Slash Utility Bills: HomeBoost App Finds You Savings – A Deep Dive
Are your utility bills consistently higher than you’d like? Do you feel powerless against rising energy costs? Selina Tobaccowala, founder of HomeBoost, experienced a relatable moment of inspiration when her daughter started leaving post-it notes around the house reminding everyone to “turn off the lights.” This simple act sparked an idea: could technology empower homeowners to take control of their energy consumption and slash utility bills? After successfully selling her previous startup, Gixo, to OpenFit, Tobaccowala sought a new challenge, and HomeBoost was born. This isn't just about turning off lights; it's about a data-driven approach to home energy efficiency.
The Problem: Understanding Your Energy Usage
Tobaccowala quickly realized that simply being aware of energy waste wasn’t enough. Many homeowners struggle to understand where their energy is going and, more importantly, how to fix it. “When we talked to consumers, we heard the same thing over and over again: They get that email that says, ‘Hey, you spend more money than your neighbors,’” she explained. “They were sort of stuck with what to do about it.” This frustration fueled the development of HomeBoost, a solution designed to bridge the gap between awareness and action.
The Power of Surveys: Identifying Core Needs
Leveraging her extensive experience as president and CTO of SurveyMonkey, Tobaccowala conducted extensive surveys to understand the pain points of homeowners. This research revealed a significant need for accessible, affordable, and actionable home energy assessments. The goal wasn’t just to identify energy leaks, but to provide clear, prioritized recommendations for improvement, including potential savings and available rebates.
Introducing HomeBoost: A DIY Energy Assessment
HomeBoost offers a unique approach to home energy assessments, starting with the “BoostBox.” This compact kit contains an infrared camera, a blacklight, and access to a user-friendly mobile app. The process is designed to be simple and empowering, allowing homeowners to conduct their own assessments without the need for a professional.
What’s in the BoostBox?
- Infrared Camera: Identifies areas of heat loss or gain, revealing insulation deficiencies and air leaks.
- Blacklight: Highlights inefficient lighting fixtures that could be upgraded to more energy-efficient options like LEDs.
- Mobile App: Guides users through the assessment process, collects data, and generates a personalized report.
As homeowners walk through their homes, the infrared camera visually demonstrates where energy is escaping, while the blacklight pinpoints outdated lighting. The app seamlessly integrates this data to create a comprehensive report outlining the most cost-effective upgrades, tailored to the homeowner’s specific situation and location.
Beyond DIY: HomeBoost for Professionals
While HomeBoost excels at empowering DIY assessments, Tobaccowala recognized the value of professional expertise. Dedicated energy auditors can spend significant time – between two and ten hours – thoroughly surveying homes, analyzing data, and creating detailed reports. To cater to this market, HomeBoost developed a professional version of its app.
This pro version allows auditors to serve more customers efficiently, streamlining their workflow and providing them with valuable data insights. It’s a win-win: auditors can expand their reach, and homeowners benefit from faster, more comprehensive assessments.
Connecting Homeowners with Solutions: The Contractor Network
HomeBoost doesn’t stop at identifying problems; it actively connects homeowners with qualified contractors to implement the recommended upgrades. The company is currently testing a feature that allows homeowners to link with contractors who can review assessment reports and provide quotes before even visiting the property.
This feature offers several benefits:
- For Homeowners: More informed decision-making, competitive quotes, and access to vetted professionals.
- For Contractors: A steady stream of qualified leads, pre-assessment data, and reduced on-site time.
The Cost Factor: HomeBoost vs. Traditional Assessments
HomeBoost’s pricing is a significant advantage. At $99, it’s approximately a quarter of the cost of a traditional, in-person energy assessment. Furthermore, HomeBoost is actively partnering with utilities to reduce or eliminate the cost for customers. For example:
- Omaha Public Power District: Covers all but $19 of the BoostBox cost.
- Central Hudson: Covers the entire cost if homeowners check out the BoostBox from a public library.
These partnerships demonstrate a growing recognition of HomeBoost’s value and its alignment with utility companies’ goals of reducing energy consumption.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainability and Climate Impact
Tobaccowala envisions HomeBoost as more than just a cost-saving tool; she sees it as a catalyst for positive environmental change. “It’s a very unique situation where everybody’s aligned to actually lower the utility bill, which in the net result is improvement on the climate,” she stated. By empowering homeowners to reduce their energy consumption, HomeBoost contributes to a more sustainable future.
The Role of Utilities in Driving Adoption
Utilities are increasingly incentivized to reduce end-user energy consumption, and HomeBoost provides a scalable and effective solution. By covering the cost of BoostBoxes, utilities can encourage widespread adoption and accelerate the transition to a more energy-efficient society. This collaborative approach benefits everyone involved – homeowners, utilities, and the planet.
HomeBoost at GearTech Disrupt 2025 and Beyond
HomeBoost’s innovative approach and potential for impact were recognized at the Startup Battlefield 200 at GearTech Disrupt 2025. The company continues to expand its partnerships with utilities and refine its technology, solidifying its position as a leader in the home energy efficiency space. With the increasing focus on sustainability and the rising cost of energy, HomeBoost is poised for significant growth.
Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Home Energy Management
The home energy management market is rapidly evolving. Several key trends are shaping the future of this industry:
- Smart Home Integration: Seamless integration with smart thermostats, lighting systems, and appliances for automated energy optimization.
- AI-Powered Insights: Utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze energy data and provide personalized recommendations.
- Demand Response Programs: Incentivizing homeowners to reduce energy consumption during peak demand periods.
- Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): Aggregating distributed energy resources (like solar panels and batteries) to create a virtual power plant.
HomeBoost is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, leveraging its data-driven approach and its commitment to empowering homeowners. The company’s focus on affordability, accessibility, and actionable insights will be crucial in driving widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Energy Future
HomeBoost offers a compelling solution for homeowners seeking to slash utility bills and reduce their environmental impact. By combining a user-friendly DIY assessment tool with professional expertise and a growing network of contractors, HomeBoost is making home energy efficiency accessible to everyone. In a world facing increasing energy costs and climate challenges, HomeBoost is empowering homeowners to take control of their energy future, one BoostBox at a time.