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.

128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric Announces Local & Independent Ownership For Good

One question that Ryan Williams, owner of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, keeps getting is… “Did you sell?” And the answer from Williams is always no.

In the last decade, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other home service industries have seen significant consolidations with investment firms and private equity.

In the Greater Boston area, 128 has become an outlier of home service companies that are still local, private, and independently owned. This is what led Ryan Williams, President of 128, to seek out organizations and companies that aren’t just in business to someday sell, but to actually thrive long-term, focusing on people and purpose over profits.

Williams found the Tugboat Institute®, a community that focuses on just that: value, purpose, and people-driven businesses planning to remain independently-owned for over 100 years. Tugboat’s Certified Evergreen® status recognizes companies that go through a rigorous application process with the commitment to follow the Evergreen 7Ps® principles: Purpose, Perseverance, People First, Private, Profit, Paced Growth, and Pragmatic Innovation. 128 applied for this status with the help of its entire staff and was awarded the high honor of becoming Certified Evergreen® in 2025.

How is an independently owned home service company different from other types of ownership?

All businesses need to remain profitable to stay in business, but the difference between a company that intends to stay in business for generations and a company that is looking to exit again in the next 5-7 years is its priorities. An independently-owned business like 128 answers to its customers and employees first, not shareholders or investors. By prioritizing people over profits, 128 can focus on its employees, customers, and local communities.

How can choosing an independently owned company impact customers?

Massachusetts homeowners want a home service company that’s reliable, will answer their call when they need them, and will be in business for the lifetime of their HVAC and plumbing systems. The installation quality, long-term maintenance support, and overall reliability are major considerations in the decision, knowing how important heating and air conditioning is to daily living. When homeowners choose a company that plans to remain in business and independently owned for generations to come, they reduce risk of uncertainties.

How does working at an independently-owned company affect tradespeople?

The ownership structure can influence company culture, communication, expectations, and long-term business priorities. Working at an independently owned HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company can offer tradespeople closer access to decision-making and alignment.

With a labor shortage like there is in the trades, it is vitally important that there are leaders in the industry willing to continually invest time, money, and energy into training, education, mentorship, and developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. 128 is proud to be able to offer its own schooling program out of its Chelmsford, MA location for tradespeople, with a core value of development and continuous education.

CHOOSE LOCAL & INDEPENDENT.

Choosing local and independently-owned businesses for anything you buy has upside for customers and local Massachusetts communities. 128 is proud to announce its continued local and independently-owned ownership to bring empowerment to its employees and customers for future generations to come.

Watch Ryan Williams, President of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric announce the Certified Evergreen® status here.

About 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric:

128 is the top residential home service company in Eastern Massachusetts in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, drain cleaning, sewer rehabilitation, and excavation. The company was founded by David Williams in 1992 and is proud to have the most online reviews in Massachusetts. 128 is known for its top-notch customer service, base+ membership, SmartSignal home automation line, official partnership with the Red Sox, and quality workmanship with their blue carpet service.

Book with 128 by filling out the info below or call 781-451-1017.

This press release was written by happi PR, which is Boston-based. For media opportunities, visit happipr.com.

The post 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric Announces Local & Independent Ownership For Good 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.

Key Summary

• Each heating system, oil, gas, and electric, has its own advantages.
• Oil provides powerful heat but can be costly.
• Gas offers efficiency and reliability if natural gas lines are available.
• Electric systems, including heat pumps, are energy-efficient and ideal for homeowners looking to reduce carbon emissions.

Understanding the differences helps you choose the best option for your Massachusetts home.

Oil Heating Systems

Oil heat has been a common choice in older Massachusetts homes for decades. It provides steady, reliable warmth even in the coldest temperatures. Unlike gas and electric heating, oil heating is the only option to know what you’re going to pay BEFORE – rather than electric and gas heating, where you get a bill sent to you afterwards with little ways of knowing beforehand. However, oil systems often require on-site fuel storage, regular deliveries, and heavier maintenance compared to gas or electric systems. Also, without having an oil gauge or app on your phone to track it nowadays, there’s a chance you run out of oil. People with oil deliveries also run the small risk of oil spills, which can be a costly nightmare. You also need to have space for the oil tank, unlike the other options.

Pros: Produces strong, consistent heat; dependable for older homes; doesn’t rely on a gas line connection, and allows for choosing a price and paying before the month starts, rather than after

Cons: Higher fuel costs; requires tank maintenance; less energy-efficient than newer systems. It leaves space for potential oil run-outs on colder months.

Homeowners who still use oil should consider annual maintenance and modern, high-efficiency oil furnaces to reduce heating expenses. Learn more about heating oil tanks if you’re managing an existing setup.

