The 6-Step Application Walkthrough
From application click to rebate-eligible visit complete: typically 3-6 weeks total. On-site visit itself is 90 minutes.
Total time: PT3W
- Step 01
Verify eligibility (utility customer status)
Mass Save serves: Eversource (electric + gas), National Grid (electric + gas), Unitil, Liberty Utilities, Berkshire Gas, plus participating municipal utilities. If your electric or gas utility account is with any of these, you're eligible. Renters: get landlord authorization in writing before applying. Multi-family buildings: each unit has separate eligibility. - Step 02
Apply online at masssave.com/saving/home-energy-assessments
Go to masssave.com → Saving → Home Energy Assessments → 'Schedule My Assessment.' Complete the form: name, address, contact info, primary heating fuel, household size. Submission triggers an authorized Mass Save vendor (typically Sealed, ICF, Honeywell, or a regional firm) to contact you within 5-10 business days. - Step 03
Schedule the on-site visit (4-week typical lead time)
The vendor calls or emails to schedule. Lead time: 2-6 weeks depending on season (peak is fall + early spring). Visit is 90 minutes; daytime weekday slots are most common, evening + Saturday slots available with extra lead time. Take the day off or work from home — homeowner must be present. - Step 04
Prepare for the visit (2-3 hours total prep)
Have ready: last 12 months of utility bills (gas, electric, oil if applicable). Equipment nameplate photos: heating system, water heater, electrical panel. Income documentation IF pursuing income-eligible enhanced verification: most recent tax return cover page or 2 most recent pay stubs. Clear access to attic + basement. Secure pets (blower door creates strong air movement). - Step 05
Complete the on-site visit (90 minutes)
Auditor walks the property: outside, basement, attic, each room. Performs blower door test (depressurizes house to 50 Pa, measures CFM50 air leakage rate). Inspects 23 items (see our HEA checklist article). Installs free LED bulbs, smart power strips, low-flow showerheads, smart thermostat. Verifies income tier if requested. Signs authorization form for downstream rebates (2-year window). - Step 06
Receive written report + start downstream filings
Within 7-10 days post-visit: written report arrives via email. Includes blower door results, R-value measurements, equipment age inventory, and prioritized recommendations with rebate amounts. From here, you can: schedule insulation install (75-100% rebated), get heat pump quote, get HPWH quote, apply for panel upgrade rebate. All downstream contractors reference your HEA date in their filings.
Eligibility Edge Cases
Common situations Pro Build sees:
- Recently-purchased home (under 6 months)
- Eligible. Often beneficial — HEA right after purchase identifies upgrade priorities while planning renovations.
- Multi-family building (2-4 units)
- Each unit has separate HEA eligibility. Tenants can apply with landlord authorization. Owner-occupied building gets HEA for both their unit and tenant units.
- Recent HEA on file (within 2 years)
- Existing authorization is still valid for downstream rebates. Re-application typically not needed unless major envelope changes occurred.
- Property without natural gas or electric service from approved utility
- Limited eligibility. Some municipal utilities don't participate in Mass Save. Check with your specific utility.
- Vacation home or seasonal residence
- Eligible if it's your primary residence at least part of the year. Income tier verification uses your primary tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mass Save Home Energy Assessment really free?
Yes — fully funded by the energy efficiency surcharge on every Massachusetts electric and gas bill. The auditor installs $200-$400 worth of free products (LED bulbs, smart power strips, low-flow showerheads, smart thermostat) during the visit. There's zero cost and no obligation to follow up with any contractor.
How long does the HEA visit take?
90 minutes on-site for a typical 2,200 sq ft single-family home. Larger homes or homes with detached garages add 15-30 minutes. The blower door test alone takes about 25 minutes.
Can I do the HEA more than once?
Mass Save typically allows a follow-up assessment every 2 years. Homeowners returning for a follow-up after major envelope or HVAC changes (heat pump install, full insulation upgrade) get a fresh blower door reading and updated recommendations.
What if I'm not home for the scheduled HEA?
Reschedule via the vendor coordination email/phone you received. Mass Save vendors typically don't no-show penalty (this is a free service) but waste your scheduling slot. If you must reschedule, give 48 hours notice; same-day cancellation may push you to back of queue.
Does the HEA include thermal imaging?
Some vendors include thermal imaging (infrared camera) as part of the walk-through; not all do. Useful for finding insulation gaps and air leakage points. If your vendor doesn't include it, you can request a follow-up visit specifically for thermal imaging in some cases.
Will the HEA find issues with my electrical or plumbing?
No — HEA is energy-focused. The auditor flags knob-and-tube wiring (because it blocks insulation upgrade) but doesn't inspect electrical for code compliance. Plumbing is not inspected. For full electrical or plumbing inspection, schedule separate licensed Master Electrician or Master Plumber visit.
Can I get an HEA on a home I'm about to buy?
Not typically — HEA requires the applicant to be the current utility account holder. Workaround: complete purchase first, transfer utility account to your name, then apply. HEA can be scheduled within 30-60 days of closing.
What's the difference between HEA and a comprehensive home energy audit?
Mass Save HEA is BPI-aligned and free; a comprehensive RESNET HERS rating audit ($300-$800, paid by homeowner) provides a numerical home energy rating useful for resale or new construction certification. For most MA retrofit decisions, the free HEA covers what's needed.
References & Sources
- Mass Save Home Energy Assessment program. https://www.masssave.com/saving/home-energy-assessments
- Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards. https://www.bpi.org/standards
- Massachusetts state median income data. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/income-eligible-information
