Whether you’re planning a major upgrade or a smaller project, the right contractor can help you understand your options, navigate technical decisions, and ensure the work supports your long-term comfort and energy efficiency goals. Taking time to evaluate your contractor choices up front can make the entire experience smoother from start to finish.
If you’re a Massachusetts homeowner exploring Mass Save® incentives, your contractor options and level of support can vary depending on your eligibility. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, you can review income-based incentives to understand which pathway applies to your household.
Getting started
The Sponsors of Mass Save (Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty, National Grid, and Unitil) have several ways for you to make home energy improvements, and the contractor selection process can look different depending on the type of upgrade and your program eligibility.
The first step is to sign up for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment (virtual or in-person). The Sponsors of Mass Save offer incentives for upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, and more based on your household income. Turnkey services, a fully managed process where customers receive instant incentives, quality assurance, and expert guidance for no-cost improvements like insulation, heat pumps, and more, are also available for qualifying customers.
Customers who qualify for income-based programs can work directly through their local Community Action Agencies for services. For other residential programs, customers should take some additional steps before signing a contract.
Understand your options
There are two pathways available for receiving a no-cost Home Energy Assessment and completing recommended weatherization upgrades, such as insulation and air sealing.
Option 1: Schedule with your Mass Save Sponsor’s Lead Vendor. A Lead Vendor, assigned based on your Mass Save Sponsor, will conduct the no-cost Home Energy Assessment and identify opportunities to improve the energy performance of your home. Following the assessment, you’ll receive a Decarbonization Report outlining recommended upgrades and available incentives. Schedule online or by calling 866-527-SAVE (7283).
Option 2: Work with a Home Performance Contractor. Customers may select a Home Performance Contractor from the participating contractor network. The contractor will conduct your no-cost Home Energy Assessment and review recommendations with you. If you choose to move forward with insulation or air sealing improvements, the same contractor can complete the work during a future visit.
Moving forward with any recommended projects is optional, and for limited aspects of a project that might not have set pricing, customers may want to consider obtaining multiple quotes before proceeding.
A word about heat pumps
Cold weather is approaching, which always gets people thinking about their heating systems. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, and in addition to rebates available through Mass Save, eligible customers can also take advantage of a special electric rate during the heating season.
For homeowners considering a heat pump, working with a qualified installer is especially important. Heat pumps are highly efficient systems, and their performance depends on proper sizing, thoughtful placement, and careful installation. A contractor who understands these details can help ensure your system will operate as intended and support your comfort year-round.
A customer choice pathway
If you prefer to take a self-guided path, you may choose your own participating Heat Pump Installer while taking advantage of Enhanced Heat Pump Rebates.
Your first step is selecting a contractor who participates in the Mass Save Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN). HPIN contractors have met baseline program requirements. This ensures that they have the foundational knowledge needed to install modern heat pump systems.
Even when you’re working within a participating contractor network, it’s helpful to review several proposals. System design, equipment recommendations, and pricing can vary, and comparing multiple quotes can give you a clearer sense of your options.
Ask the right questions
A little homework goes a long way. Checking reviews, asking for references, making sure all local and state requirements (such as appropriate permitting) are followed, and having detailed conversations about design and installation—particularly for heat pumps—can help you feel confident in your decision.
If you are having issues understanding project design or pricing differences, you can contact the Mass Save Sponsors to sign up for a Decarbonization Consultation for guidance and suggestions about how to move forward.
Set expectations early
Before moving forward, review the proposed scope of work carefully. Confirm the equipment or upgrades being installed, the timeline, and what is included in the project. Clear expectations help avoid surprises and support a smoother experience.
When you select your own contractor, it’s also important to understand warranties and service agreements. While the Mass Save Sponsors support rebate eligibility and processing, your contractor remains your primary point of contact for system design, installation, and post-installation questions.
Be sure to review the Mass Save Sponsors guide for what to expect when switching to a heat pump, which explains how to achieve the best performance and comfort from your new system.
The bottom line
The Sponsors of Mass Save offer different pathways to help customers make energy improvements at home. Some programs provide more support with contractor selection and vetting, while others give customers greater flexibility and choice. Understanding which pathway you’re using, whether you qualify for income-based offerings, and what to consider when selecting a contractor yourself can help you make informed decisions and feel confident moving forward with your project.
For more information on how to find a trusted and reliable contractor, visit www.masssave.com/en/residential/find-a-contractor
