HomeBoost, a startup that emerged from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025’s Startup Battlefield 200, announced the rollout of its consumer-facing application designed to help homeowners conduct personalized energy assessments. Co-founder Selina Tobaccowala initiated the venture after observing consumer frustration regarding high utility bills despite receiving comparative usage reports, according to reporting by TechCrunch.
Tobaccowala, leveraging her background as former president and CTO of SurveyMonkey, surveyed numerous consumers to pinpoint the core problem: people knew they were overspending but lacked actionable steps to reduce consumption. This insight drove HomeBoost to develop a system that empowers users to diagnose their own home efficiency issues beyond simple actions like turning off lights.
The core offering is the BoostBox, a kit mailed to customers containing a specialized infrared camera and a blacklight, used in conjunction with the company’s mobile application. The infrared camera visualizes thermal leaks, while the blacklight identifies inefficient lighting fixtures, guiding users through a self-directed audit process.
Data captured during the scan is processed by the app to automatically generate a report detailing the most cost-effective upgrades, factoring in location-specific utility rebates. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional energy audits, which Tobaccowala noted often resulted in consumers feeling pressured into expensive HVAC replacements.
HomeBoost charges customers $99 for the assessment kit, positioning it as significantly cheaper than the multi-hundred-dollar cost of a traditional, in-person audit. Furthermore, the startup is actively collaborating with utility providers, such as Central Hudson and Omaha Public Power District, to subsidize or fully cover the cost for their respective customers.
Recognizing that some homeowners prefer professional intervention, HomeBoost also developed a version of its application tailored for energy auditors. This professional tool enables existing auditors to service more clients efficiently by streamlining data collection and report generation, potentially reducing their on-site time commitment of two to ten hours per home.
Looking ahead, the company is piloting a feature to connect homeowners directly with vetted contractors for upgrade implementation, creating a streamlined ecosystem. Tobaccowala asserts that by aligning the financial incentives of consumers, utilities, and contractors, HomeBoost ultimately supports broader climate improvement goals through reduced energy demand.
