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What to Expect from Your HPwES Assessment
The NHSaves Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (HPwES) assessment is a comprehensive 4-6 hour energy audit that identifies exactly where your NH home is losing energy and money. It is the gateway to 75% off insulation and other NHSaves rebates.
Updated February 2026
The HPwES assessment covers every major energy system in your home. Here is exactly what they inspect and what they do at each step.
Attic, walls, basement, crawlspace
Thermal camera imaging identifies missing or thin insulation. Measure R-values in all accessible areas.
Blower door test (calibrated fan)
Depressurize the home to measure total air leakage in CFM50. Identify specific leak locations with smoke pencils and thermal cameras.
Furnace, boiler, AC, heat pump age and condition
Check efficiency ratings, age, and condition. Combustion safety test for oil/propane/gas systems. Evaluate heat pump candidacy.
Water heater type, temperature, pipe insulation
Check temperature setting (120F recommended), pipe insulation, age, and efficiency. Evaluate HPWH candidacy.
Condition, sealing, storm windows
Check for drafts, broken seals, missing weather stripping. Note window condition for potential upgrade recommendations.
LED upgrades, appliance efficiency
Replace incandescent/CFL bulbs with LEDs on the spot (free). Check appliance efficiency ratings.
Programmable or smart thermostat
Install a free smart thermostat if eligible. Program existing thermostat for optimal settings.
Duct leakage, insulation, connections
Visual inspection for disconnected, crushed, or leaky ducts. Test duct leakage if applicable.
The technician installs these items during the assessment at no extra charge. Total value: $150-$400 -- more than the $100 copay.
All bulbs that need replacing — typically 10-25 bulbs per home
2-3 advanced power strips that cut phantom loads from electronics
WaterSense certified, 2.0 GPM or less. Same water pressure, less water.
Kitchen and bathroom faucets — reduces water flow without losing pressure
Pre-slit foam on exposed hot water pipes in basement/utility areas
Exterior door sealing where gaps are found during the assessment
Bottom line: You pay $100 for an assessment worth $400-$600 and receive $150-$400 in free installations. The copay effectively pays for itself during the visit.
| Feature | Standard HPwES | Home Performance Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment Cost | $100 copay | FREE ($0) |
| Eligibility | All NH utility customers | At or below 200% FPL |
| Insulation Rebate | 75% off (up to $8,000) | Up to 100% off (FREE) |
| Air Sealing Rebate | 75% off | Up to 100% off (FREE) |
| Free Installs | LEDs, strips, showerheads | Same + additional measures |
| Equipment Assistance | Not included | Available |
| Scheduling | Standard wait (3-8 weeks) | Priority scheduling |
Your HPwES assessment is the starting point. Here is what happens next, from report to rebate.
Detailed energy report within 5-10 business days with specific recommendations ranked by energy savings impact.
Report includes specific dollar amounts for each recommended improvement — insulation, air sealing, equipment upgrades.
NHSaves can provide a list of participating contractors. Get 2-3 quotes for any recommended work.
Check with your utility about on-bill financing options. Some utilities offer repayment through monthly electric bill.
Insulation work typically starts within 2-4 weeks. Contractor coordinates rebate paperwork with NHSaves.
Insulation rebate is typically applied as instant discount at installation (not reimbursement). Contractor handles NHSaves paperwork.
NHSaves rebates are direct utility rebates, not tax credits. The $100 HPwES assessment, 75% insulation discount, and all free installations remain unaffected.
The standard HPwES (Home Performance with ENERGY STAR) assessment costs $100 as a copay. The actual value of the assessment is $400-$600. During the visit, the technician installs $150-$400 in free items (LEDs, smart power strips, showerheads, aerators, pipe insulation), which typically exceeds the $100 copay. Income-eligible households through Home Performance Direct pay $0 -- the assessment is completely free.
A typical NHSaves HPwES assessment takes 4-6 hours for a standard single-family home. Larger homes or homes with significant issues may take longer. You must be present during the entire assessment. The technician will walk through every area of your home including attic, basement, and all living spaces.
The assessment covers 8 key areas: insulation levels (attic, walls, basement), air leakage via blower door test, heating and cooling systems (age, efficiency, safety), hot water system, windows and doors, lighting and appliances, thermostat, and ductwork. The technician uses professional equipment including a calibrated blower door fan, thermal camera, and combustion analyzers.
During the assessment, the technician installs free items worth $150-$400: LED lightbulbs (typically 10-25 bulbs), 2-3 smart power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, hot water pipe insulation, and door weather stripping where needed. A free smart thermostat may also be available while supplies last.
Within 5-10 business days, you receive a detailed energy report with specific recommendations ranked by energy savings impact. The report includes specific dollar amounts for each recommended improvement. You then get 2-3 quotes from NHSaves participating contractors, explore financing options, and schedule the work. The assessment report is valid for 1 year.
Yes. The HPwES assessment is required before you can receive the 75% insulation rebate (up to $8,000 per project). Without an HPwES assessment on file, you cannot access NHSaves insulation or air sealing rebates. The assessment identifies exactly what work your home needs and determines your specific rebate amounts.
A blower door test uses a calibrated fan mounted in an exterior doorframe to depressurize your home. This allows the technician to measure the total air leakage rate in CFM50 (cubic feet per minute at 50 Pascals of pressure). Using smoke pencils and a thermal camera, they identify exactly where air is leaking -- attic bypasses, recessed lights, plumbing penetrations, electrical outlets, and window/door frames.
Your NHSaves HPwES assessment report is valid for 1 year from the date of the assessment. You must complete any insulation or weatherization work within that window to qualify for the rebates identified in the report. If the report expires, you would need to schedule a new assessment.
NuWatt Energy is an energy advisor serving New Hampshire homeowners. This guide is provided as an educational resource to help you understand the NHSaves HPwES assessment process. Program details are sourced from nhsaves.com and individual utility program guides. We recommend verifying current availability by calling NHSaves at 603-229-2727.
Complete overview of all NHSaves programs and rebates.
75% off insulation after HPwES. Measure-by-measure breakdown.
Free assessment, free insulation through Home Performance Direct.
$750 off qualifying heat pump water heaters.
Air-source heat pump rebates from all 4 NH utilities.
How to find a qualified NHSaves participating contractor.
A $100 copay that pays for itself with $150-$400 in free installations. Plus, it unlocks 75% off insulation. Income-eligible? It is completely free.
Schedule online at nhsaves.com