New Program Uses Thermal Images to Help Newton Homeowners Save Energy

The following is a press release from the Newton Eco-Project and thermal imaging company Sagewell:

The Newton Eco-Project and thermal imaging company Sagewell, Inc. are collaborating to offer Newton homeowners no-cost, comprehensive home energy assessments to save energy and money. But this is no ordinary home energy assessment. This program uses exterior thermal images to pinpoint exactly where heat is leaking to make the most effective improvements possible. The program is available to all qualifying Newton homeowners. Homeowners can request their no-cost comprehensive energy assessment and thermal images on Sagewell's website.

“We are excited about this program”, says Jay Walter, Executive Director of the Newton Eco-project. “Thermal images are a real eye opener.  With this technology homeowners can actually see energy escaping from their homes. We believe the thermal images will motivate homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes”.

Seeing energy leaking from the house is the first step. Then conducting an in-home energy assessment comes next. It allows homeowners to fully realize the energy savings in their homes. To get started, homeowners go to to Sagewell's website, enter their address in the “Find your home” box, complete the form to request thermal images and a utility-sponsored in-home energy assessment, and then tell friends and neighbors!

Sagewell, Inc. drove through Newton this past winter with a hybrid vehicle equipped with thermal heat loss sensors to help homeowners see where their homes may be leaking energy. (Some Newton buildings do not have images because of blocked views from roadways due to trees, bushes or fences between the home and road, or because some streets in Newton were not covered.) Sagewell’s thermal images show only heat loss from buildings. They are privacy-protected and available only to homeowners. They are not shared with any third parties without the homeowner’s permission.

There is no cost to homeowners for this program. The in-home energy assessment part of the program, which is already fully paid through utility bill charges, gives qualified homeowners access to substantially discounted energy efficiency products and services, including a 75 percent insulation discount (up to $2,000) and access to zero percent interest loans for qualified improvements such as single pane window replacement and heating system replacement.

After submitting a request for their thermal images on Sagewell's website, homeowners will be notified via email when their thermal image report is ready. They will also be contacted by an approved in-home energy assessment company who will carry out the no-cost in-home assessment through the Mass Save energy program. 

“We hope that people will act quickly to sign up for the program” says Brad Harkavy COO of Sagewell Inc. “ We want homeowners to save money by making energy improvements by the end of December so they qualify for 2012 utility sponsored improvements.”

For questions or assistance, contact Sagewell at 617-963-8141 or email support@sagewell.com.