Being recognized for the second year in a row means a lot to our team, not because of the title, but because of what it represents. It reflects the way we choose to operate every day and the people who make that possible.

At 128, being Evergreen is not something new. It’s a reinforcement of the roots the company was founded in. It’s about thinking long term, staying independently owned, grounded in our values, and putting people at the center of every decision we make.

For us, this recognition is a reflection of our team. The technicians in the field, the team behind the scenes, and every person who takes pride in doing the job the right way, and always finishing strong. The consistency, care, and commitment to our customers and each other are what continue to shape 128 into what it is today and why we’re proud to be Certified Evergreen®. 

It also reinforces our commitment to staying independently and privately owned and locally operated. That allows us to focus on what matters most: our customers, our team, and the communities we serve. We are able to grow at a pace that makes sense and continue delivering five-star service. 

For our customers, this recognition is reassurance. It means we are not chasing quick wins or short-term growth. We are focused on building something that lasts. You can count on 128 to continue delivering reliable, high-quality service today, tomorrow, and years down the road. We’re proud to have the most 5-star reviews online in Massachusetts and will continue to deliver service to that expectation for years to come. 

This also speaks to our commitment to the future of the trades. Skilled trades are built on purpose, craftsmanship, and real impact. We are committed to supporting that future through training, mentorship, and creating opportunities for future tradespeople.

When you look at companies like John Deere, Edward Jones, and Radio Flyer, you see what it means to build something that stands the test of time. We are proud to be recognized alongside organizations that share that same mindset.

We are grateful to the Tugboat Institute for this recognition and even more proud of the people behind it.

The post 128 Recognized as a 2025 Best Evergreen Company® appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

Eversource says smart meters will help enhance service, give you better insight into your energy use, and modernize the grid. In simple terms, you’ll have a better understanding of your bill, faster problem-solving, and a smarter system. 

So what exactly is a smart meter? Think of it as a digital upgrade with wireless communication. Instead of someone showing up to read your meter, it sends information to a network device, then on to Eversource. More than 76% of electric meters in the U.S. already work like this, so Massachusetts is just catching up to the game. These meters can even tell when something is off and help explain why, which makes repairs easier.

Once yours is installed, you’ll get more insight into your electric account through your online portal. You’ll be able to see projected bills, track high energy use, get high bill alerts, and start or stop service remotely. Outages can be reported automatically, too, which should make restoration a little faster.

The installation part requires just about nothing on your end. About three months before, Eversource starts sending letters and emails letting you know your meter is being upgraded. More reminders come at two months and one month. You’ll get a text or email a couple of days before crews show up, giving an estimated timeframe for the swap. They work area by area, so there is no exact appointment time. If your meter is outside, you don’t even need to be home. Eversource says you might notice a short outage that lasts no more than five minutes, then you’re back in business. 

There is an opt-out option for some residential customers who qualify. But it comes at a bit of a cost. Those who qualify and opt out will be charged a $34 monthly reading fee and a possible $42 otime time swap fee. If you choose to have a non-communicating meter, you won’t be able to access the smart insights through your online portal. To check if you’re eligible to opt out, you can find your classification on page 2 of your Eversource bill. 

Installs are slowly making their way to Eastern Massachusetts, so keep an eye out for further communication from Eversource in the coming months. If you have any questions about your setup, 128 is happy to help.

The post Eversource Customers, You’re Getting an Upgrade appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

This credit allows homeowners to claim 30% of the total cost of EV charging equipment and installation, up to $1,000. To qualify, the EV charger must be purchased, installed, and placed in service by June 30, 2026. 

Not every home qualifies automatically. To be eligible, the EV charger must be installed in either:

• A low-income community census tract, or
• A non-urban census tract

Homeowners can check eligibility by looking up their property’s census tract designation.

The credit is designed for residential use and generally applies only to primary residences in Massachusetts. Chargers installed at vacation homes or investment properties typically won’t qualify.

Massachusetts residents may also qualify for additional state or utility incentives, such as rebates through Mass Save or EV-specific benefits from local electric companies. These can vary by town and provider, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.

