MIDDLEBORO — Hayden Kane wants to save Middleboro residents money and energy on heating and cooling their homes.

Kane started working this past year as the Weatherization Navigator for the local nonprofit Sustainable Middleboro. He is available for free consultations with residents and has weekly office hours at 8 Benton St., inside the Middleboro Housing Authority location.

“The best way to save money on your heating and cooling bill is to use less energy,” he said. “There are so many measures that can do just that yet still keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Some you can do yourself, and some may require a contractor. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can recoup any upfront costs on air sealing and insulation and how much those improvements add to your home’s value.”

In recent years, numerous new financial incentives have become available to offset the upfront costs for insulation and heat pumps, including tax credits, rebates, and two new zero or low-interest financing programs. 

But tracking down every available federal, state, and local incentive people may be eligible for on multiple websites is daunting. That’s where the Weatherization Navigator can help.

“I always advise people to first sign up for a free energy assessment, which is included as part of your utility bill,” Kane said. “Then we can sit down, and I can help you make a plan, as you’re ready. My favorite part of this job is meeting people one-on-one and helping them save.”

Kane recently joined local insulation contractor Matt Perry of JM of New Bedford at an “All About Insulation” workshop, available as an on-demand video at mcccam.tv. 

He has been certified as an electric coach by Rewiring America and has completed a study of Abode Energy Management’s community heat pump advocate training. At Stonehill College, he researched more than 300 municipal climate action plans as part of his work in environmental science and management information systems. 

Now working half-time for Sustainable Middleboro, he is also an organizer of a national nonprofit called the Cookie Brigade, which raises funds for children’s hospitals.

To make a phone or in-person appointment with the Weatherization Navigator, contact 774-419-5250, navigator@sustainablemiddleborough.org, or sign up online atsustainablemiddleborough.org. 

To sign up for an energy assessment, go to ene.org/ene-sustainability/hea.