Quick Answers
Do I need a HERS rating in Salem, MA?
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.
What HERS score is required in Salem, MA?
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 mixed-fuel / 70 all-electric) and ADUs 52-58. We confirm the exact path for your Salem project.
How much does a HERS rating cost in Salem, MA?
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 Salem project.
How fast can I get a HERS rating in Salem?
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 136 Google reviews.
HERS Rating Salem MA - Quick Facts
Local energy code in Salem
- Salem has been an Opt-In (Specialized Code) community since July 1, 2024, layering electrification requirements on the Stretch Code; it sits in IECC Climate Zone 5A.
- Beyond the Stretch baseline, new mixed-fuel homes must be pre-wired for future electrification and add on-site solar where there is significant unshaded roof space.
- All-electric new homes must use heat pumps for space heating and hot water; fossil-fuel homes over 4,000 sq ft must reach net-zero (HERS 0), and new multifamily over 12,000 sq ft must meet Passive House.
Salem code requirements at a glance
- A HERS rating is required in Salem for: new construction; additions over 1,000 sq ft (or greater than 100% of the existing conditioned floor area); and extensive Level 3 alterations over 1,000 sq ft affecting more than 50% of the conditioned floor area.
- New home, mixed-fuel (gas heat, hot water or cooking): must reach HERS 42 or lower.
- New home, all-electric: must reach HERS 45 or lower.
- Embodied-carbon materials credit: allows up to HERS 48.
- ADU, mixed-fuel (gas): HERS 52; ADU, all-electric: HERS 55; ADU with the embodied-carbon credit: HERS 58.
- Major additions and renovations: HERS 65 (mixed-fuel) or HERS 70 (all-electric).
- Air tightness: a blower door test at 3.0 ACH50 or tighter; duct leakage capped at 4.0 CFM25 per 100 sq ft total leakage (8.0 when all ducts are inside conditioned space - the test is still required).
- Also required in new homes: whole-house mechanical ventilation (ASHRAE 62.2) and EV-ready wiring; compliance runs through the HERS / Energy Rating Index path (2025 code section R406).
How compliance is verified
- Energy model from your plans, a pre-drywall (rough) inspection, blower door and duct leakage testing, then a final HERS certificate filed with the Salem building department.
- Same-day preliminary HERS reports; blower door and duct results in 24-48 hours, with fail-fix guidance if a home misses the target.
What you can get back: 2026 Mass Save
- New all-electric single-family homes can earn $7,500 to $25,000 from 2026 Mass Save depending on tier (Base, ENERGY STAR NextGen, or Passive House), and up to $40,000 for a 4-unit.
- All-electric renovations and additions: up to $20,000 (Level 1) or $30,000 (Level 2) for a single-family, scaling to $60,000 for a 4-unit; projects that keep fossil fuel use pay-for-savings up to $10,000.
- New multifamily (5+ units): $1,000 to $3,750 per unit by tier (Base, ENERGY STAR, or Passive House), plus a $5,000 feasibility-study incentive and energy-modeling support.
- All Mass Save incentives require verification by a Mass Save-approved, RESNET-certified HERS rater.
RESNET-certified · 15,000+ ratings completed · 5.0 stars across 136 Google reviews · (617) 501-6788
HERS Rating Salem MA
HERS Rating Salem MA services for new construction, additions, and renovations. Home Energy Efficiency Consultants provides certified HERS ratings in Salem, Massachusetts for homeowners, builders, and developers who need energy code compliance and clear project guidance.
Why clients choose us
We help projects in Salem with energy code guidance, HERS documentation, practical field support, and clear communication from planning through completion.
HERS Rating Salem MA Services
Looking for HERS Rating Salem MA services? We provide certified HERS ratings for homes throughout Essex County, with support for new construction, additions, and major renovations.
We help projects in Salem meet Massachusetts energy code requirements with practical guidance on insulation, HVAC systems, ventilation, air sealing, and final project verification.
Serving homeowners, builders, and developers across Salem, Massachusetts, Home Energy Efficiency Consultants provides practical support from planning through project completion.
Best fit for projects like:
- New construction homes
- Additions and expansions
- Gut renovations
- Permit-driven energy compliance
- Projects needing HERS documentation
Learn more about home energy ratings, RESNET standards, and Mass Save programs.
HERS Rating Salem MA Project Support
HERS Rating Salem MA services help builders and homeowners plan for energy code compliance, documentation, and project completion.
Certified HERS Rating Salem MA
We provide HERS rating support for new homes, additions, and major renovations in Salem, Massachusetts.
