Community Corner

Cool Off Smartly: Energy Committee's Better Homes Belmont Program Expands

After 800 participated in no-cost home energy assessment, committee has an efficient way make summer a bit more comfortable.

After having more than 800 town homes participate in its no-cost home energy assessment "Better Homes Belmont" campaign, the Belmont Energy Committee has decided 'why stop a good thing?' and is expanding the successful program to convince residents who have oil-heated homes to cool off smartly. 

Better Homes Belmont is encouraging homeowners who heat with oil and want efficient cooling in the summer to put away their window air conditioning units and consider installing a modern air-source heat pump, known as a “ductless mini-split.” 

This combined heating and cooling system uses a highly-efficient process much like kitchen refrigerators. These air-source heat pumps are able to heat and cool individual rooms using less energy  and emitting significantly fewer greenhouse gases than oil or electric heating systems.  In addition, the indoor air quality tends to improve as it circulates through the system. 

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To help support the campaign, Belmont Light is providing a limited number of $200 incentives for qualifying customers who heat with oil, electricity or propane, as well as existing $100 AC rebates for non-oil customers.  

“We’re pleased that so many Belmont residents are experiencing significant savings and improving the resale value of their homes by insulating and sealing air leaks while also lowering their carbon footprint,” said Ian Todreas, co-chair of the Belmont Energy Committee. 

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To support the new initiative, Next Step Living, a Boston-based contractor specializing in home energy solutions, is promoting Better Homes Belmont in the community through in-person outreach and at community meetings. So far, more than 200 residents have already inquired about the program. 

Better Homes Belmont is a residential campaign sponsored by the Belmont Energy Committee, with significant support from the Belmont Municipal Light Department. 

To learn more about heat pumps or schedule a free heating system assessment, visit: betterhomesbelmont.org or call 866-867-8729. 


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