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A comprehensive 4-6 hour energy assessment of your Connecticut home. Includes free LED bulbs, a smart thermostat, power strips, and showerheads -- plus unlocks 75% off insulation and air sealing.
Last updated February 2026 | Required before Energize CT insulation rebates
Home Energy Solutions (HES) is Connecticut's flagship residential energy assessment program, administered by CLEAResult on behalf of Eversource and United Illuminating (UI). For a $50 copay -- or free for income-eligible households -- a certified energy technician spends 4-6 hours conducting a head-to-toe inspection of your home.
The assessor uses professional diagnostic equipment including a blower door (calibrated fan that depressurizes your home to measure air leakage), thermal imaging camera, combustion safety analyzers, and smoke pencils to identify exactly where your home is losing energy. They inspect insulation levels, air leaks, HVAC equipment, windows, ductwork, hot water systems, and lighting.
During the visit, the technician installs $195-$500 worth of free energy-saving products on the spot -- LED lightbulbs throughout the home, a smart thermostat, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, pipe insulation, and door weather stripping. These free installations alone make the $50 copay a significant value.
After the assessment, you receive a detailed report with specific recommendations for improvements, estimated energy savings, and the exact rebate amounts available to you through Energize CT. The HES assessment is required before you can access the 75% insulation rebate, air sealing discounts, and many other Energize CT incentives.
A certified Energize CT technician inspects 8 key areas of your home using professional diagnostic equipment including a blower door and thermal camera.
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 gas/oil systems. Evaluate heat pump candidacy.
Water heater type, temperature, pipe insulation
Check temperature setting (120°F 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 assessor brings these items and installs them on the spot during your 4-6 hours assessment. All included at no additional cost.
| Item | Estimated Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| LED lightbulbs | $50-150 | All bulbs that need replacing — typically 15-30 bulbs per home |
| Smart power strips | $25-50 | 2-3 advanced power strips that cut phantom loads from electronics |
| Low-flow showerheads | $15-30 | WaterSense certified, 2.0 GPM or less. Same water pressure, less water. |
| Faucet aerators | $5-15 | Kitchen and bathroom faucets — reduces water flow without losing pressure |
| Hot water pipe insulation | $15-30 | Pre-slit foam on exposed hot water pipes in basement/utility areas |
| Door weather stripping | $10-25 | Exterior door sealing where gaps are found during the assessment |
| Smart thermostat | $75-200 | One per household — select Honeywell or Ecobee models (while supplies last) |
| Total Free Value | $195-$500 | Installed during your assessment at no charge |
Smart thermostat availability: Free smart thermostats are available while supplies last. Eversource and UI typically offer Honeywell Home or Ecobee models. One per household. Ask for one when scheduling your appointment.
Both tracks provide the same comprehensive assessment. The key difference is cost and the level of follow-up incentives.
For all Eversource and UI customers
For income-qualifying households
Not sure if you qualify for HES-IE? Call Energize CT at 877-947-3873 and ask about income eligibility. You can also qualify through enrollment in LIHEAP, SNAP, HUSKY Health, SSI, Section 8, or Operation Fuel.
From your detailed report to completed improvements, here is what happens after the technician leaves your home.
Detailed energy report within 5-7 business days with specific recommendations ranked by energy savings impact.
Report includes specific dollar amounts for each recommended improvement — insulation, air sealing, equipment upgrades.
Energize CT can provide a list of participating contractors. Get 2-3 quotes for any recommended work.
If financing is needed, apply for a 0.99% APR Smart-E Loan through CT Green Bank before scheduling work.
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. Heat pump rebate processed within 6-10 weeks after documentation.
energizect.com
Navigate to "Home Energy Solutions" section
Pro tip: Clear access to your attic hatch, basement, and utility closets before the technician arrives. Have your most recent energy bills accessible (12 months if possible). Note any comfort complaints -- drafty rooms, cold spots, ice dams, or rooms that never seem to stay warm.
The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for home energy audits, insulation, heat pumps, or air sealing in 2026. Energize CT rebates (state-funded through utility ratepayers) remain your primary incentive. Energize CT rebates are your best option.
NuWatt reviews your Energize CT assessment report at no cost and explains which improvements deliver the biggest savings for your Connecticut home -- whether that's heat pumps, insulation, air sealing, or a combination. We can help you understand the rebate amounts, Smart-E Loan options, and prioritize improvements by return on investment.
A typical HES assessment takes 4-6 hours depending on the size and complexity of your home. The assessor performs a comprehensive inspection of every floor, attic, and basement, including a blower door test to measure air leakage. Larger homes or homes with complex heating systems may take closer to 6 hours.
Yes. A homeowner or authorized adult must be present for the entire 4-6 hour assessment. The assessor needs access to all rooms including bedrooms, the attic hatch, basement, utility closets, and all HVAC equipment. They will also ask questions about your energy usage, comfort concerns, and priorities.
Absolutely. A comparable private energy audit costs $400-$600. For $50, you receive a professional diagnostic assessment with blower door testing, thermal camera imaging, and $195-$500 in free installations (LEDs, smart thermostat, power strips, showerheads). You also unlock 75% off insulation and air sealing work. Income-eligible households pay nothing at all.
You qualify for HES-IE if your household income is at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI), or if you are enrolled in LIHEAP, on a utility hardship or discount rate, enrolled in Operation Fuel, SNAP, HUSKY Health (Medicaid), SSI, or Section 8. Call Energize CT at 877-947-3873 to check your eligibility.
Within 5-7 business days, you receive a detailed energy report with specific recommendations ranked by energy savings impact. The report includes dollar amounts for each improvement, available rebate amounts, and contractor referrals. Work must be completed within 1 year of your assessment.
Yes. The HES assessment is a prerequisite for receiving the 75% insulation rebate (or 100% for income-eligible). Without a completed HES assessment, you cannot access Energize CT insulation and air sealing discounts. The assessment identifies specific measures and calculates your rebate amounts.
Yes, while supplies last. The HES assessor can install one free smart thermostat per household -- typically a Honeywell Home or Ecobee model. This is included as part of the free installations during your visit, saving you $75-$200. Ask for one when scheduling your appointment.
No. The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for home energy audits, insulation, or air sealing in 2026. Energize CT rebates (funded through utility ratepayers) are your primary incentive for efficiency improvements in Connecticut.
The Home Energy Solutions assessment is your first step to accessing 75% off insulation, heat pump rebates, and 0.99% APR Smart-E Loan financing. Just $50 for a 4-6 hour professional energy audit plus $195-$500 in free installations.
$50 copay (FREE for income-eligible). Required before Energize CT insulation rebates. Typical wait: 2-6 weeks.