Energy Code Guidance in Salem
Our HERS Rating Salem MA services help projects stay organized with practical guidance from planning through completion.
Why Choose Us for HERS Rating Salem MA
Strong communication, local knowledge, and practical project support.
- Massachusetts energy code experience
- Fast report turnaround
- Clear communication throughout the project
- Practical field support for builders and homeowners
- Trusted by clients across Massachusetts
HERS rating pricing in Salem depends on home size, design complexity, and project scope.
HERS Rating Salem MA Facts
Helpful answers for homeowners, builders, and developers planning a project in Salem.
Salem is a historic coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, located on the North Shore of Greater Boston. Continuous settlement by Europeans began in 1626 with English colonists. Salem is located in Essex County, Massachusetts. The 01355 area, like the rest of Massachusetts, sits in IECC climate zone 5A, which shapes insulation, air-sealing, and HVAC requirements for HERS rating and energy code compliance.
Where does HERS rating apply in Salem?
New construction, additions, and major renovations in Salem, Essex County are reviewed against the Massachusetts energy code, and a HERS rating is the standard way to document compliance.
What climate zone is Salem in?
Like all of Massachusetts, Salem is in IECC climate zone 5A, which sets the insulation, air-sealing, and mechanical-system targets a HERS rater verifies.
Do existing homes in Salem need a HERS rating?
Most existing homes only need a rating for major renovations, additions, or energy-code permits; new construction in Salem almost always requires one.
How does a HERS rating help Salem homeowners?
A lower HERS Index signals a more energy-efficient home, lower utility bills, and easier code compliance for projects in Salem.
What is a HERS Rating?
A HERS Rating measures the energy efficiency of a home and is commonly used for new construction, additions, and major renovations in Massachusetts.
Who may need one?
Builders, homeowners, and developers in Salem may need a HERS rating depending on project size, code path, and permit requirements.
Why local experience matters
Local experience helps ensure your project is reviewed with Massachusetts requirements, practical construction details, and real jobsite conditions in mind.
What the process may include
Depending on the project, the process may include plan review, energy modeling, field verification, and final testing support.
Our 5-Step HERS Rating Process in Salem
Here is the exact sequence a Salem project follows through HERS verification, from your very first permit set to the certificate that finishes the job.
Plan Review & Preliminary Report
We review your blueprints and produce the preliminary energy report your building permit requires before construction begins.
Equipment Consulting
Before anything is installed, we confirm your appliances and equipment are correct — a crucial step many companies skip, so you never buy the wrong system.
Mid-Point Inspection
We inspect during construction to make sure insulation is installed correctly and to the code requirements of your HERS report.
Final Testing
Blower-door testing, duct testing, and ERV balancing. ERV balancing is vital — done wrong it can cause pressure issues throughout your home.
Final Certificate
We send over the final certificate to close out your building permit and apply for your Mass Save rebates.
Salem and the Massachusetts Specialized (Opt-In) Code
Salem, an Essex County city in Climate Zone 5A, is bound by the Specialized (Opt-In) Code — the toughest energy standard Massachusetts has on the books, one that weaves electrification-readiness into the standard efficiency targets.
Solar-Ready (RB102)
Every new Salem home has to keep a clear span of roof and pre-run conduit so a solar array can be added down the line without major surgery.
EV-Ready (RB103)
Panel capacity and a dedicated circuit are set up in advance, keeping a future Level 2 charger in your Salem garage quick and cheap to install.
Talk directly with the owner
Owner and Mass Save®-listed HERS rater Dominic Zammuto personally handles every Salem rating — you reach the expert directly, never a call center. Ask him anything about your project or the rebates you might claim.
Explore Mass Save RebatesWhat the HERS Index Means for Salem Homes
100 is the starting line
The reference home sits at 100, and each Salem home we rate is engineered to finish well below it.
0 equals net-zero
A zero means your Salem home makes as much energy as it uses — the highest point efficient design can reach.
About 1% per point
Take off one point and you cut about one percent of energy use — real savings for the Salem homeowner.
How We Confirm Performance on a Salem Rating
- ✅ Energy modeling — we build a performance model of your Salem home before construction begins, forecasting energy use throughout each space.
- ✅ Blower-door testing — a calibrated fan reveals precisely how airtight the completed Salem home turns out.
- ✅ Duct-leakage testing — we quantify the conditioned air lost through the ductwork so nothing is squandered.
