Sustainable Arlington

Interview recorded at Arlington, MA EcoFest, March 4, 2019

What does the HERS Index say about a house?

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured. It's also the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home's energy performance.

Interview recorded at Arlington, MA EcoFest, March 4, 2019

In 2019, Arlington residents and small businesses can take advantage of this state-sponsored, Town-approved program providing education and purchasing options for 4 highly efficient heating and cooling technologies:  air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, solar hot water, and modern wood heat (central wood pellet furnace or boiler).

https://www.masscec.com/heatsmart-mass-residential-program-background

Talk to Arlington's HeatSmart Coach:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Free home energy audits and energy efficiency rebates

Find policies and incentives by state that will help you make wise energy efficiency and renewable choices.  Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. 

The switch starts here. Make the switch to clean energy and save money. 

Also called mini-splits, these systems can provide air conditioning as well as heat. "[A]n air-source heat pump can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. This is possible because a heat pump moves heat rather than converting it from a fuel like combustion heating systems do."  

Air-source heat pumps use the temperatures of the outdoor air to heat or cool homes or buildings. Advancements in technology over the past few years have made air-source heat pumps an efficient source of heating and cooling in cold climates like Massachusetts. Models on the market today can operate efficiently even when it is below zero Fahrenheit.

MassCEC offers awards to residences that install qualifying air-source heat pump (ASHP) systems, which provide highly efficient heating and cooling. Incentives are available both for qualifying mini-split (single head, multi-head, and central) systems.

Starting on October 31, 2017, System Owners and Installers may submit rebate applications through a new online application portal. Access the portal HERE.

This nonprofit works to inspire, educate, and empower homeowners to increase the efficiency and value of their homes. They offer affordable solutions, including classes and an excellent building materials resale program, including kitchen cabinets.  You can donate materials them, too.

Energy Star Appliances and Rebates

From the Mass Clean Energy Center (CEC), map of Massachusetts communities by year of participation, data on number f leads generated, impact of Solarize participation on total solar pv installations in each community before and after participating in Solarize, list of installers, total kW contracted.