There is a quiet moment in many homes each month — the arrival of the utility bill. Some open it with a sigh; others glance quickly at a number they don’t quite understand. What if that familiar envelope, or its digital counterpart, could be the beginning of something more insightful? What if, instead of only numbers, it offered a pathway to meaningful savings?
That question is at the heart of a new effort by HomeBoost, a startup aiming to bring clarity and control to household energy use. The company’s smartphone‑guided app, paired with a small mailed kit called the BoostBox, invites homeowners to see where energy escapes and how that leakage translates into rising bills. Rather than a vague suggestion to “save energy,” users are guided through an assessment that turns everyday household scans into personalized recommendations for cutting costs and improving comfort.
Founded by tech veteran Selina Tobaccowala, HomeBoost grew out of conversations with homeowners who understood the desire to save money but didn’t know how. Many had seen utility notifications comparing their use with that of neighbors but felt stuck when it came to next steps. So HomeBoost mailed users a BoostBox containing an infrared camera and a small blacklight — tools once reserved for professional home auditors — and let a companion app walk them through their own home checks.
As users move from room to room, the infrared camera highlights hot and cold spots that hint at drafts or missing insulation. The blacklight helps identify areas that might benefit from upgraded lighting. When the scans are complete, the app automatically generates a detailed report that not only shows where energy is being lost, but also suggests specific, cost‑effective improvements. The report can include local rebates and incentives, giving homeowners a clearer sense of which upgrades pay for themselves most quickly.
What sets this approach apart is its blend of personal data with practical action. Traditional energy audits often require scheduling, hours of on‑site assessment, and the risk of high‑pressure sales pitches for expensive equipment. HomeBoost, by contrast, offers a faster, more affordable path — a DIY scan backed by professional analysis. Users can complete the process on their own schedule for about $99, roughly a quarter the cost of a traditional audit, and in many cases, utilities will subsidize part or all of that fee.
For some communities, the company’s partnerships even extend to public libraries and local utilities that lend BoostBox kits at no cost. Once the homeowner completes the assessment and submits the data, they receive clear, actionable advice rather than a generic checklist. Some utilities see this as a way to reduce overall energy demand while helping customers take concrete steps to lower bills and increase comfort.
Beyond individual savings, founders of HomeBoost frame the app as part of a bigger story about energy and climate. Helping people find and fix inefficiencies in their homes not only trims family budgets but also reduces consumption on a broader scale. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the path to big change starts with a closer look at the spaces we live in and the choices we make every day.
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Sources TechCrunch reporting on HomeBoost’s app and energy savings mission.