Gas Heating Systems

Natural gas heating is the most common choice for modern Massachusetts homes. Gas furnaces are highly efficient, deliver quick heat, and are often cheaper to operate than oil systems. Since gas is piped directly to the home, there’s no need for fuel storage or deliveries.

Pros: High efficiency; lower fuel costs; reliable and clean-burning; works well with forced hot air and boiler systems.

Cons: Requires access to a gas line; may involve higher upfront installation costs if conversion is needed.

For many North Shore homeowners, gas heating strikes the perfect balance of comfort, cost, and convenience. Explore our residential heating services to learn more about efficient gas heating solutions.

Electric Heating Systems

Electric heating is growing in popularity across Massachusetts, especially with advancements in heat pump and ductless mini-split technology. Modern electric systems can efficiently heat and cool your home using renewable energy, reducing both emissions and long-term energy costs. Homeowners looking for residential solar system installations also find that electric heat pump and ductless mini split applications are nicely integrated with solar.

Pros: Energy-efficient; environmentally friendly; requires no fuel deliveries; easy to integrate with solar or hybrid systems.

Cons: Electricity rates can be high; may lose efficiency in extreme cold if not a cold-climate model.

Cold-climate heat pumps now perform effectively even when temperatures drop below freezing, making them a great choice for Massachusetts homeowners.

Comparing Oil vs Gas vs Electric Heat in Massachusetts

Here’s a quick comparison to help narrow your choice:

• Cost: Gas and electric systems generally cost less to run than oil.
• Maintenance: Oil systems require more demanding service and fuel management.
• Efficiency: Electric systems (especially heat pumps) offer the highest energy efficiency.
• Availability: Gas requires access to municipal lines, while electric is available anywhere.
• Sustainability: Electric systems lead in environmental performance, especially when paired with renewable energy sources.
• Space: An electric or gas heating system may take up less space than an oil heating system with an oil tank.

Which Heating System Is Best for Your Massachusetts Home?

When comparing oil vs gas vs electric heat, the best system is going to depend on your home’s layout, energy goals, and available utilities. What is existing in the home already will help guide the decision also. Homes with existing ductwork may benefit from upgrading to a high-efficiency gas furnace, while older properties without ducts might consider ductless mini-splits. For homeowners seeking lower emissions and long-term savings, a cold-climate heat pump offers both heating and cooling in one system.

The good news is that at 128, we do not have a specific heating method that we lean towards and recommend to customers. When customers are comparing their options between oil vs gas vs electric heat, we always make recommendations based on the homeowner’s wants and needs, and guide them to ultimately make the decision. We specialize in installing all oil, gas, and electric heating systems and perform them daily. If you’re unsure which heating option is right for your home, our experienced HVAC team can help assess your current setup and recommend the most efficient solution for your budget and comfort goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth switching from oil to gas heat in Massachusetts?

Yes, many homeowners every year decide they want to convert to gas, and now electric too . Gas heating systems are typically more efficient, require less maintenance, and use cleaner fuel. The switch can lower long-term energy costs, especially in regions with reliable gas service like the North Shore and Greater Boston. Visit our oil to gas conversion page for more information.

Can I replace my oil furnace with a heat pump?

Absolutely. Many Massachusetts homeowners are replacing oil systems with electric heat pumps to take advantage of Mass Save rebates and lower energy costs. Cold-climate heat pumps can provide reliable heating even in below-freezing temperatures. Others install heat pumps or ductless minisplits for air conditioning in the summertime, and keep their tried and true heating system in the home too.

Are electric heating systems expensive to run?

You’ve probably heard of electric heating back in the 70’s and 80’s being really expensive. Some electric heating systems can cost more per unit of energy, but newer heat pumps and mini-splits are highly efficient, often offsetting higher electricity rates. They’re also eligible for local rebates and incentives that help reduce installation costs, to encourage homeowners to drop using fossil fuels.

How do I know which system is best for my home?

It depends on your home’s existing infrastructure and goals. If you already have ductwork, a high-efficiency gas furnace or hybrid heat pump may be ideal. If not, ductless mini-splits provide flexible, efficient heating without renovation. Schedule a free consultation with 128 to find your best fit, whether it’s an emergency heating need or a project you’re thinking about for the future.

Do you serve areas outside of the North Shore?

Yes, in addition to the North Shore, we serve homeowners throughout Greater Boston, Merrimack Valley, and the South MetroWest.

The post Oil vs. Gas vs. Electric Heat: What’s Best for Massachusetts Homes? appeared first on 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric.

Key Summary

• Boilers use water to deliver steady, radiant heat that works well in homes with existing hydronic systems.
• Furnaces heat air and distribute it through ducts, providing fast and effective whole home heating.
• Heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, offering efficient year round heating and cooling.
• Heat pumps can reduce energy usage and are often paired with traditional systems for cold weather performance.

