Top Energy Challenges for MetroWest, MA Homeowners (and How to Fix Them)

The MetroWest region of Massachusetts is a unique blend of American history and modern suburban life. From the classic, historic homes that line the town common in Holliston to the sprawling, newer constructions in Framingham, the area boasts a diverse and desirable housing stock. But this variety also presents a specific set of energy challenges that can lead to high utility bills and inconsistent comfort. As local MetroWest MA homeowners ourselves—operating right here from Holliston—we at Souzet have an intimate understanding of these issues.

The good news is that every one of these challenges has a powerful, affordable solution, thanks to the Mass Save® program. This guide will walk you through the most common energy problems we see in our community and explain the specific, high-impact fixes that will make your home more comfortable and efficient.

Challenge 1: The Drafty, Under-Insulated Historic Home

Many homes in towns like Holliston, Sudbury, and Concord are beautiful relics of a bygone era. They have incredible character, but they were built long before modern energy codes existed.

• The Problem: These older homes are often plagued by decades-old (or nonexistent) insulation in the walls and attic. The construction methods of the time have left countless tiny gaps and cracks that allow for constant air leakage. This results in persistent drafts, rooms that are impossible to keep warm in the winter, and stiflingly hot second floors in the summer. It forces your heating and cooling systems to work overtime, leading to astronomical energy bills.
• The Fix: A Comprehensive Weatherization Overhaul This is the single most effective upgrade for a historic MetroWest home. A No-Cost Home Energy Assessment through Mass Save® will use diagnostic tools like a blower door test to pinpoint every significant air leak. Then, through the program, you can receive 75-100% off approved air sealing and attic/wall insulation. By sealing the leaks and adding a thick thermal blanket of modern insulation, you can preserve your home’s historic charm while enjoying modern comfort and efficiency. It’s the foundational step that makes every other system in your house perform better.

Challenge 2: Inefficient, Outdated Heating and Cooling Systems

Whether your home is 100 years old or 20 years old, it may be relying on an aging furnace, boiler, or central AC unit.

• The Problem: Many MetroWest MA homeowners are running HVAC systems that are well past their prime. These older units operate at a fraction of the efficiency of today’s technology. They are often noisy, provide uneven heating, and lack cooling capabilities altogether. As these systems age, they become less reliable and more expensive to repair, all while consuming far more energy than necessary.
• The Fix: Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Heat Pump This is the modern, all-in-one solution for year-round comfort. A cold-climate heat pump provides both heating and air conditioning in a single, hyper-efficient system. It eliminates the need for a separate furnace and AC unit and can slash your annual energy costs. To make this upgrade incredibly accessible, the Mass Save® program offers no cost heat pumps and rebates of up to $16,000 for qualifying installations. This powerful incentive, combined with the 0% interest HEAT Loan, makes upgrading to a state-of-the-art system a financially brilliant move for your property.

Challenge 3: The “Newer” Home with Hidden Flaws

Many homes in the MetroWest area were built during the suburban booms of the 1980s and 90s. While more modern than historic properties, these homes have their own set of hidden energy issues.

• The Problem: These homes were often built quickly and with builder-grade materials. This frequently means they have just enough insulation to meet the minimum code of the time, which is far below today’s standards. Recessed lighting, complex rooflines, and unsealed attic hatches are common sources of significant energy loss that owners may not even be aware of.
• The Fix: A Targeted Energy Assessment and Upgrade For these homes, the No-Cost Home Energy Assessment is crucial for diagnostics. It moves beyond guesswork and uses building science to find the specific flaws in your home’s construction. The solution is often a targeted combination of air sealing in the attic and topping off the existing insulation to current recommended R-values. It’s a cost-effective project—made even more so with Mass Save® rebates—that can fix the comfort issues the original builder left behind.