About

Learn more about HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester and the team organizing it.

HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester is the latest community clean energy initiative to help residents and businesses save money on their energy bills while also reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Similar to the Solarize campaigns held in Arlington in 2012 and Winchester in 2011, HeatSmart is a grassroots program driven by a group of volunteer residents with support from the towns of Arlington and Winchester.

Arlington and Winchester have successfully implemented Solarize Mass for renewable electricity generation, bringing nearly a megawatt of roof-top and ground mount solar photovoltaic (PV) generation to our communities during the campaigns and more in the following years.

HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester is now focusing on clean heating and cooling because heating using fossil fuels currently accounts for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in Massachusetts. Reducing this carbon pollution is necessary to meet the ambitious state and local targets for GHG reductions: Massachusetts has set a goal of 25% reduction below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050; Arlington has committed to net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

To help in this transition away from fossil fuel-based heating, HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester is promoting: (1) cold climate air source heat pumps (ASHP), (2) ground source (or geothermal) heat pumps (GSHP), (3) modern wood heating, and (4) solar hot water.

After evaluating 13 proposals, the HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester team selected: Caluwe - Biomass Heat and Power Solutions (modern wood heating), EnergySmart Alternatives (geothermal heat pumps), New England Ductless (air source heat pumps), and New England Solar Hot Water (solar hot water).

Benefits of participating in the HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester program include:

A transparent, discounted price
Qualified, experienced installers, competitively selected by a volunteer selection committee with support from home energy experts and the state's Clean Energy Center
A clear and process for participating in the program and accessing state and utility incentives and financing
Educational workshops where you meet the installers and get your questions answered
The opportunity to talk with homeowners from your town who have already installed these clean heating and cooling options about their experiences

HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester is part of the 2019 HeatSmart Mass Program supported by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

About the HeatSmart Team

HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester is organized by volunteers from the two communities with support from the Arlington and Winchester town governments. Our outreach efforts are being led by HeatSmart coaches in each community, who will help guide you through the HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester process and give you the information you need to make the best decision for your home or business.

Please reach out to the HeatSmart Arlington-Winchester coaches if you have any questions or seek more information:

Arlington: Andy Winslow ()
Winchester: Fritzie Nace ()

About the Installers

	Caluwe - Biomass Heat & Power Solutions is a Burlington/Billerica based company. We import pellet boilers and wood chip boilers for sales in the US and Canada. We provide turnkey installations and service in MA, southern NH and southern ME. Caluwe, Inc. was the recipient of a Biomass Infrastructure Grant in December 2018 from the Massachusetts Dept. of Energy Resources.
	EnergySmart Alternatives, LLC is a team of ground source heat pump (GSHP) specialists headquartered in Medford, MA. We have a combined knowledge of HVAC, geology, groundwater, electrical, and engineering that comes together to design and install a GSHP system that is going to perform. To prove our commitment to renewable and alternative energy sources, we do not offer any products that use fossil fuels. By making GSHP installations our specialty, EnergySmart can offer the highest level of technical expertise and customer service. Since the company was founded in 2010, EnergySmart has completed GSHP installations at over 100 homes throughout Massachusetts. We are well versed in the available incentives through the Federal Government, MassCEC, Mass DOER, and MassSave securing over $650,000 in rebates and credits for our residential customers since 2014. We look forward to offering our services to the homeowners of Arlington and Winchester through the HeatSmart program!
	New England Ductless is a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite and LG Excellence dealer who specializes in the installation of ductless and ducted air source heat pumps. Based in Milton Village, Massachusetts, we service the entire Commonwealth and work to increase efficiency through the use of high efficiency heating and cooling systems. Combining great service and expert installation, New England Ductless helps clients save on their utility costs while increasing the level of comfort in their home or business. New England Ductless also offers service and maintenance work to ensure the equipment installed lives up the reputation not only of New England Ductless, but also the Mitsubishi Electric & LG brands. Despite our name, New England Ductless offers more than ductless heat pumps! The systems we offer include: Wall-mount, floor-mount, and ceiling-mount units Concealed “mini-duct” units Traditional “central air” type ducted air handlers Heating coils that work with your existing boiler Heating coils that use electricity as a backup Designer Series units Why New England Ductless? Professional experience from start to finish 100% workspace cleanup Complimentary system walkthrough on startup 12-year Factory Warranty upgrade comes standard on all installations 1-year New England Ductless warranty for all workmanship Support a locally-owned business
	New England Solar Hot Water, Inc. (NESHW) is a locally-owned company of 10 employees with warehouse facilities in Pembroke, MA. Founded in 2008 by President and Engineer Bruce Dike and his wife Liz Hiles, NESHW is the leading installer of solar hot water systems in Massachusetts with a large portfolio of over 500 residential-sized systems and dozens of larger commercial systems. As listed in the MassCEC database, NESHW has installed almost 50% of all systems in MA since the inception of the rebate program- accomplishing high market penetration by offering the best performing systems at excellent value. NESHW is vertically integrated with all relevant disciplines in-house, including sales and marketing, engineering, plumbing and electrical, roofing, laborers, permitting, and customer service for rebate processing and HEAT loan financing. Solid relationships with suppliers allows NESHW to deliver the highest quality hardware at excellent price points. The installation crew is all OSHA 10 or better certified, and includes one of the few NABCEP certified solar thermal installers in the state. The experienced crew can install a standard system in one day, with virtually no disruption in hot water supply. NESHW prides itself in designing the best system solution for customers. NESHW's unpressurized, glycol filled, “drain-back” solar systems are immune to overheating, freezing, and over pressurization. "Lifetime warranty" stainless steel tanks and drain-back style systems maximize longevity and minimize maintenance requirements. With proper maintenance, these robust systems will perform well for 20+ years. Customer feedback has been excellent as demonstrated by the success of NESHW's primary marketing tool: referrals. With installations throughout the state, NESHW can easily provide references from satisfied customers.