When a retired couple in Oxford, MA, lost their heat during the winter, they needed a reliable and energy-efficient solution to restore warmth and comfort to their home. Living in an older house built in the 1940s, they also wanted to address long-standing issues with poor insulation that had been driving up their energy bills for years. They reached out to Chris at McDonald Heating AC and Plumbing Inc for expert advice on how to solve their heating problem and improve their home’s overall efficiency.
After assessing their situation, Chris of McDonald Heating AC and Plumbing recommended installing a whole-house heat pump system, which would not only restore heating but also provide cooling during the summer months. Heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency, making them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to reduce utility costs. To make the project more affordable, Chris guided the couple through the Mass Save program, which offered them a $10,000 rebate toward the heat pump installation. This significant financial incentive made the upgrade much more accessible for the retired couple.
Recognizing that proper insulation was critical to maximizing the efficiency of their new heat pump system, Chris referred the couple to Northeast Home & Energy, a trusted local contractor specializing in Mass Save-approved insulation work. During the initial assessment, Northeast Home & Energy identified two major challenges with the home’s insulation; uninsulated exterior walls and tongue-and-groove boards above the family room
Uninsulated Exterior Walls in a 1940s Home
The couple’s home had little to no insulation in many of its exterior walls. However, because the house was built in the 1940s, its walls were weaker than modern drywall construction. This posed a risk when attempting to blow insulation into the walls. To address this issue, Northeast Home & Energy adjusted their equipment settings to accommodate the fragile structure of the older walls. This careful approach ensured that all exterior walls were successfully insulated without causing any damage.
Tongue-and-Groove Boards Above the Family Room
Another challenge arose with the tongue-and-groove boards located above their family room. Mass Save has strict regulations for insulation installation, and this unique feature required special attention to meet those standards. Northeast Home & Energy worked closely with the Mass Save Contractor Hotline, collaborating on a customized solution that ensured this area was properly insulated while remaining compliant with program requirements.
In addition to addressing these challenges, Northeast Home & Energy installed 17 inches of cellulose insulation in the main attic area. This upgrade significantly improved the home’s thermal envelope, reducing heat loss during winter and keeping the home cooler in summer.
With these improvements, the couple is expected to save up to 30% on their heating bills, thanks to both the new heat pump system and enhanced insulation. Some homeowners with similar upgrades have reported savings as high as 50%. The couple also noticed an immediate improvement in home comfort, with fewer drafts and more consistent temperatures throughout their living spaces.
This project highlights how homeowners in Oxford, MA, can take advantage of local resources like Mass Save rebates and expert contractors like Northeast Home & Energy to transform older homes into energy-efficient spaces. With many homes in Oxford dating back decades, similar challenges with outdated insulation and inefficient heating systems are common. By upgrading to modern solutions like heat pumps and improving insulation, residents can significantly reduce energy costs while increasing year-round comfort.
The success of this project was made possible through collaboration between McDonald Heating and Plumbing, Northeast Home & Energy, and Mass Save. Each party played a critical role in identifying solutions, securing financial incentives, and overcoming unique challenges posed by an older home’s structure. For homeowners in Oxford looking to improve their energy efficiency while taking advantage of local rebates and programs, this story serves as a testament to what’s possible with expert guidance and teamwork.
