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RI Energy's comprehensive home energy assessment is completely free -- no copay at all. During the 3-4 hour visit, certified technicians evaluate your entire home and install $200-$500 in free energy-saving items on the spot. This assessment is the gateway to 75% off insulation, HPWH rebates, and Clean Heat RI heat pump coverage.
Updated February 2026
The RI Energy Home Energy Assessment is the single most important first step for any Rhode Island homeowner looking to reduce energy costs. It is completely free, delivers $200-$500 in instant savings through free installations, and unlocks access to the state's most valuable rebate programs.
Unlike a basic walk-through, this is a comprehensive 3-4 hour evaluation that includes calibrated blower door testing to measure air leakage, thermal camera imaging to identify insulation gaps, combustion safety testing for gas and oil systems, and detailed analysis of your heating/cooling equipment.
The assessment is required before you can receive the 75% insulation rebate and is the recommended first step for Clean Heat RI heat pump applications. Think of it as the key that unlocks thousands of dollars in rebates -- and it costs you nothing.
RI vs other states: Unlike many states, RI Energy assessments are completely free — no copay at all. CT charges $50, MA charges $0 for Mass Save.
Certified technicians evaluate 8 critical areas of your home during the 3-4 hour visit. Here is exactly what they check and what they do at each step.
Attic, walls, basement, crawlspace
Thermal camera imaging to identify missing or thin insulation. Measure R-values in all accessible areas. RI homes often lack wall insulation.
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 gas/oil systems. Evaluate heat pump candidacy for Clean Heat RI.
Water heater type, temperature, pipe insulation
Check temperature setting (120°F recommended), pipe insulation, age, and efficiency. Evaluate HPWH candidacy for $600 rebate.
Condition, sealing, storm windows
Check for drafts, broken seals, missing weather stripping. RI coastal homes often have accelerated seal degradation from salt air.
LED upgrades, appliance efficiency
Replace incandescent/CFL bulbs with LEDs on the spot (free). Check appliance efficiency ratings and recommend ENERGY STAR replacements.
Programmable or smart thermostat
Install a free smart thermostat if eligible. Program existing thermostat for optimal settings based on RI climate.
Duct leakage, insulation, connections
Visual inspection for disconnected, crushed, or leaky ducts. Test duct leakage if applicable. Many RI homes use hydronic (boiler) — no ductwork.
During the assessment, technicians install these items at no charge. You walk away with immediate savings before any follow-up work begins.
All bulbs that need replacing — typically 15-30 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
One per household — select Honeywell or Ecobee models (while supplies last)
Installed during your visit at no charge
Both assessments are free. The difference is in the follow-up benefits and rebate depth available to you.
| Feature | Standard | Income-Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment Cost | FREE ($0) | FREE ($0) |
| Eligibility | All RI Energy customers | At or below 60% AMI |
| Insulation Discount | 75% off | 100% off (FREE) |
| Air Sealing Discount | 75% off | 100% off (FREE) |
| Free Installs | LEDs, showerheads, thermostat | Same + additional measures |
| HPWH Rebate | $600 | $1,000+ (enhanced) |
Call 800-322-3223 or schedule online at rienergy.com/energy-assessment
Weekday and some Saturday appointments available
Assessment covers the entire home — all floors, attic, basement
You must be present during the assessment (homeowner or tenant with landlord authorization)
Allow access to attic hatch, basement, and utility areas
Typical wait time: 2-4 weeks for appointment (longer in fall/winter)
Energy assessment is REQUIRED before receiving insulation rebates
Assessment report is valid for 1 year — complete work within that window
Also required as first step for Clean Heat RI heat pump rebates
Your assessment is the starting point. Here is the path from assessment to completed improvements and maximum rebate savings.
Detailed energy report within 5-7 business days with specific recommendations ranked by energy savings impact and comfort improvement.
Report includes specific dollar amounts for each recommended improvement — insulation, air sealing, HPWH, and heat pump recommendations.
RI Energy provides a list of approved participating contractors. Get 2-3 quotes for any recommended work.
If heat pumps are recommended, apply through Clean Heat RI for 60% coverage (up to $11,500) or 100% for income-eligible (up to $18,000).
Insulation work typically starts within 2-4 weeks. Heat pump installations may take 4-8 weeks depending on equipment availability.
Insulation rebate is typically applied as instant discount at installation (not reimbursement). Contractor handles all RI Energy rebate paperwork.
RI Energy rebates are NOT tax credits -- they are direct ratepayer-funded rebates unaffected by federal expiration. The FREE assessment, 75% insulation discount, and $600 HPWH rebate all continue in 2026. HEAR is partially active in RI (low-income pathway launched Sept 17, 2024).
The RI Energy Home Energy Assessment is completely FREE -- $0 copay. This is one of the best deals in New England. Connecticut charges $50 for a similar assessment. During the 3-4 hour visit, technicians install $200-$500 in free items including LED bulbs, smart thermostat, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and pipe insulation.
The standard RI Energy Home Energy Assessment takes 3-4 hours. This is a comprehensive evaluation of your entire home -- all floors, attic, basement, and exterior. It includes a blower door test (calibrated fan to measure air leakage), thermal camera imaging, and installation of free energy-saving items during the visit.
Yes. You must be present during the entire assessment. If you are a tenant, you need landlord authorization. The technician needs access to all areas including the attic hatch, basement, and utility areas. Plan to be available for the full 3-4 hours.
During the assessment, technicians install LED lightbulbs (typically 15-30 bulbs, $50-$150 value), smart power strips ($25-$50), low-flow showerheads ($15-$30), faucet aerators ($5-$15), hot water pipe insulation ($15-$30), weather stripping ($10-$25), and a smart thermostat ($75-$200) -- while supplies last. Total free installation value is $200-$500.
Yes. The RI Energy Home Energy Assessment is REQUIRED before you can receive the 75% insulation rebate (or 100% for income-eligible). The assessment identifies what insulation measures your home needs and determines your specific rebate amounts. Your assessment report is valid for 1 year -- complete any recommended work within that window.
Call 800-322-3223 or schedule online at rienergy.com/energy-assessment. Weekday and some Saturday appointments are available. Typical wait time is 2-4 weeks, with longer waits in fall and winter when demand peaks. Mention if you are income-eligible to be connected with the dedicated income-eligible team.
You receive a detailed energy report within 5-7 business days with specific recommendations ranked by energy savings impact. The report includes dollar amounts for each recommended improvement, including insulation, air sealing, HPWH, and heat pump recommendations. RI Energy provides a list of approved participating contractors to get 2-3 quotes.
Yes, the assessment itself is the same comprehensive evaluation. The difference is in the follow-up benefits: income-eligible households receive 100% off insulation (vs 75%), enhanced HPWH rebate ($1,000+ vs $600), appliance replacement assistance, and priority scheduling with a dedicated team. Both standard and income-eligible assessments are FREE ($0 copay).
NuWatt Energy provides this guide as an educational resource. All assessment details are sourced from rienergy.com and the RI Office of Energy Resources. To schedule your free assessment, call RI Energy at 800-322-3223 or visit rienergy.com/energy-assessment.
Complete overview of all RI Energy efficiency programs.
75-100% off insulation after your energy assessment.
$600 rebate stackable with $2,500 Clean Heat RI.
60-100% of heat pump cost covered through Clean Heat RI.
Full cost breakdown after all available rebates.
100% off insulation and enhanced rebates for qualifying households.
The RI Energy Home Energy Assessment costs $0, delivers $200-$500 in free installations, and unlocks 75% off insulation plus thousands in heat pump rebates.