At 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we’re proud to serve Massachusetts homeowners as a Certified Installer of Tesla Energy. We offer expert installation of Tesla Wall Connectors, Powerwalls, and Chargers. Our licensed electricians will make sure your setup is safe, reliable, and ready for the road ahead.

Whether you’ve already purchased an EV or are planning to soon, take advantage of these incentives before the deadlines so you can save money and simplify the transition.

FAQs

Which EV chargers are eligible for the tax credit?

Home electric vehicle charging stations purchased and installed in qualifying locations between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2026, may be eligible for tax credits. 

Does the EV charger tax credit apply to installation costs?

Yes. The credit applies to both the EV charging equipment and the installation costs, including electrical work needed to install the charger.

Do I need a certified installer for my EV charger?

While certification requirements can vary by manufacturer, working with a qualified installer, like 128, helps ensure the system is installed safely and meets program requirements.

Want help navigating your EV options? The team at 128 is here to help you find the best option and get your home EV-ready before these credits are gone for good. Book with our expert electrical team at 781- 670-7172.

The post EV Charging Rebate Coming to an End in June 2026 appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

The Mass Save program is put together by the utility companies here in Massachusetts — namely Eversource and National Grid — to offer incentives for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient.

If you look at your electric or gas bill from Eversource or National Grid, you’ll see a line item for an energy efficiency charge. You’re paying into Mass Save every month, so there’s a significant pool of funds available for Massachusetts homeowners who qualify to make meaningful improvements to their home heating systems.

What are customers getting for Mass Save rebates in 2026?

For 2026, the whole home heat pump rebate is $8,500. This continues to be our most popular rebate for heat pump installations. Rebates are structured based on whether the heat pump will serve as the sole source of heating and cooling in the home (whole-home), or as a supplement to an existing system (partial-home).

Some customers also opt for the Mass Save partial home heat pump rebate, which works well for homeowners looking to replace an A/C unit and upgrade to a heat pump without doing a full heating system replacement.

To qualify for the whole-home rebate, your home must be sufficiently weatherized prior to installation — this can be verified through a no-cost Home Energy Assessment. Equipment must be installed between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 by a contractor participating in the Mass Save Heat Pump Installer Network, and rebate paperwork must be submitted by February 28, 2027.

Income-qualified households may be eligible for enhanced incentives — up to 80% of the installed cost of a qualifying heat pump system. Ask a 128 teammate if you think you may qualify.

What are Mass Save’s financing options in 2026?

The Mass Save HEAT Loan program still offers 0% interest financing for any remaining project balance, with loans up to $25,000 available for qualifying energy-efficiency upgrades.

Loan repayment terms are tiered based on household income.

No matter which tier you fall into, the interest rate is 0% — your income level only affects the length of your repayment term, not the cost of borrowing.

128 helps customers obtain the HEAT Loan in-house with our dedicated financing coordinator, who will confirm equipment eligibility, prepare your authorization documents, and connect you with local lenders to close on the loan.

What happened to the federal heat pump tax credit?

The federal heat pump tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act expired at the end of 2025. Any heat pump equipment installed after December 31, 2025 is no longer eligible for this credit. Similarly, the IRA Section 25D credit — which covered up to 30% of the cost of geothermal heat pumps — also expired at the end of 2025.

While this is a meaningful change, the Mass Save rebate and 0% HEAT Loan program remain strong incentives on their own for Massachusetts homeowners in 2026.

How do I know if I qualify for Mass Save rebates and financing?

National Grid or Eversource customers are eligible. If you live in a town with municipal electric — like Reading or Wakefield — you would need a gas account, most likely with National Grid, to qualify. As long as you have that National Grid gas account, you’re still eligible.

If someone wants to stay on their oil or gas heating system, can you still get financing or other incentives?

Heat pumps aren’t the right fit for every home, and that’s okay. We install oil furnaces, gas furnaces, and steam boilers — whatever heating system you have, we’re happy to replace it with the right solution for your home. Financing is still available for gas and oil heating system replacements as well.

Is 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric a Mass Save Partner?

128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is a listed Heat Pump Installer with the Mass Save program. We have a dedicated in-house team focused on helping customers secure Mass Save loans and rebates from start to finish. Talk to a 128 teammate today to get started.

