Yes, in most cases. Massachusetts requires a HERS rating for new residential construction and for large additions or major renovations in communities that follow the Stretch or Specialized Energy Code. A preliminary HERS rating is typically needed for the building permit and a final rating for the certificate of occupancy.
Under the 2025 Massachusetts Stretch Code, new mixed-fuel homes need HERS 42 or lower and all-electric homes 45 or lower; an embodied-carbon credit for low-GWP insulation or concrete adds 3 points. Major additions and Level 3 renovations use separate targets (HERS 65-75) and ADUs 52-58. We confirm the exact path for your Belmont project.
Most Massachusetts HERS ratings run from about $600 to $2,500 depending on the size and scope of the project. Call (617) 501-6788 for a free same-day quote for your Belmont project.
We offer same-day scheduling and deliver reports in 24-48 hours. Home Energy Efficiency Consultants has completed 15,000+ HERS ratings statewide and holds a 5.0-star rating from 135 Google reviews.
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS), established by RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network), is the national benchmark for measuring residential energy efficiency. Every home rated through this system receives a HERS Index Score, which reflects its relative performance compared to a standard new home.
Here’s how the scoring works:
Each point reduction on the index translates to roughly a 1% improvement in energy efficiency. For example, a home with a HERS score of 60 is about 40% more efficient than a standard new home.
At Home Energy Efficiency Consultants, we conduct comprehensive energy testing and modeling to calculate your home’s score accurately. Beyond numbers, our reports highlight where energy is being wasted and how improvements can lead to measurable savings.
Our certified professionals handle every component of the HERS rating process, from initial inspection to final certification. Each step is carried out in accordance with RESNET standards and the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, ensuring accuracy and full compliance.
Air leakage is one of the most common causes of energy loss in residential properties. Using advanced blower door equipment, we measure how airtight your building envelope is. This helps identify leaks around windows, doors, and other openings that affect insulation performance. Reducing air infiltration improves comfort, HVAC efficiency, and energy savings.
HVAC ductwork is often a hidden source of wasted energy. Our duct leakage tests evaluate how much conditioned air escapes through gaps or poorly sealed joints in your ducts. Tightening your duct system can lead to significantly lower heating and cooling costs and improved indoor air quality.
Using infrared thermal cameras, we detect cold spots, missing insulation, and hidden leaks. This non-invasive inspection reveals areas of heat loss that are invisible to the naked eye, allowing for targeted improvements without guesswork.
Our detailed energy modeling simulates your home’s energy performance before construction or renovation is complete. This helps architects and builders make informed design decisions that meet efficiency goals and ensure code compliance from the start.
Once all testing and analysis are complete, we issue your official HERS Certificate. This document verifies that your home meets or exceeds required energy standards and serves as proof of compliance for building inspectors, lenders, and energy incentive programs.
Partnering with Home Energy Efficiency Consultants provides more than just compliance—it delivers lasting value for builders, homeowners, and developers alike.
Every project we undertake is handled with precision and transparency. You’ll know exactly how your home performs and what can be done to make it better.
Our company was founded on the belief that energy efficiency is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for modern living. We combine data-driven analysis with hands-on expertise to deliver accurate, actionable insights. Every project, whether new construction or retrofit, is handled with the same attention to detail and commitment to results.
Our certified raters are trained under RESNET guidelines, ensuring each assessment meets national quality standards. We take pride in offering an efficient, transparent process that saves our clients time, money, and stress.
A certified HERS rating is more than a compliance requirement—it’s an investment in sustainability and performance. Homes with better HERS scores use less energy, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and maintain a higher resale value. For homeowners, that translates into lower monthly bills and greater comfort. For builders, it means stronger customer satisfaction and better project outcomes.
The insights from our testing and modeling can guide future upgrades—such as improved insulation, high-performance windows, or HVAC optimization—further reducing your energy footprint and operational costs.
Learn More: HERS Rater in Harvard, MA
If you’re planning a new build, remodel, or need energy code verification in Belmont, Massachusetts, our certified HERS Raters are ready to assist. We deliver accurate testing, detailed reporting, and full certification with fast turnaround times.
At Home Energy Efficiency Consultants, we help you meet every energy standard confidently and efficiently.
📞 Call us today to schedule your HERS rating inspection or request a consultation with one of our experts.
Home Energy Efficiency Consultants rates new homes, additions, and major renovations throughout Belmont — including Belmont Center, Cushing Square, Waverley, and Payson Park. Every Belmont project is filed with the Belmont Building Division (Office of Community Development), and we handle the energy model, blower door and duct leakage testing, and the compliance paperwork from start to finish.
We also serve the communities right around Belmont, including Cambridge, Watertown, Arlington, Waltham, and Lexington. Our Somerville office at 519 Broadway is the closest of our four Massachusetts locations — see our Somerville office or call (617) 501-6788 to get a Belmont rating on the schedule.
Belmont enforces the Massachusetts Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code. The required HERS score depends on fuel type and project scope — a lower index is stricter.
| Project type | Mixed-fuel | Mixed-fuel + solar | All-electric | All-electric + solar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New construction | HERS 42 | 42 | 45 | 45 |
| New construction — embodied-carbon credit | 45 | 45 | 48 | 48 |
| Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) | 52 | 55 | 55 | 58 |
| Major alteration / renovation / change of use | 65 | 70 | 70 | 75 |
A HERS rating is triggered by new construction, additions over 1,000 sq ft (or more than 100% of the existing conditioned area), and Level 3 alterations over 1,000 sq ft affecting more than 50% of the home. New homes must also pass a blower-door test at 3.0 ACH50 and include electrification-ready wiring for heat pumps, EV charging, and solar. We model your Belmont project up front so you know the exact target and the fastest path to hit it — call (617) 501-6788.
Belmont is one of just 60 Massachusetts municipalities (as of June 2026) that have adopted the Specialized opt-in energy code — the state’s most demanding standard, covering about a third of Massachusetts residents. For new homes in Belmont this means the full HERS pathway — HERS 42 for mixed-fuel homes, 45 for all-electric (48 with the embodied carbon credit) — plus electrification-ready wiring requirements that go beyond the standard Stretch Code used in most of the state.
Practical impact for Belmont projects: plan for a blower door result of 3.0 ACH50 or better, balanced ERV/HRV ventilation, and either all-electric mechanicals or wiring sized for future electrification. Our raters work in Belmont regularly — see the full inspection sequence or call (617) 501-6788 for a same-day preliminary HERS report.
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At Home Energy Efficiency Consultants, we are committed to providing the highest quality energy consulting services to homebuilders, architects, and developers across Massachusetts.
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