CAMBRIDGE CLEAN HEAT
The City of Cambridge has partnered with Abode to help residents transition to clean heating technologies.
ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CLEAN HEAT
Cambridge Clean Heat is a city-wide initiative providing educational resources and a marketplace of third-party vetted contractors, empowering residents to adopt clean heating and cooling technologies with confidence.
Air source heat pumps and solar hot water systems are cost-effective, market-ready technologies that transform how homes use energy. These technologies can help save you money on your utility bills and also significantly help Cambridge decrease its overall carbon footprint, benefiting the community.
Cambridge Clean Heat is working with Abode to connect residents with local, reputable contractors. Through this program you can request, receive, and compare quotes from multiple contractors to ensure the system you select will meet your goals and operate efficiently.
Clean Heating Technologies
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
Air source heat pumps (often referred to as ductless mini-splits) are a clean technology you can use to both heat and cool your home. There are a number of economic, environmental and health benefits associated with installing air source heat pumps.
Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump water heater is powered by electricity to heat water for use with faucets, showers, and appliances. The heat pump unit pulls in air from the surrounding space, extracting heat from the air and using the refrigerant cycle to heat the water.
Solar Thermal System
Solar thermal, also known as solar hot water, similarly collects solar energy using roof-mounted panels or tubes, but rather than converting that energy into electricity as with solar PV systems, solar thermal systems store the energy in water, heating it.
Why Clean Heating & Cooling?
Environmentally Friendly
Clean heating technologies tied to the MA electric grid produce 40-60% less carbon emissions than traditional fossil fuel based systems.
Economic Benefits
Massachusetts leads the nation in energy efficiency, which includes making these systems more cost effective to run and ensuring the installation is comparable to traditional systems.
Health & Wellness
Whether carbon monoxide in our home, or carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, the writing is on the wall– a world without burning fossil fuels is where we must go.
Comfort
Properly sized clean heating technologies can radically improve your home’s temperature and humidity all year long. Keep you cozy and your house healthy.
Incentives for Clean Heating & Cooling
Mass Save HEAT Loan
If you’re installing a solar hot water system or air source heat pumps, you may be eligible for a 0% interest HEAT Loan from Mass Save. You can finance up to $25,000 over the course of 7 years for home energy efficiency upgrades. While fuel prices fluctuate for many projects the energy savings can often come close with covering the principle payments each month. Find out more about Mass Save’s HEAT Loan program.
Rebates & Tax Credits
Massachusetts leads the nation in energy efficiency and has many incentives and rebates available to help make clean heating technologies affordable. Learn more about rebates available from Mass Save, or through the MassCEC. Mass Save heat pump rebates have increased starting in 2022, and eligible air source heat pump equipment could qualify for a rebate of up to $10,000. Learn more about Mass Save heat pump rebates.
CLEAN ENERGY CONSULTATIONS
"I'm thinking about heat pumps, but don't have quotes yet."
If this is your first time connecting with Abode, we recommend starting here.
- Learn how heat pumps work
- Explore heat pump types for your home
- Overview of operating costs & incentives
- Home weatherization considerations
- Guidance on working with installers
"I already have quotes from heat pump installers."
For an objective, impartial evaluation of proposals you’ve received.
- Compare up to 3 quotes
- Receive an evaluation report to help you understand the proposed systems
- If you would like to discuss the report, you'll be able to schedule time with a Specialist
"I'm looking for technical guidance on heat pumps and more."
For a technical analysis of your comprehensive electrification needs.
- Review heat pump solutions with diagnostics when available
- Conduct technical review and analysis of home characteristics and system performance
- Whole-home decarbonization pathways
DO YOU LIVE IN A MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING?
Email Retrofit@CambridgeEnergyAlliance.org or call 617-301-6207 to get started.
PARTICIPATING CONTRACTOR LIST
Use the Participating Contractor List to find qualified installers in your area.
VIDEO RESOURCES
Here are some helpful videos to get you started.
“Reducing our carbon footprint by using the heat of the sun!”
Mina of Cambridge installed a few solar collectors to heat her multifamily residence. The system provides hot water for two families in the building, and covers roughly 50-74% of their total hot water needs. They decided to install solar thermal after learning that their roof wasn’t good for solar PV because of limited roof space; with this technology, she’s still benefiting from solar energy and reducing her carbon footprint!
Mina
Cambridge Resident
“Don’t be afraid of relying on heat pumps as your sole heating system”
Seth F. installed mini-splits for his home in Massachusetts. His heat pumps, financed with a zero-interest HEAT loan, save him roughly $1,000 a year. The mini-splits are paired with solar PV system and insulation from MassSave. Best of all, the ductless heat pumps cover 100% of his heating and cooling needs: “Don’t be afraid of relying on heat pumps as your sole heating system–cold climate heat pumps have plenty of power as long as your home is insulated properly!
Seth F.
Cambridge Resident
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