Connecting HERS and the Stretch Code in Salem
- ✅ Salem starts from the IECC 2021 model code and stacks Massachusetts’ tighter energy goals over it.
- ✅ The HERS target you must reach hinges on fuel type — with all-electric and mixed-fuel homes each carrying a distinct target.
- ✅ We tie your rating back to Mass Save incentives and the official Mass.gov stretch code rules.
Rebates, Turnaround & What to Expect in Salem
Real rebate potential
Salem projects that qualify can unlock meaningful Mass Save incentives, and we prepare the documentation so those dollars actually reach you.
Fast turnaround
Salem build calendars run tight, so we deliver reports and certificates without delay to keep your project moving.
Certified & local
You work with a certified rater who understands how Essex County homes actually get built — not a distant desk operator staring at spreadsheets.
Experience & Track Record in Salem
In Salem, experience is the difference — you are trusting someone to certify how your home performs, and our owner brings decades of building and inspecting to the table.
Construction experience
Decades on Salem job sites mean our energy advice is grounded in what actually gets built, not just what looks good on a spec sheet.
Unrestricted CSL License
An Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License keeps us fluent in every Salem code requirement, from structure to systems.
Certified & Mass Save®-listed HERS rater
RESNET certification plus our Mass Save® HERS rater listing means a Salem rating that clears inspection and unlocks rebates without friction.
Beyond the HERS Rating: Program Credentials for Salem Projects
The same team that rates your Salem project is also verified for the federal new-construction programs, so one rater can carry a home or building from code compliance through certification.
ENERGY STAR Rating Partner
Listed by EPA as an ENERGY STAR Residential Energy Rating Company for single-family and multifamily new construction. EPA partner list ↗
DOE Efficient New Homes Verifier
U.S. Department of Energy verifier partner, Organization ID 4379. DOE partner page ↗
EPA Indoor airPLUS Verifier
Verification for the EPA indoor air quality label on new homes. Indoor airPLUS directory ↗
EPA WaterSense Home Verifier
Verification for WaterSense Labeled Homes. How WaterSense home certification works ↗
Our Massachusetts Service Locations
Serving clients from our four Massachusetts locations in Everett, Somerville, Framingham, and Marlborough.
Everett Location
371 Main St
Everett, MA 02149
Somerville Location
519 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02145
Framingham Location
68 South St
Framingham, MA 01702
Marlborough Location
272 Lincoln St, C1
Marlborough, MA 01752
Trusted for HERS Rating Salem MA
Real customer feedback helps show the level of service clients expect from Home Energy Efficiency Consultants.
Eleni Kaplan
Google Review
“Dominic got us 50k back on a 3 family we renovated through the HERS rating! We will definitely be using him for future projects. He’s a huge team player — we highly recommend him.”
Kevin McLaughlin
Google Review
“We were working on a house renovation and needed a HERS rating to get our permit. Dominic was very knowledgeable, extremely professional, and efficient.”
Luis Maldonado
Google Review
“If you’re looking for a reliable HERS rating company, this is it. Professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. They also helped me secure rebates I didn’t even know were available.”
Valentina Valencia Valencia
Google Review
“Best decision I made was hiring Home Energy Efficiency Consultants LLC. Their attention to detail and willingness to answer all my questions made the process stress-free.”
Lee Kravetz
Google Review
“I worked with Dominic on my HERS rating. He was knowledgeable and helped me through each step of making sure I got things right on my build.”
mike cartolano
Google Review
“Super Fast and Great Price ..great Communication”
Follow Home Energy Efficiency Consultants
Connect with us across social platforms for projects, updates, and energy code support.
Related HERS Rating Salem MA Services
Helpful internal links for users and search engines.
Nearby HERS Rating Salem MA Areas We Serve
We also provide HERS rating services near Salem and throughout Massachusetts.
Salem HERS Targets: 2025 Code Charts
Salem has adopted the Specialized (Opt-In) Code. New homes follow the RC101 compliance paths below, and HERS projects are held to the Table R406.5 maximums.
Salem HERS Index Scale and More 2025 Code Graphics
How to Read a HERS Report for Your Salem Home
Every Salem project we rate gets a HERS certificate like this one. Here is what each part means. The sample is a real HEEC projected report (HERS 45, all-electric duplex) with the address, builder and rater details removed.
Building and Permitting in Salem
Salem moved to the Specialized (Opt-In) Code on July 1, 2024, after following the Stretch Code since January 1, 2011. For homeowners and builders, the practical effect is that most new residential construction and larger additions need a HERS rating that meets a specific target before the project can be closed out.
