Got Old Wiring? Asbestos?

Many older Boston homes have been unable to either insulate fully because of knob-and-tube wiring or to replace older heating systems because their old systems are wrapped in asbestos insulation. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) recently announced a new first-come-first-serve round of funding to help insulate these homes or install modern heating systems. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for these “Barrier Remediation Grants.”

The asbestos abatement grants apply only to projects that combine asbestos removal with replacing your old heating equipment with a new high-efficiency heating system. When you get bids on this work, be sure to specify that you want the new system to be efficient enough to qualify for a Mass Save rebate. This grant does not include removing asbestos from heating pipes.

The knob-and-tube wiring upgrade grants apply only to projects that combine rewiring with insulation. When you get bids for this work, ask the electrician if its possible to separate out, in the bid, the different circuits that need upgrading. For instance if the attic needs to be rewired, that would be the highest priority to insulate, even if you might not be able to afford to rewire the house completely.

Eligible grant recipients are people who own 1- to 4-family homes as individuals, not corporations. Buildings that are split into condominiums are not qualified. These grants can be combined with other rebates and incentives from Mass Save and the Mass Clean Energy Center.

In addition to the rebates and reimbursement grants, DOER has also introduced an Expanded HEAT Loan Initiative for: 0% interest up to $50,000 for qualified energy efficiency upgrades in 2-4 family buildings; qualified Deep Energy Retrofit and Deeper Energy Savings measures, and qualified Biomass Wood Pellet Boiler installations. Again, these offers are not available to corporate ownership structures or condominium owners. HEAT loans can used to pay for high-efficiency furnaces or boilers burning gas or oil as well.

The Barrier Remediation Grants are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Funds are limited! There’s never been a better time to make your home more comfortable and affordable. Click here to view the details on the Expanded HEAT Loan and Barrier Remediation Grants or call 617-635-SAVE (7283).