The Top 3 Energy Mistakes Boston’s Triple-Decker Owners Make
Owning a Boston Triple-Decker is a quintessential part of the city’s dream. These iconic, three-story homes are brilliant investment properties and beloved residences. But as any owner or tenant knows, heating and cooling one can be a financial and logistical nightmare. Their unique vertical architecture creates a specific set of energy challenges that, if ignored, lead to wasted money, uncomfortable tenants, and high turnover.
Too many owners assume these problems are just “part of the charm.” The good news is they’re not. They are the result of three common—and completely fixable—energy mistakes. As a leading Mass Save® partner, Souzet specializes in transforming these classic buildings into models of modern efficiency. Here’s how to identify and solve the most costly errors.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Extreme “Stack Effect”
In any building, warm air naturally rises. In a three-story triple-decker, this phenomenon, known as the stack effect, is put on steroids.
- The Problem: In winter, heated air from all three floors rises and escapes through tiny leaks in the attic of the third-floor unit. This creates a vacuum effect, pulling cold air into the basement and first-floor apartment through gaps in the foundation. The result? The first floor is freezing, the third floor is sweltering (and still paying for heat that’s escaping), and the furnace runs constantly to keep up.
- The Fix: A Top-and-Bottom Weatherization Strategy You cannot solve this problem by just turning up the thermostat. The only effective solution is to address the leaks at the top and bottom of the building. Through the Mass Save® program, you can receive 75-100% off approved air sealing and insulation. Our expert crews will seal the air leaks in the basement to stop cold air from entering and then add a thick blanket of insulation to your attic to keep the warm air from leaving. This simple, high-impact upgrade stabilizes the entire building, drastically reducing drafts and slashing heating costs for everyone.
Mistake #2: Relying on a Single, Ancient Boiler
Many a Boston Triple-Decker is still heated by a single, colossal, cast-iron boiler in the basement. While these things were built to last, they operate with abysmal inefficiency by modern standards.
- The Problem: A single, oversized boiler offers zero zoned control. To get enough heat to the freezing first-floor apartment, the system has to run at full blast, overheating the top two floors. This leads to tenants on the second and third floors opening their windows in the middle of winter just to be comfortable—the ultimate form of energy waste. Furthermore, these old systems lack any cooling capabilities, a major drawback in Boston’s increasingly hot summers.
- The Fix: Upgrade to Zoned, High-Efficiency Heat Pumps The solution is to decentralize and modernize. By installing a multi-zone, cold-climate heat pump system, you can give each apartment its own temperature control. Each tenant gets their own thermostat and indoor units, allowing them to pay for only what they use and stay comfortable. For landlords, this is a revolutionary upgrade. You not only add highly desirable air conditioning but can also leverage Mass Save® rebates of up to $16,000 for these high-efficiency systems. It’s an investment that attracts premium tenants and significantly increases your property’s value.
Mistake #3: Believing Mass Save® Isn’t for Landlords
There’s a common misconception that the Mass Save® program is only for owner-occupied, single-family homes. Landlords often assume the process is too complicated or that they can’t participate if tenants pay their own utilities.
- The Problem: This belief prevents landlords from accessing tens of thousands of dollars in rebates that would directly improve their investment property. They continue to deal with tenant complaints about comfort and high bills, assuming there’s no affordable solution.
- The Fix: Leveraging Mass Save® for Landlords The Mass Save® program is absolutely designed for landlords and rental properties with 1-4 units. You are eligible for a No-Cost Home Energy Assessment for the entire building. The weatherization incentives (75-100% off) are a golden opportunity to improve your building’s core efficiency, a benefit whether you pay for heat or your tenants do. For a landlord, a weatherized, comfortable building with low utility bills means happier tenants, less turnover, and the ability to command a higher rent. Souzet has extensive experience working with landlords and can help coordinate the process seamlessly.
