More homeowners are exploring sustainable heating and cooling systems and electric appliances — but figuring out where to begin can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Sustainable Marblehead’s new energy-coaching program comes in. The nonprofit launched the initiative to help residents shrink their carbon footprints by offering in-home guidance on everything from solar panels and battery storage to heat pumps, weatherization, electric vehicles and efficient appliances.
“This is a more expanded way to communicate with residents about their options for decarbonizing their homes,” said coach Lisa Wolf, who helped design the program after starting a similar one in Wellesley.
Wolf recruited five additional coaches, all of whom completed a six-week training through the Heat Smart Alliance, a volunteer group promoting sustainable home heating and cooling across Massachusetts.
“It’s a bunch of retired engineers, mostly,” Wolf said with a laugh. “They understand the need to decarbonize and they understand the technology. It’s complicated and confusing, but they can help.”
One of the first residents to participate was Amy Berenson, who has lived in Marblehead for more than 30 years.
“When you’re making a huge investment in your house, it’s helpful to have a knowledgeable consultant by your side,” Berenson said. “None of the consulting cost us any extra money, and I wouldn’t have known about all the rebates. It’s actually saved me money in the long run.”
Berenson first met with Wolf on Oct. 20.
“Lisa provided a list of vetted contractors, which saved us significant time and gave us confidence that we were dealing with knowledgeable professionals,” Berenson said. “For a layperson, navigating conversations about BTUs, electrical requirements and airflow can be overwhelming — especially considering it’s an $8,000 to $13,000 investment. Lisa helped me understand the technical aspects of both the equipment and the installation so we could evaluate proposals as informed consumers. I sent her the contractor proposals, and she offered helpful feedback about our lead candidate.”
Berenson added: “We selected a contractor in late October, and the installation was completed on Nov. 15 — just about a one-month turnaround, which was important because a large rebate expires Dec. 31.”
Although heat pumps can carry a high upfront cost, they pay for themselves quickly because of their efficiency, Wolf said.
“Whatever the most efficient gas furnace could be, a heat pump is three times more efficient,” she said. “In terms of operating costs, you’re going to save money on fuel over the winter if you convert to heat pumps. And if you start by properly insulating and air-sealing your home, you save money right away because your home becomes more efficient. That’s the goal — to help people reduce energy costs and their carbon footprint.”
In the program’s first month, 11 households signed up for coaching.
Wolf said the financial benefits are significant.
“Converting your heat from an efficient gas system to heat pumps will save you several hundred dollars per year,” she said. “If you replace propane with a heat pump, you can cut your heating bill in half — from about $4,000 to $2,000. Charging an EV at home costs less than half of gas per mile, and if you have solar, you can potentially eliminate all car-fueling costs. Electric appliances are more efficient, safer and healthier, though savings there are smaller.”
Sustainable Marblehead hopes more residents will take advantage of the coaching program as the town works toward its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
To learn more, visit sustainablemarblehead.org/energycoaching.
