Mass Save Energy Rebates
Mass Save is widely regarded as the most generous utility energy rebate program in the United States. It is a collaborative initiative sponsored by a consortium of eight Massachusetts electric and gas utilities: Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, Cape Light Compact, Berkshire Gas, Liberty Utilities, and two municipal aggregators. Mass Save provides all Massachusetts residents access to the same robust set of rebates, regardless of which specific utility serves their home. The program is renowned for its extraordinary heat pump incentives (up to $10,000), its 0% interest HEAT Loan program for financing energy upgrades, and its free no-cost home energy assessment that identifies the best upgrades for each home. Mass Save covers insulation at 75-100% of cost for most homeowners, making whole-home energy retrofits remarkably affordable. If you live in Massachusetts, Mass Save should be your first stop before any energy upgrade project.
Service area: All of Massachusetts — every city and town in the Commonwealth is covered by Mass Save through one of eight participating utility sponsors
Mass Save Residential Rebates & Incentives
Mass Save's flagship residential program provides some of the highest rebate amounts available anywhere in the US. The program is designed to make deep energy retrofits accessible to all Massachusetts homeowners. Incentives cover heat pumps, insulation, water heaters, smart thermostats, and more, with special enhanced incentives for moderate-income households.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Air Source Heat Pump (Whole-Home) | Up to $10,000 | Covers ducted and ductless mini-split systems. Up to $10,000 for whole-home heating with cold-climate heat pump. Must displace existing fossil fuel heating system. Based on number of indoor heads/zones installed. |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,250 | ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater. $750 base rebate plus $500 bonus for replacing an oil or propane water heater. |
| Insulation (Attic, Walls, Basement) | 75-100% of cost covered | Mass Save covers 75% of insulation costs for most homeowners and 100% for income-eligible households. Includes attic, wall, and basement insulation. Based on findings from the free home energy assessment. |
| Smart Thermostat | Up to $100 | ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. Available through the Mass Save online marketplace with instant discount or as a mail-in rebate. |
| Home Energy Assessment | Free (No Cost) | A comprehensive in-home energy assessment by a Mass Save energy specialist. Includes free LED bulbs, smart power strips, low-flow showerheads, and faucet aerators installed during the visit. Identifies insulation and air sealing opportunities. |
Mass Save HEAT Loan Program
The HEAT Loan is a 0% interest financing program that covers the remaining cost of qualifying energy improvements after rebates are applied. Loans of up to $50,000 are available with terms up to 10 years, making it possible to complete major energy retrofits with no upfront cost and no interest charges. The HEAT Loan is available through participating local lenders and credit unions.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 0% HEAT Loan for Insulation | Up to $50,000 at 0% APR | Finance the portion of insulation costs not covered by rebates. Up to 10-year repayment term. |
| 0% HEAT Loan for HVAC | Up to $50,000 at 0% APR | Finance qualifying heating, cooling, and water heating equipment after rebates. Covers heat pumps, boilers, furnaces. |
| 0% HEAT Loan for Windows | Up to $50,000 at 0% APR | Finance ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors. Must meet Mass Save program requirements. |
How to Apply for Mass Save Rebates
Mass Save makes it exceptionally easy to access rebates. The recommended process is:
- Schedule a free home energy assessment: This is the essential first step. Call 1-866-527-7283 or visit masssave.com to schedule a no-cost home energy assessment. A Mass Save energy specialist will visit your home, conduct a thorough evaluation, and provide a personalized report of recommended upgrades with exact rebate amounts.
- Review your assessment report: The energy specialist will identify air sealing and insulation opportunities, recommend equipment upgrades, and outline all rebates and HEAT Loan financing options available to you. During the assessment, they will also install free LED bulbs, smart power strips, and water-saving devices.
- Choose your upgrades: Based on the assessment report, decide which improvements to make. Mass Save will provide a list of participating contractors for insulation, HVAC, and other work. You can also use your own contractor if they meet program requirements.
- Apply for HEAT Loan financing (if needed): If you want 0% financing for the portion of costs not covered by rebates, apply for a HEAT Loan through a participating lender. The assessment report will include HEAT Loan application instructions.
- Complete the work: Have the installations performed by approved contractors. Mass Save coordinates directly with insulation contractors and handles the rebate processing automatically in most cases.
- Receive your rebates: For insulation, the rebate is typically applied directly to your bill from the contractor (you only pay the 25% co-pay). For equipment rebates, submit your application online or through the contractor, and receive a check within 4 to 6 weeks.
Pro tip: Start with the free energy assessment. Mass Save's energy specialists will map out exactly which rebates and incentives apply to your home and handle much of the paperwork for you.
Stacking with Federal Rebates
Utility rebates from Mass Save can typically be combined with HOMES and HEAR federal rebates (if available in your state). This means you could potentially receive both a utility rebate and a federal rebate for the same improvement. Use our calculator to estimate your total savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mass Save really free? What is the catch?
There is no catch. Mass Save is funded by a small energy efficiency surcharge that all Massachusetts utility customers already pay on their monthly bills. The home energy assessment is completely free, and during the visit, the energy specialist installs free LED bulbs, smart power strips, and water-saving devices worth over $100. Insulation rebates cover 75-100% of the cost, and the HEAT Loan charges 0% interest. Mass Save exists because Massachusetts law requires utilities to invest in cost-effective energy efficiency.
Can I get a Mass Save heat pump rebate of $10,000?
Yes, but the $10,000 figure represents the maximum incentive for a whole-home cold-climate heat pump system that fully displaces fossil fuel heating. The exact rebate depends on the number of indoor units installed, the type of system, and whether you are replacing oil, propane, or gas heating. A typical 3-4 zone ductless mini-split installation for whole-home heating might receive $6,000 to $10,000 in Mass Save rebates. Your energy assessment will provide the exact amount.
Do I have to use a Mass Save participating contractor?
For insulation work, Mass Save strongly recommends using a participating insulation contractor because the rebate is applied directly to the invoice, and the work is quality-assured by Mass Save inspectors. For HVAC and equipment rebates, you can use any licensed contractor, but participating contractors are familiar with the rebate process and can help ensure your equipment qualifies.
Can renters access Mass Save programs?
Yes, renters can schedule a free energy assessment and receive free installation of LEDs, smart power strips, and water-saving devices. For larger upgrades like insulation or heat pumps, the property owner must authorize the work. Mass Save also offers programs specifically for landlords and multi-family property owners to incentivize upgrades in rental properties.