Have an Expert Give Your Home an Energy Checkup
Do you ever wonder how much energy you lose through leaky doors, windows and ductwork? Do you suspect that your insulation isn’t making the grade? What about your major appliances? Wouldn’t it be great if you could have an expert give your home an energy checkup - and do some of the work right then and there? You can.
In one easy visit, utility-certified technicians will evaluate your home’s energy performance and install energy-saving measures such as sealing air leaks and installing energy-efficient lighting, faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. The technicians will also provide written recommendations for deeper energy-saving measures such as insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling, water heating, windows and appliances. To help you in making smart energy choices, your recommendations will include information on rebates and financing along with payback and investment information specific to your home.
The fee* for all of this is just $124.
* Fee subject to change without notice and based on available funding.
Check out our video to see what happens during a typical energy assessment (audit). Read more below to find out how to get started and if your home qualifies.
Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for more information.
How to Apply and Services Offered
Steps to Take to Smart Energy Action
Step 1 - Submit an application* to your local utility online, by phone or by choosing an authorized contractor to assist you. Find out how...
ONLINE: Visit your utility provider's website below:
PHONE: Call 1-877-WISE-USE.
AUTHORIZED CONTRACTOR: use the Find-a-Contractor tool to locate a contractor in your area.
Step 2 - Your appointment is scheduled....
Step 3 - You receive a home energy checkup and basic services. Watch the short video to see what happens during a normal visit. Read about what happens...
- The home energy checkup begins with important safety tests on your furnace and water heater. Next, the technicians perform a blower-door test to pinpoint drafts and air leaks, then seal critical air leaks.
- If you have forced hot air or central air conditioning, the technicians test your ductwork to assess airflow within the ductwork system and seal significant leaks.
- Hot water-saving measures including low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators may be installed.
- Energy-efficient light bulbs may be installed (subject to program caps).
- The visit ends with a kitchen table wrap-up. The technicians review the work done in your home and tell you about deeper energy saving measures that can help you save even more energy and money. They will also go over financing options to help you make the energy efficiency upgrades. During this wrap-up, they will provide you with:
- An easy-to-read Home Energy Solutions workbook, which shows what areas in your home were addressed during the visit, the results of the blower-door test, 101 easy ways to save energy and other information resources and forms specific to your home.
- Payback and investment information for deeper energy saving measures, such as insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, water heaters, ENERGY STAR-certified windows and appliances.
- Information about rebates including:
- Up to $500 for qualifying central air conditioning systems
- Up to $100 towards the replacement of certain inefficient appliances with qualifying energy-efficient models
- Up to $1,000 for qualifying natural gas furnaces
- Incentives for qualifying insulation upgrades
- An easy-to-read Home Energy Solutions workbook, which shows what areas in your home were addressed during the visit, the results of the blower-door test, 101 easy ways to save energy and other information resources and forms specific to your home.
Step 4 - Take additional smart energy actions....
*Please note: this solution is very popular, may have a waiting list and is subject to available funding.
Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for more information.
Who Is Eligible
All residential customers of Eversource, UI, CNG, and SCG are eligible for this program. Applying is easy. Just complete the application form online (if you own the home) found on your local electric or gas company’s website or mail in a completed form:
If you rent the home, you will need to obtain your landlord’s approval.
If your family’s combined gross annual income is below the state’s 60 percent income median, you may qualify for our HES - Income-Eligible (HES-IE) program, which provides free services to qualified customers.
The program is ideally suited for one- to four-family homes. If you live in a 5+-unit apartment building, our Multi-family Initiative may be better suited for you – and your neighbors.
If you are a Connecticut resident and are not served by one of the utilities listed above, please visit your utility’s website to see what energy efficiency programs are available to you. Please click here for information on how to contact your municipal utility.
Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for more information.
Other Energy Assessment (Audit) Options
| PROGRAMS FOR INCOME-ELIGIBLE CUSTOMERS AND MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTES: |
|---|
Home Energy Solutions - Income-Eligible (HES-IE)If your family’s combined gross annual income is below the state’s 60 percent income median, you may qualify for our Home Energy Solutions - Income-Eligible (HES-IE) program. The $124 co-pay fee is waived and you may receive additional energy-saving services at no cost. Learn more and to see if you qualify. |
Multi-familyThe multi-family building (5+ units) you live in or own may be eligible for energy-efficiency upgrades through more than one program. This one-stop program brings them all to your door, making it easy for you to save energy. Learn more about this program. |
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Tax Credits
Did you know you might be able to take advantage of federal income tax incentives for energy-efficient and renewable energy home improvements? Congress first passed the incentives in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and has amended them several times since then.
Current incentives expire December 31, 2016. The incentives fall into two categories. Be sure to review both to maximize your incentive.
- Renewable energy sources like geothermal, solar, wind and others are covered under Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit (Part I). You may be able to take a credit of 30% of your qualified costs.
- Energy efficiency improvements like insulation, windows, HVAC and more are covered under Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit (Part II). Credits for 10% of cost, up to $500 or a specific amount from $50-$300 may be available.
Helpful links:
ENERGY STAR® – See which products qualify, and for what incentive amount
IRS Tax Forms:
- Form 5695 – Residential Energy Credit
- Form 5695 - Instructions
You should contact a tax professional with questions specific to your situation.
Video
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877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873)
What Our Customers Say
- “I can definitely tell that the insulation, in combination with the other energy improvements made at the time of my assessment, has improved the sealing of my house from air leaks, while reducing the cost of heating our home.”
- “At the end of the day, it’s so nice to return to a comfortable house that we know is not only insulated properly, but is also saving us money on our monthly utility bill. We hope to use the savings ... [for]... some of the energy efficiency upgrades ”
- “HES prioritized what had been a daunting list of renovation needs, while the loan and rebates stretched my limited budget to fit those needs.”
- “The house this winter felt more snug and less drafty. The rebates really make a big difference, and that’s important for homeowners to know. With making the change to the insulation and the HVAC system, I have certainly seen a change in my electric bill.”
- “My experience with the Energy Efficiency Fund was quick and painless. My tenants are saving approximately 40 percent over last year’s heating bills. I can’t wait to see the savings on the central air system.”
Success Stories
Tips

Dishwasher
Use cold water instead of hot water when running your garbage disposal. With hot water, fats...

Heating & Cooling
Seek a professional on air sealing before you insulate. Before you insulate, you should make...

Lighting
Install dimmers and motion sensors where possible. Dimmer switches can increase bulb life up...

Lighting
Some LEDs and compact fluorescent bulbs can be used with dimmer switches. Check the package...

Lighting
Use task lighting over desks, tables and workbenches rather than lighting the whole...

Refrigerator & Freezer
When purchasing a new refrigerator, choose an ENERGY STAR® qualified model.

Refrigerator & Freezer
Check door seals on the refrigerator. A broken seal is the same as leaving the door open....

Refrigerator & Freezer
Replace of any refrigerator or freezer in your home that’s more than ten (10) years old...

Hot Water
If you are buying a new electric hot water heater, make sure to buy the highest efficiency...

Washer & Dryer
Keep the outside vent of your clothes dryer clean. A clogged vent lengthens the drying time...

Small Appliances
Buy electric power tools with the lowest horsepower or amps adequate for the work you want...




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