A New Approach to Home Energy Efficiency
A few years ago, Selina Tobaccowala’s daughter started leaving post-it notes around the house, telling everyone to “turn off the lights” and such. Tobaccowala, who had just sold her last startup, Gixo, to OpenFit, was looking for a new challenge. She realized that there had to be more to sustainability and climate action than simply turning off lights.
Despite not having a background in climate science or hardware engineering, Tobaccowala turned to her expertise in surveys. Drawing from her experience as the former president and CTO of SurveyMonkey, she conducted extensive customer surveys to understand the challenges people faced in lowering their utility bills.
What she discovered was a common theme among consumers — they were unsure how to reduce their energy consumption effectively. Many received notifications comparing their energy usage to their neighbors but were left with limited guidance on what steps to take.
In response to this need, Tobaccowala co-founded HomeBoost, a company dedicated to helping individuals conduct home energy assessments. The innovative startup made its mark at JS Disrupt 2025 as part of Startup Battlefield 200.
HomeBoost revolutionizes the home energy assessment process by providing customers with a BoostBox, containing tools such as an infrared camera and a blacklight, along with an app that guides users through the assessment. By scanning their homes, customers can identify areas where energy is being wasted, allowing the app to generate a personalized report with cost-effective upgrade suggestions and applicable rebates.
While some utilities offer similar services, Tobaccowala noted that the quality and cost of these assessments can vary significantly. HomeBoost’s app offers a faster and more affordable alternative to traditional in-person audits, empowering users to take control of their energy efficiency journey.
HomeBoost charges customers $99 for the assessment, a fraction of the cost of a conventional audit. The startup also partners with utilities like Central Hudson, Omaha Public Power District, and Avista to subsidize or cover the assessment cost for customers. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals have access to valuable energy-saving solutions.
Recognizing the importance of professional auditors in the process, HomeBoost has developed a version of its app for professionals to efficiently serve more customers. Additionally, the company is piloting a feature that connects homeowners with contractors to implement the recommended upgrades, fostering a seamless transition from assessment to action.
By bridging the gap between consumers, utilities, and contractors, Tobaccowala envisions HomeBoost contributing not only to lower utility bills but also to a positive impact on the environment. Through alignment and collaboration, the company aims to drive meaningful progress in home energy efficiency and climate sustainability.