The post Mass Save® Changes in 2026 appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

Here are four steps you can take to get your home ready for winter:

• Disconnect every outdoor hose and store them for the season. Leaving a hose attached can trap water inside the line and can lead to a cracked spigot. After the hose is off, turn off the spigot from inside your home (it’s usually in the basement). Then go back outside and make sure the spigot drains fully. 

• If you have a sprinkler system, schedule your winterization with a professional. Sprinkler lines are shallow and freeze quickly. Even if it seems like “it’s going to be a mild winter,” skipping this step can cause damage when an inevitable New England winter comes our way. 

• Check the batteries in your thermostat. If your thermostat runs on batteries, pop the cover and replace them now. Dead batteries can shut down your thermostat with zero warning

• Take precautions to avoid frozen pipes. Even if it’s happened before, it can happen again. Insulate pipes near exterior walls and keep cabinet doors open on extra-cold nights to let warm air circulate.

If you run into any winter emergencies, the team at 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric is ready to help. Whether it is a frozen pipe, a broken thermostat, or a heating system that suddenly refuses to cooperate, we have your back so you can stay warm and stress-free all season long.

FAQs

What can I do to prep my home for winter? 

To prep your home for winter, insulate exposed pipes and drain outdoor hoses to prevent frozen pipes, service your HVAC system, check your thermostat batteries, replace filters for efficient heating, and check electrical outlets, cords, and your breaker panel while ensuring backup power sources are ready.

What causes pipes to freeze?

Frozen pipes are usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially when pipes aren’t properly insulated. Pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, or exterior walls are most at risk. Letting water sit in pipes without flow during freezing weather can also increase the chance they’ll freeze.

Can I avoid my pipes freezing again?

You can usually avoid another frozen pipe by keeping your home a bit warmer during cold snaps, letting faucets drip, and adding insulation to pipes in chillier areas. Opening cabinet doors under sinks also helps warm air reach those pipes.

The post Guide to Winterizing Your Home in Massachusetts appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

How Does the Cala Water Heater Work?

Cala’s heat pump water heater is a newer, smarter take on an everyday essential. It works by pulling in heat from the air around it and moving that warmth into your water tank, instead of generating heat directly. This uses far less electricity, saving energy and money while cutting down on emissions. Even better, Cala’s system learns your household’s routines over time; it might even know them better than you!

With the Cala water heater, you’ll always have hot water when you need it, and save energy when you don’t.

What the Cala Can Do:

• Holds 65 gallons of water, making it a great fit for households of five or fewer
• Learn your home’s hot water habits and anticipate when you’ll need it most
• Can prep up to 90 gallons of hot water before regular high-use times
• Keeps water ready for everyday activities from morning showers to post-dinner dishes

After installation, you can use the app to set your preferences, like saving money, reducing carbon emissions, or even syncing with solar. From there, Cala takes care of the rest. It uses its flow sensor to learn your home’s unique water habits and continually adjusts as those patterns change throughout the day, week, or even season. Based on your usage, Cala predicts when to heat water, what temperature to reach, and how to optimize for the best performance. It’s even smart enough to heat slowly when demand is low to improve efficiency, and faster when demand spikes; it’s almost as if it has a brain!

So, What Do We Think?

At 128, we’re big fans of seeing locally owned innovators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when it comes to the systems we use every day, and are proud to be a Cala Pro Contractor. Our SmartHome and SmartSignal for base+ members already help homeowners keep their systems running efficiently with real-time monitoring and proactive service alerts. Cala’s technology fits perfectly into that same vision of smart living.

We’re excited to see how local companies like Cala are paving the way for new, innovative ways to upgrade the systems in our homes. The plumbing team at 128 is ready to help you take your water heater to the next level. For more information on Cala or to inquire about installing the newest smart heat pump water heater in your home, call us at 888-CALL-128. 

FAQs

What is a heat pump water heater, and how does it work?

Cala uses heat pump technology to pull warmth from the air instead of generating heat directly, making it far more efficient and cost-effective. It also learns your household’s habits to optimize performance automatically.

