NHSaves Weatherization and Home Energy Programs
NHSaves Program Options
NHSaves offers multiple paths depending on your utility, home details, energy usage, and (in some cases) household income. Below are three common program paths. Use the prequalifier tool to estimate which ones may fit your situation.
Home Energy Performance
Type: Non-income based
Whole-home weatherization starting with an energy assessment. Improvements may include air sealing, insulation, duct improvements, ventilation, water heating upgrades, and in many cases heating and cooling system improvements.
Typical amounts
- Energy assessment: $500 value offered for $100 (often credited back if work moves forward)
- Incentives: up to $6,000 (based on eligibility)
- Financing: low- to no-interest loans up to $15,000
Best for: Most homeowners and property owners who want comfort improvements and lower bills.
Income Eligible Energy Assistance
Type: Income based
Enhanced benefits for qualifying households. Designed to help complete needed efficiency improvements with significantly higher support. May apply to eligible homeowners and renters (property approval may be required).
Typical amounts
- Enhanced incentives for approved work (can be significantly higher than standard programs)
- In some cases may cover up to 100 percent of approved work, subject to program rules and eligibility
Best for: Households that may qualify by income and want maximum support.
Rental Property Path
Type: Renters and landlords
Many NHSaves improvements can apply to rental properties. Renters may be able to participate, but landlord approval is often required because the work improves the building. Landlords benefit from fewer comfort complaints and a better performing unit.
Typical benefits
- Reduced drafts and uneven temperatures for tenants
- Lower energy waste and improved building performance
- Potential access to incentives and financing depending on the program path and property
Best for: Landlords, property managers, and renters who want a more comfortable, efficient unit.
What an energy assessment includes
The starting point for most NHSaves paths is a home energy assessment. A trained energy specialist visits the home and performs:
- Blower door test to measure how much air leaks in and out of the home
- Infrared imaging to identify cold spots, missing insulation, and air leak paths
- Combustion safety testing on fuel-burning appliances
- Visual inspection of insulation levels, windows, doors, ductwork, and mechanical systems
- Energy use review based on utility bill history
The assessment produces a prioritized list of improvements that will deliver the biggest energy and comfort gains for the specific home. Many of these projects qualify for rebates and financing through NHSaves.
What kinds of projects NHSaves typically covers
- Air sealing: closing leaks around windows, doors, rim joists, attic penetrations, and other common pathways
- Attic insulation: bringing NH-area attics up to current R-49 to R-60 standards
- Wall and basement insulation: in many cases, depending on construction
- Duct sealing and insulation: for forced-air systems in unconditioned spaces
- Ventilation upgrades: HRV or ERV installation in tight homes that need controlled fresh air
- Heating and cooling system upgrades: cold-climate heat pumps, high-efficiency boilers and furnaces
- Water heating upgrades: heat pump water heaters in particular
How A.J. LeBlanc Heating works with NHSaves
For NH homeowners pursuing NHSaves projects, A.J. LeBlanc Heating coordinates with the program for:
- Heating, cooling, and water heating equipment installation that meets NHSaves efficiency requirements
- Rebate paperwork and documentation
- Permits and inspections for any work that requires them
- Coordination with weatherization contractors handling the envelope side of the project
Prequalify for NHSaves
Want to know which programs apply to your home before scheduling work? Use the NHSaves prequalifier tool to get a quick estimate.
Prequalify NowSchedule a consultation
If you are exploring NHSaves-eligible improvements for your NH home, contact A.J. LeBlanc Heating. We will walk through which program path fits, what equipment qualifies, and how to coordinate the project. Serving New Hampshire families since 1928.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NHSaves?
NHSaves is the brand for energy efficiency programs run by New Hampshire's electric and gas utilities (Eversource, Liberty Utilities, NH Electric Co-op, Unitil). It funds home energy assessments, weatherization rebates, low-interest financing, and equipment incentives.
How do I qualify for the income-eligible program?
Qualification is based on household income relative to area median income, with specific thresholds set by the utility programs. The prequalifier tool gives you an estimate.
How much can NHSaves cover?
The standard Home Energy Performance program offers incentives up to $6,000 plus low or no-interest financing up to $15,000. Income-eligible programs can cover a much higher percentage, in some cases up to 100 percent of approved work.
Do I need to use a specific contractor?
Many NHSaves projects require BPI-certified contractors (for the weatherization side) and NATE-certified or qualified HVAC contractors (for equipment installation). A.J. LeBlanc Heating works regularly with NHSaves and can coordinate the project.
Can renters participate in NHSaves?
Yes, with landlord approval (since the improvements stay with the building). Many NHSaves rebates apply to rental properties, especially through the income-eligible program path.