Upgrade Heating and Cooling Equipment

Example of Energy Efficient Heat Pump

If your heating and cooling equipment is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement. High-efficiency equipment can make your home more comfortable, efficient, and budget-friendly. The Sponsors of Mass Save® provide resources and rebates that help you upgrade.

Is this an emergency?


  • 1

    Work with a licensed HVAC professional to determine which equipment is right for your home

  • 2

    Browse our available equipment upgrades here.

  • 3

    Interested in 0% financing? Apply for a Mass Save HEAT Loan prior to installing your equipment.

Heating and Cooling Replacement Guide

All heating systems have three basic components. If your heating system is not working properly, one of these basic components could be the problem:

Illustrated icon of a heating system source

Heat Source

The heat source – most commonly a furnace, boiler or heat pump – provides warm air or water to heat the house.

Illustrated icon of a heating distribution system

Heat Distribution System

The heat distribution system – such as a forced air or radiators – move warm air, steam or hot water through the house.

Illustrated icon of a heating control system

Control System

The Control System – most commonly a thermostat – regulates the amount of heat that is distributed.

Fuel Type

It is important to compare fuel costs if you have more than one option available. You may find that you will save more money in the long-term if you use an alternate fuel type. Click here to visit the Mass Save Heating Comparison Calculator.

Select the type of equipment to learn about options:

It is important to compare fuel costs if you have more than one option available. You may find that you will save more money in the long-term if you use an alternate fuel type.



Step 1: Understanding Equipment

ENERGY STAR® Certified Smart and Programmable Thermostats

Shop at a Participating Retailer

Save instantly when you purchase an eligible ENERGY STAR® Certified Smart Thermostat or a Programmable Thermostat at a participating retailer. Simply follow the prompts to check your eligibility, and you will receive a text with a link to your rebate code. Show your code at the register and the rebate amount will be instantly subtracted from the price of the unit.

Or, Shop Our Online Catalog

Receive instant discounts on energy-saving smart and programmable thermostats, courtesy of the Sponsors of Mass Save®. You will not need to apply for a rebate, as our online store offers instant price discounts.

Step 2: Working with a Contractor

Work with a licensed contractor to determine which equipment is right for your home. Before installation, consider contacting one or more licensed heating contractor(s) or plumbers of your choice for quotes.

Step 3: Installation Best Practices

ENERGY STAR® Certified Smart and Programmable Thermostats

Interested in No-Cost Installation?

Through our home energy assessment, residential customers can take advantage of our discounted prices and purchase Nest Thermostat E or Building 36™ Smart Thermostats for just $100. We will even install them at no cost to you. These easy-to-use, energy-saving thermostats adapt to your schedule and let you control your home's temperature from anywhere.

 

Call 866-527-SAVE (7283) today to schedule your Home Energy Assessment and learn more about the smart thermostat and installation incentive. You can also visit our FAQs.

 

The Nest Thermostat E and Building 36 Thermostat are compatible with a wide range of heating and air-conditioning systems, however, not all thermostats are compatible with all systems. Installation is subject to compatibility with your heating and cooling systems, and the offer is subject to change.

 

Interested in Purchasing a Different Smart Thermostat?

Rebates of up to $100 per smart thermostat (limit of 4 per customer account) are available. You can self-install the thermostats or hire a heating contractor or electrician to complete the installation (at your cost). No-cost installation is NOT available for rebates or online store purchases for any thermostat.

Step 4: Apply for Your Rebate

Step 5: Maintain the Equipment

ENERGY STAR® Certified Smart and Programmable Thermostats

Step 1: Understanding Equipment

MassSave.com/HeatPump

Step 2: Work with a contractor participating in the Mass Save Heat Pump Installer Network

Contractors participating in the Mass Save Heat Pump Installer Network are independent, licensed, insured, and actively engaged with the Mass Save Residential Heating and Cooling program.  These qualified contractors have been trained to design and install heat pump systems that meet the needs of your home and can help you understand heat pump installation and operating costs, as well as proper operation and maintenance practices.

Step 3: Installation Best Practices

Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps

Step 4: Apply for Your Rebate

Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps

Step 5: Maintain the Equipment

Electric Heating and Cooling Equipment

Step 1: Understanding Equipment

A heat pump water heater works much like an Air Conditioner (AC) or a refrigerator, moving heat from the surrounding air into the hot water tank. Most heat pump water heaters include an integrated hot water tank and a “hybrid” mode, allowing them to run as standard electric water heaters if necessary.

Video 1: How Do Heat Pump Water Heaters Work?

 

Video 2: Find the right Heat Pump Water Heaters

Step 2: Working with a Contractor

Work with a licensed plumber to install a qualifying product. Equipment must replace an existing residential electric storage tank water heater or be new construction (gas, oil, or propane replacement not eligible)


Is your contractor measureQuick trained?

A measureQuick trained contractor ensures that equipment is installed to manufacturer specifications. Systems that are properly installed work at peak efficiency, increasing the comfort and savings in your home.

Find a measureQuick Contractor Here

Step 3: Installation Best Practices

Heat pump water heaters need to be installed in open, semi-conditioned spaces at a minimum of 50°F or higher. They should not be placed in a closet, even if using a louvered door. If the HPWH must be in a confined space, a specific duct assembly kit must be mounted to the unit to provide required air exchanges to the unit. These kits are available through select HPWH manufacturers. The capacity of a 50-gallon tank can be extended by installing a mixing valve (anti-scald device required), which allows storing the water in the heater at a higher temperature, while still delivering water to the faucets at safe temperatures. The higher stored water temperature can "increase" the tank capacity by 10-12 gallons, or 20%.

Step 4: Apply for Your Rebate

Step 5: Maintain the Equipment

Heat pump water heaters have washable filters that must be cleaned every month or as recommended by the manufacturer. Let the filter dry before reinstalling it in the water heater. Any condensate drain lines or pumps should be checked annually and cleaned as well to prevent leaks.

 

Read about five easy ways to help keep your water heater maintained on our blog

Step 1: Understanding Equipment

Natural Gas Heating

Natural Gas Water Heating

Step 2: Working with a Contractor

Work with a licensed contractor to determine which equipment is right for your home. Before installation, consider contacting more than one licensed heating contractor(s) or plumbers of your choice for quotes.

Step 3: Installation Best Practices

Natural Gas Heating

Natural Gas Water Heating

Step 4: Apply for Your Rebate

Natural Gas Heating

Step 5: Maintain the Equipment

Natural Gas Heating

Natural Gas Water Heating

Step 1: Understanding Equipment

Oil Heating

Oil Water Heating

Step 2: Working with a Contractor

Oil Heating

Oil Water Heating

Step 3: Installation Best Practices

Oil Heating

Oil Water Heating

Step 4: Apply for Your Rebate

Oil Heating

Step 5: Maintain the Equipment

Oil Heating

Oil Water Heating

Step 1: Understanding Equipment

Propane Heating

Propane Water Heating

Step 2: Working with a Contractor

Propane Heating

Propane Water Heating

Step 3: Installation Best Practices

Propane Heating

Propane Water Heating

Step 4: Apply for Your Rebate

Propane Heating

Step 5: Maintain the Equipment

Propane Heating

Propane Water Heating

Have a question?

Schedule a no-cost consultation with a Mass Save Decarbonization Specialist.

 



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