HEATING
Green Actions

REDUCE HEAT USE

An energy efficient home saves you money and reduces your household’s environmental footprint. In Beverly, we often do not have the option of building a new energy-efficient home. We need to make our drafty New England homes more efficient, and there are many accessible ways to reduce our energy usage without making huge investments. That being said - some investments are worth it.

Home energy efficiency in Massachusetts is easier to achieve than ever through the Mass Save program, which partners with local businesses to conduct free energy audits for every type of building. Rebates for many products and services can keep any actions they suggest after your audit free or very low cost, enabling you to save money over the long term without a large up-front cost.

Hot Water

  • wash clothes in cold water (modern appliances and detergents are designed to clean well on cold)

  • turn down your hot water temperature by a few degrees (check manufacturer guidelines)

  • convert to a more efficient water heater, options include:
    - thermal hot water
    - tankless water heater
    - hybrid heat-pump water heater

Windows

  • assess your home’s windows

  • replace or repair single-pane, drafty, or broken windows with double-paned, energy-efficient windows

  • add storm windows

  • use thermal blinds or curtains at night to keep heat in, while leaving blinds open during the day to obtain passive solar heat

Insulation

  • assess your home’s insulation

  • compare insulation options

  • replace or add in attic

  • replace or add in walls

  • add around hot water pipes

other actions

FREE/LOW COST

EFFICIENT HEATING

Have a question about heating your home more sustainably?
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By adding insulation to a not so well insulated house can save ~35% on the heating bill and on emissions (20% for the attic and 15% for the walls)

(source: TheWorthMoreGroupLLC.com)