HERS Rater in Harvard, MA

Services Offered in Harvard, MA

At Home Energy Efficiency Consultant, we offer a full range of energy efficiency and code compliance services to support residential construction and renovation projects in Harvard, MA. Our services help you meet Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code requirements, avoid project delays, reduce utility costs, and qualify for valuable rebates.

HERS Rating (Home Energy Rating System)

This is the core service required to meet the Stretch Code in Harvard. A HERS Rating is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency, measured on a scale from 0 (net-zero energy) to 150 (very inefficient). New homes in Harvard must score 55 or lower, while qualifying renovation projects must score 65 or lower.

Our certified HERS Raters will:

• Model your building’s energy performance using professional software

   

• Conduct on-site inspections during and after construction

   

• Perform all required tests

   

• Deliver the HERS Certificate you need for your Certificate of Occupancy

Blower Door Testing

A blower door test measures how airtight your home is. It’s one of the most important tests in the HERS Rating process and a requirement under the Stretch Code.

This test helps:

• Identify air leaks that reduce energy efficiency

   

• Improve insulation and sealing practices during construction

   

• Ensure compliance with required air changes per hour (ACH)

   

We conduct this test at the final inspection phase to validate the building’s envelope performance.

Duct Leakage Testing

Duct leakage can significantly increase heating and cooling costs. Our duct leakage testing evaluates how much air is lost through your HVAC system’s ducts.

This test:

• Identifies leaks that waste energy and money

   

• Ensures your HVAC system is operating efficiently

   

• Helps your project pass energy code requirements

   

It is typically performed after HVAC installation but before drywall is sealed.

Energy Modeling & Performance Path Compliance

Energy modeling is a virtual simulation of your home’s energy use. We use your architectural plans to predict how the building will perform and suggest improvements.

Benefits include:

• Optimizing design for better energy efficiency

   

• Achieving a better HERS score from the start

   

• Lowering long-term energy bills

   

• Helping you choose the Performance Path instead of the prescriptive path for code compliance

Mid-Construction Energy Consulting

We provide expert advice throughout the construction process to make sure your project stays on track.

This includes:

• Site visits after insulation is installed

   

• Recommendations to address any energy inefficiencies early

   

• Guidance on materials and building practices

   

• Preventing surprises during the final inspection phase

   

This service helps you avoid failing final tests and improves your HERS score overall.

REScheck Reports

REScheck is a report used to show that your building complies with prescriptive energy code requirements when you’re not using the HERS-based Performance Path.

We generate REScheck reports to help:

• Get building permits in municipalities that accept prescriptive compliance

   

• Quickly demonstrate code compliance for additions or renovations

   

• Serve as an alternative when performance testing isn’t feasible

Manual J, S, D Reports (HVAC Design)

These HVAC sizing calculations are required for code compliance and system efficiency.

• Manual J – Calculates heating and cooling loads

   

• Manual S – Helps select appropriate HVAC equipment

   

• Manual D – Designs the duct system for optimal airflow

   

We provide these reports for mechanical permit applications and to ensure comfort and performance in your new home.

Utility Rebate Program Support

Many homes that pass HERS requirements also qualify for Mass Save® rebates and other local incentives.

Our team:

• Helps you identify rebate opportunities

   

• Prepares and submits the necessary paperwork

   

• Ensures you don’t miss out on available financial incentives

   

These rebates can reduce your project cost by thousands of dollars.

Final Energy Documentation for Certificate of Occupancy

After all inspections and testing are complete, we compile the final HERS Certificate, testing results, and any required documentation for your Certificate of Occupancy.

We coordinate directly with:

• Local building departments

   

• Inspectors

   

• Utility programs

   

This streamlines your final approval process and reduces back-and-forth with officials.