Somerville Launches Cheap Home Heating, Cooling Alternative Program

SOMERVILLE, MA – A Somerville program launched this week offers homeowners and local businesses discounts on alternative heating and cooling technology that runs cheaper and more efficiently than some traditional systems. The HeatSmart/CoolSmart program kicked off Aug. 7 and will run through Dec. 15, offering discounts on the installation of "air source heat pumps" that heat and cool homes at lower usage costs than oil and electric heating systems and window air conditioning units.

Somerville resident Molly Shanley is spearheading the effort to help property owners determine if heat pumps are a good fit for their homes and businesses. The first event for residents will be the HeatSmart/CoolSmart Kickoff on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Argenziano School. Any interested Somerville property owners may also visit www.somervillema.gov/hscs to learn about pricing and rebates, and to sign up for a no-cost site visit to explore options.

"This program can be helpful both to owners just looking to reduce their utility bills, as well as to those looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint—or, of course, both," Russell Koty, Environmental Housing Programs Manager, said in a release. "Like solar, heat pumps do require an upfront investment to purchase them, but that cost can be recouped over time via the savings you should see on your heating and cooling costs if you currently have an electric or oil-based system."

This program aims to help property owners better afford heat pump technology in four ways. First, the two installers – N.E.R.T. of North Andover and New England Ductless of Milton – are offering a discount of up to 15 percent on heat pump units. Next, the Mass Clean Energy Center and MassSave are offering residents additional rebates if they take part in the no-cost Home Energy Assessment. Third, heat pump units can be financed through the zero percent interest HEAT Loan. Finally, based on income, residents may also be eligible to purchase their heat pump through the Somerville Housing Rehab program.

For more information about how to participate in the program OR to assist with volunteer outreach efforts, please contact HeatSmart/CoolSmart coach Molly Shanley atsomervilleheatcoolsmart@gmail.com or visit www.somervillema.gov/hscs. Additional information about Somerville’s residential energy programs can be found at www.somervillema.gov/seen or by contacting the Housing and Environment Programs Office at 617-625-6600 ext. 2567.

Patch File Photo