may also allow you to buy smaller, less expensive equipment going forward.

Resources to learn about energy efficiency improvements include the following:

  • The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) / Clean Energy Lives Here presents several Clean Energy Solutions. The section on Weatherization is very helpful, as is the list of Resources/Weatherization. Find information on insulation, air sealing, weatherstripping, windows and doors, weatherizing specific areas (attics, basements, walls, ductwork, etc.) and more. Learn about rebates (Mass Save and federal) and tax credits.  

  • Mass Save offers ten Energy Saving Tips to be more energy efficient and to conserve energy throughout your home. A separate page lists all Mass Save rebates and incentives, including Weatherization items.  

  • The Green Energy Consumers Alliance seeks to empower climate-friendly energy choices and policy in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Their helpful learning resources features a section on Saving Energy, with tips to lower your bills, and efficiency resources including financing and rebates.       

  • Eversource suggests Tips To Save Energy At Home. Topics include seasonal actions, lighting, and specific ideas for the kitchen, living room and office, and bath and laundry.

  • Energy Saver within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers many consumer resources. The section “Weatherize” has information on insulation, air sealing, moisture control, and ventilation. Under tab “Resources” there are additional publications and factsheets, and links to products and services, including insulation and air sealing.

  • The organization Environment America and its local affiliate, Environment Massachusetts, addresses the clean energy challenge through policy and individual actions. Information about Energy Efficiency includes materials on Weatherizing Your Homes. Practical steps for do-it-yourself projects such as finding and fixing air leaks, placing weatherstripping around windows and doors, installing storm windows, and improving the operation of water heaters and appliances are described here. See also the Winter Weatherization webinar from Nov. 2022.

See The Clean Energy Home, Part 2 for information on these topics:

  • Home Heating and Cooling

  • Water Heaters and Appliances

  • Induction Cooking and Stovetops

  • Rebates, Incentives, Tax Credits

Solar Energy: To learn about the benefits of solar energy and options for using it as your source of electricity, see our page, Resources / Energy & Renewables / Go Solar.  

Please consider Sustainable Sharon Coalition's free Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program if (1) you own or have experience with the items described on this page and are willing to be a volunteer advisor, or (2) you have questions about a possible project or purchase and would like to discuss it with another Sharon resident.

Page Updated November 2023