QUICK ANSWER
In Boston, MA, electricity costs $0.26/kWh and annual energy bills average $3,326/year. The highest-payback upgrades are Heat Pump and Attic Insulation. Eversource rebates, stacked with federal HEEHRA (up to $8,000 for heat pumps) and the federal home improvement tax credit (30% back), can cut upfront upgrade costs by $3,000–$10,000+ depending on the project. A typical homeowner saves $599–$1,064/year after completing the top upgrades.
Home Energy Savings in Boston, MA
Boston homeowners face the highest energy costs in our database -- a combination of cold winters, high electricity rates, and expensive natural gas. Massachusetts' Mass Save program (delivered through Eversource) is arguably the best utility efficiency program in the country, offering up to $10,000 for heat pump installations.
Boston Energy Cost Overview
- Average annual energy cost: $3,326
- Local electricity rate: $0.26/kWh (U.S. average is $0.17/kWh)
- Climate zone: Cold
- Local utility: Eversource
Top Energy Upgrades for Boston Homeowners
- Heat Pump: Heats and cools at 2-3x the efficiency of a gas furnace or standard AC. Federal incentives up to $10,000 when stacked.
- Attic Insulation: The highest-ROI upgrade for homes built before 2000. Typical payback: 3-5 years. Federal home improvement tax credit covers 30%.
- Air Sealing: Cuts drafts and reduces heating and cooling loss by 15-25% at low cost. Often bundled with insulation rebates.
Available Rebates in Boston
Eversource offers rebates for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades. Stack these with Mass Save and federal HEEHRA rebates for maximum total savings.
- Federal HEEHRA: Up to $8,000 for heat pumps and $1,750 for heat pump water heaters for income-qualifying households
- Federal Home Improvement Tax Credit: 30% back on efficiency upgrades, available to all income levels
- Eversource rebates: Eversource rebate programs for 2026
- Massachusetts programs: Massachusetts state rebates and Mass Save
How to Start Saving in Boston
- Complete a free Enerly home energy audit -- takes 5 minutes, no contractor visit needed
- Review your personalized upgrade list sorted by payback period and annual savings
- Check Eversource for current rebate amounts and qualifying equipment
- Apply for HEEHRA rebates through your Massachusetts state energy office if you qualify by income
- Claim the federal home improvement tax credit on your federal return for additional savings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest energy waste in most Boston homes?
In Cold climates like Boston's, HVAC -- heating and cooling -- typically accounts for 40-50% of total home energy use. Upgrading to a modern high-efficiency system and adding insulation delivers the largest reduction in annual energy costs.
How much can Boston homeowners save on energy bills?
Homeowners who complete the top recommended upgrades can typically save 18-32% on their annual energy bills. With an average energy cost of $3,326/year in Boston, that represents roughly $599-$1,064 in annual savings before rebates are applied.
Does Boston have good solar potential?
Boston has good solar potential. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit and any available state incentives can offset a significant portion of installation costs.