How Boilers Work

A boiler heats water and distributes it through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor systems. The result is consistent, even heating without moving air. This makes boilers a popular choice for older homes or homes designed around hydronic systems. Boilers are known for producing a stable indoor temperature with fewer drafts. A lot of homeowners with boilers mention a helpful amount of humidity due to the water.

If you are upgrading or maintaining your hydronic system, you can learn more about boilers and how proper installation and service can improve efficiency.

How Furnaces Work

A furnace heats air and pushes it through ductwork to deliver warm air to each room. This system is common in homes that already have central air conditioning since both can use the same duct network. Furnaces heat quickly, which can be helpful during sudden cold snaps.

If your system is older or showing signs of inconsistent heat, you may want to explore repair or maintenance options at furnaces.

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pumps do not generate heat the way boilers and furnaces do. Instead, they move heat from one place to another. In the winter, they pull heat from the outdoor air and deliver it inside your home. In the summer, they reverse direction to provide cooling. This makes heat pumps one of the most energy efficient HVAC systems available.

Homeowners who want an all in one heating and cooling solution still using window units and without any history of having central A/C often consider heat pumps. These systems provide consistent comfort with lower energy consumption.

Boiler vs Furnace vs Heat Pump: Key Differences

The biggest differences between these systems come down to how they distribute heat, how they use energy, and what kind of comfort they provide. Boilers heat water, furnaces heat air, and heat pumps transfer heat. Boilers deliver radiant warmth that feels steady and comfortable, while furnaces provide faster heating through forced air. Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling with a focus on efficiency.

Which Heating System Is Best for Massachusetts Homes?

Because Massachusetts experiences cold winters, the right heating system depends on your home’s size, insulation, ventilation, and existing infrastructure. Boilers are ideal for radiant heating or older homes with existing hydronic systems. Furnaces are a strong choice for homes with ductwork that need rapid heating. Heat pumps offer efficient year round comfort, especially in homes that want both heating and cooling in one unit. Many homes use heat pumps along with conventional systems for a hybrid approach.

When To Repair or Replace Your Heating System

If your heating system is inconsistent, noisy, or struggling to keep up with cold weather, it may be time to schedule a professional evaluation. Timely service helps extend the life of your system and improves performance. For homeowners experiencing issues, options like heating repair and heating maintenance can restore efficiency and prevent breakdowns. Just like a car, there are cases when you have the option to repair vs. replace the heating system, and other cases where the system is “totaled”. A newer car may have higher miles per gallon, similar to a heating system having a better efficiency rating than older heating systems do. Newer heating systems can be up to 97% efficient, a much higher efficiency rating than older equipment. That means of every dollar spent on your heat, the newer 97% heating system will have $0.97 of every dollar go directly towards the heating bill, while older systems will only have a fraction of that, with more wasted heating dollars per month. A newer heating system could cost less to run and bring your heating bills down because of the efficiency rating, which is a reason why a lot of homeowners will decide to replace their system before the system dies altogether.

Considering a Ductless Heating Option

Some homes do not have ductwork or may want supplemental heating for specific areas, like a basement or addition. For these situations, ductless heating or heat pumps can be the perfect, noninvasive, effective alternative. These systems offer zoned comfort and work well in renovated spaces or areas with limited airflow. Homeowners like having the ability to turn on heating or air conditioning for one room, rather than an entire floor or the whole house, and they can do that with ductless minisplits or heat pumps, because the thermostat comes right from the hand remote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a boiler more efficient than a furnace?

It depends on the type of system and the home itself. Boilers can provide even heating and can be more efficient in homes designed for hydronic systems. Furnaces heat quickly, but they can lose heat through ductwork if it is not properly sealed or insulated. Homeowners with furnaces need to remember to look at their filter as well as their ductwork, as both have an effect on efficiency performance also.

Are heat pumps good for cold Massachusetts winters?

Yes. Modern heat pump technology performs well even in low outdoor temperatures. Many homeowners pair a heat pump with a traditional heating system for maximum efficiency and comfort with the benefit of getting air conditioning throughout the summer too.

What is the biggest difference between a boiler and a furnace?

A boiler heats water and distributes it through radiators or baseboards. A furnace heats air and distributes it through ducts.

Is it worth replacing an older boiler or furnace?

If your furnace is more than 15 to 20 years old or your boiler is over 25 years old, a heating replacement can improve energy efficiency and reliability. A professional inspection can help you determine the right time to upgrade and the pros and cons for your unique situation.

The post Boiler vs Furnace vs Heat Pump: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better for Massachusetts Homes? 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.