Is the Cala water heater eligible for rebates like Mass Save?

In 2026, Cala is eligible for over $1,000 in federal, state, and local rebates for most homeowners. For more information, 128’s in-house finance and rebates team is here to help! 

The post Cala Water Heater: Smartest Water Heater Ever? appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

The Bring Back the Trades organization, based in Rye, New Hampshire, is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting careers in the trades through education and scholarships. Their mission is simple but powerful: inspire young people to explore hands-on, skilled work that builds our communities. And we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.

You’ll find us running live demonstrations all day, showcasing drain cleaning, electrical controls, and HVAC tools in action. Our expert technicians will be there from 10 AM-4 PM to help answer questions that attendees have about a career in the trades.

The tradespeople in our lives keep our homes running every day, and this is your chance to roll up your sleeves and see what it’s all about. Whether you, your friends, family, or your students are looking to get involved in the trades, this is your chance to get up close and personal and talk to the pros themselves. 

Supporting the education and development of the trades is a huge part of who we are at 128, and we couldn’t be more excited to support this organization. Development is even one of our core values and we constantly train and keep learning and practice our craft. We believe in investing in the future of the trades and helping young people see that these careers are not only essential but full of opportunity and innovation.

We’d love to see you there whether you’re thinking about a career in the trades or looking for a new job in HVAC, electrical, plumbing or drain cleaning! Come by, meet some of our team, check out our awesome demos, and take in what it means to be a part of the trades. 

For tickets and event details, visit bbtt.org. 

The post 128 Sponsors Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo at Gillette Stadium appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

If you have been considering a heat pump or heat pump water heater for your home, get your installation in 2025. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, also called the 25C credit, is only available now through December 31, 2025. After that, this $2,000 incentive will be gone.

Here’s how it works – homeowners who install qualifying heat pumps or heat pump water heaters can claim a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the project cost, or up to $2,000 per year. To qualify, the equipment must meet or exceed the highest efficiency tier set by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and must be installed by December 31, 2025. 

Heat pumps are some of the most efficient home upgrades available today, providing both heating and cooling in one system. Modern HVAC systems perform reliably even in colder climates (down to -13°!), and homeowners who switch from oil heating often see substantial reductions in their annual energy bills. It’s an ideal solution for Massachusetts and New Hampshire homeowners. Over time, the savings can add up.

The good news for Massachusetts homeowners is that Mass Save® isn’t going anywhere. The Mass Save® program currently offers rebates of up to $10,000 for eligible heat pump installations. These rebates are expected to stay in place after 2025, but the amounts will gradually decrease starting in 2026. Acting now means securing the maximum incentives while they are still available. 

The most important detail is timing. To qualify for the federal tax credit, the system must be installed, paid for, and placed in service (in use) by December 31, 2025. 

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, this is the time to do it to get the rebates and tax credit. By installing before the end of 2025, you can lock in these incentives, cut your upfront costs, and start enjoying a cleaner, more efficient heating and cooling system.

Our team at 128 is here to help and is proud to be the top heat pump installer in Massachusetts. Call or message us today to book your no-cost installation consultation and maximize your savings wit the $2,000 heat pump tax credit. 

FAQs on Federal Incentives for Heat Pump Ending: 

How can I get the $2,000 heat pump tax credit?

To get the $2,000 heat pump tax credit, you must get eligible HVAC equipment installed before 12/31/25. An HVAC professional like 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric should be able to help confirm that the equipment you’re installing is eligible before installing it.

Can I get both the Mass Save rebates and the federal tax credit on a heat pump?

Yes. In Massachusetts, you can still take advantage of both the Mass Save rebates up to $10,000 and the federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for a heating and cooling installation.

Can heat pumps do heating and cooling?

Yes, heat pumps are a great option for year-round use of heating and cooling and doesn’t require ductwork – great for Massachusetts winters and summers.

What happens if I wait to get a heat pump installed until after 2025?

If you wait until after December 31, 2025, you’ll miss out on the federal tax credit of up to $2,000 per year for qualifying heat pump installations. While Mass Save® rebates will still be available, the rebate amounts are scheduled to decrease starting in 2026. 

