The Clean Energy Home, Part 2

Heat pump compressors

This page continues to provide information and resources for homeowners and consumers. In Part 1 we discussed The Transition to Clean Energy: Overviews for Homeowners; Getting Started: A Free Home Energy Assessment; and Energy Efficiency and Weatherization. This page addresses these topics:  

Home Heating and Cooling

Water Heaters and Appliances

Induction Cooking and Stovetops

Rebates, Incentives, and Tax Credits

 

Home Heating and Cooling

Heat pumps are the go-to replacement technology for gas and oil furnaces. As described by Mass Save, “Heat pumps can efficiently heat in the winter and double as a cooling system in the summer—while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Heat pumps move heat indoors in the winter and draw heat outdoors in the summer. Instead of burning fossil fuels, they’re powered by electricity to move—rather than create—heat to keep your home or business at a comfortable temperature year-round. ... Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside and distribute it inside. During warmer months, this process is reversed to provide cooling. Ducted heat pumps operate using the same type of duct system as a central air conditioner or furnace and are often referred to as central heat pumps. Ductless heat pumps, commonly known as mini-splits, are a great option for homes and businesses without existing ductwork or for rooms that always seem too hot or too cold. ... Ground source/geothermal heat pumps extract heat from the ground during cold weather and distribute it throughout your home or business.”

See our Resource page dedicated to heat pumps to learn more. The content addresses: Different kinds of heat pumps and how they work; Selecting, purchasing, and installing a heat pump; and Resources to learn more.

Water Heaters and Appliances

This section touches briefly on other appliances that also help to reduce energy use and lower operating costs. The links lead to more detailed information about the technologies and rebates & incentives available to Massachusetts homeowners and renters.

Heat pump water heaters

Heat pump clothes dryers

Assorted appliances

  • Mass Save lists rebates and incentives for appliances in addition to those already named, including Advanced power strips; Clothes washers; Dehumidifiers; Lawn equipment; Refrigerators & freezers; Room air cleaners; Room air conditioners; Shower fixtures; Smart thermostats, and more. Also helpful is Mass Save’s guide to Energy-Saving Products, listing deals and ways to save while using less energy.

Induction Cooking and Stovetops

As described by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), “Induction cooktops heat up faster and are substantially more energy efficient than gas and conventional electric stoves. An induction cooktop heats cookware directly using the principle of electromagnetic induction, unlike conventional electric or gas stoves, which heat cookware indirectly using an open flame or electric resistance coils. This magnetic field isn’t hot on its own, but when a piece of metal cookware enters this magnetic field, the molecules within the metal become agitated, generating heat within the cookware itself. Induction cooking wastes less energy, requires no open heating elements, and offers you precise control over the temperature of each pan.”

You can learn more about the induction stovetops and rebates and incentives here:

Rebates, Incentives, Tax Credits

The materials cited above for specific home improvements and equipment have included information about relevant rebates, incentives and tax credits. In this section we recommend websites and articles that compile this kind of information showing Massachusetts and federal support for homeowners.

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 February 2023