The post The $2,000 Federal Incentive for Heat Pumps is Ending in 2025 appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

Here’s what you need to know:

The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs is expiring on September 30, 2025. Income limits and vehicle price caps will still apply, and vehicles must be assembled in North America. Until the deadline, you may even be able to transfer your credit directly to the dealership for a discount at the time of purchase.

Installing a home EV charger, too? 

There’s still time to take advantage of the federal tax credit for residential EV charging equipment, which covers 30% of installation costs, up to $1,000. This benefit will also be going away on June 30, 2026.

Massachusetts residents may also qualify for additional state or utility incentives, such as rebates through Mass Save or EV-specific benefits from local electric companies. These can vary by town and provider, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.

At 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we’re proud to serve Massachusetts homeowners as a Certified Installer of Tesla Energy. We offer expert installation of Tesla Wall Connectors, Powerwalls, and Chargers. Our licensed electricians will make sure your setup is safe, reliable, and ready for the road ahead.

Whether you’ve already purchased an EV or are planning to soon, take advantage of these incentives before the deadlines so you can save money and simplify the transition.

FAQs on EV Charging Incentives Ending in 2025:

Which electric vehicles are eligible for the tax credit in 2025?

Most EVs that are assembled in the United States are eligible for tax credits. Some limitations include MSRP limits ($55k for cars and $80k for trucks) and battery components.

Which EV chargers are eligible for the tax credit?

Home electric vehicle charging stations purchased and installed in qualifying locations between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2026, may be eligible for tax credits. 

Who qualifies for the EV tax credit? 

To qualify, new EV buyers must meet income limits ($150K single/$300K joint) and purchase by September 30, 2025. Used EV buyers must meet lower income limits, buy a qualifying vehicle under $25K, and not have claimed the credit in the past 3 years.

Want help navigating your EV options? The team at 128 is here to help you find the best option and get your home EV-ready before these credits are gone for good. Book with our expert electrical team at 781- 670-7172

The post EV Charging Incentives In Massachusetts Are Coming To An End in 2025 appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

Did you know your attic can reach up to 135 degrees in the summer? That’s a lot hotter than most people realize, and it can have a big impact on how well your air conditioning system works. When outdoor temperatures rise, the sun beats down on your roof, and without proper insulation and ventilation, that heat gets trapped in your attic, like an oven.

Unfortunately, that trapped heat doesn’t always stay put in the attic. It can seep into the rest of your home, especially if your attic is poorly insulated. This means your A/C has to work overtime just to keep your living spaces cool and comfortable. Not only does this beat on your a/c system, but it can also result in higher energy bills and a shortened lifespan of your home’s air conditioning system. 

If you’ve noticed your home feeling warm even with the A/C running, or if certain rooms seem harder to cool, your attic might be to blame. Making sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated can make a huge difference in indoor comfort and system efficiency.

FAQs

How can I reduce the heat in my home on summer days? 

You can reduce summer heat by improving ventilation and increasing insulation in your attic. Sealing air leaks also helps keep cool air inside your home.

How hot is an attic if it’s 100° outside?

On a 100°F day, an unventilated attic can reach temperatures between 130°F and 160°F due to heat buildup from the sun’s rays on the roof.

Does insulation affect the home’s air conditioning?

Yes. Having properly installed insulation can help your air conditioning system not work as hard with the extra heat to fight off during the hot afternoons of the summer. The insulation can seal cold air in the winter to help the heating system, too. Think about that savings of energy and your monthly heating bill over time – it could be significant.

How do I know if my A/C is working properly?

If you’re questioning whether or not your A/C is running properly, the team at 128 is here to help! Whether you have a Mitsubishi ductless mini-split, Carrier central air conditioning, or an older system, the HVAC experts at 128 have seen it all. Book with one of our HVAC cooling experts and ensure your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long for a maintenance, repair, or replacement.

With summer here in full swing, ensure your A/C is running at its best. At 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, our cooling experts can inspect your system and make sure everything is working properly, so you stay cool and comfortable no matter how hot your attic gets. Book now at 888-CALL-128. 

The post Cooling Your Home Starts at the Top appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.