HERS targets in Salem
- New homes: HERS 42 (mixed-fuel) or HERS 45 (all-electric).
- Renovations and additions that add more than 1,000 square feet, or more than 100% of the existing conditioned floor area: HERS 65 (mixed-fuel) or HERS 70 (all-electric).
- Accessory dwelling units: HERS 52 (mixed-fuel) or HERS 55 (all-electric).
A lower HERS score means a more efficient home. Whether the project keeps gas or oil equipment decides which target applies, so settle the fuel choice before plans are drawn.
Filing permits
Salem's Inspectional Services department (the building department) is at 98 Washington Street, 2nd floor, with a main line of 978-745-9595 ext. 42200. Building permit applications are filed through the city's Viewpoint Cloud portal, which requires an email address and accepts payment by credit card or check online. The same portal handles permits from several city departments, including electrical, fire, health and planning.
Under the city's inspection guidelines, it is the permit holder's job, whether owner or contractor, to call the inspector when work reaches each inspection point. HERS work follows a similar rhythm: a projected rating from plans, an insulation and air sealing inspection before walls are closed, and final blower door testing.
Salem is not on the state's list of municipal light plant communities, so it is not served by a municipally owned electric utility.
HEEC's nearest office is in Everett at 371 Main St, and we coordinate site visits with your inspection schedule.
FAQ About HERS Rating Salem MA
Common questions about HERS ratings in Salem, Massachusetts.
What is a HERS rating?
A HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating is the national industry standard for measuring a home's energy efficiency. A certified HERS Rater reviews the plans and performs on-site inspections and testing, including a blower door test, to produce a score. Lower is better: a standard new home built to 2006 code scores 100, while a net-zero home scores 0.
What is a good HERS score?
Any score below 100 beats a standard new home, and the lower the number the more efficient the home. A score of 50 means the home is about 50% more efficient than a standard new build, while older unimproved homes often score 130 or higher. Massachusetts code targets are now well below 100.
How have Massachusetts HERS requirements changed in recent years?
Massachusetts has steadily tightened the maximum allowable HERS score. The required score for new homes was around 55 in 2022, dropped to 52 in 2023, and tightened to HERS 42 for mixed-fuel homes and 45 for all-electric homes as of July 1, 2024. The 2023 update also adopted the 2021 IECC as the base code and removed the earlier 5-point HERS credit for rooftop solar, pushing toward efficiency and electrification.
How much does a HERS rating in Salem cost?
A HERS rating in Salem typically costs:
- Single-family homes: $1,850–$2,500
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs): $1,600–$1,850
- Multifamily: $900–$1,450 per unit
Final pricing depends on home size, complexity, and the number of required site visits.
What HERS score do I need to pass in Salem?
As of July 1, 2024, new construction needs a HERS 42 for homes using any fossil fuel and a HERS 45 for all-electric homes, verified by a certified RESNET HERS rater. Low-emission concrete comes in around 45 with gas or 48 all-electric, an ADU is 55 all-electric or 52 with gas, and multifamily matches the single-family requirement.
What triggers a HERS rating in Salem?
New construction almost always requires one. Under energy code Section R502, an addition triggers a HERS rating when the added conditioned floor area exceeds 1,000 square feet or doubles the size of your existing conditioned space (more than 100% of the existing conditioned floor area), requiring the combined dwelling to meet the maximum HERS ratings in Table R406.5.
Do renovations or alterations require a HERS rating?
They can. Under Section R503, extensive alterations (or IEBC Level 3 alterations) that exceed 1,000 square feet or double the size of the existing conditioned space (over 100% of the existing conditioned floor area) must meet the maximum HERS ratings in Table R406.5. Smaller alterations must still meet component requirements for insulation, replacement windows, water heating, and lighting.
Do I need a HERS rating in Salem?
Salem has adopted the Specialized (Opt-In) Code, so yes for new homes, larger additions, and extensive renovations. A certified HERS rater can confirm whether your specific project triggers the requirement.
What kind of windows do I need to meet the new energy code?
All-electric homes favor a U-value of .25/.26 with an SHGC of .42 or higher, while gas homes favor tighter values. For replacements specifically, Section R503.1.1.1 requires new units, including sash and glazing, to meet the U-factor and SHGC in Table R402.1.3.
What kind of insulation do I need to pass a HERS rating?
You generally need around R-21 to R-30 depending on whether you go gas or all-electric.
What if I do not want to use spray foam?
You can use exterior insulation and then use mineral wool inside the wall.
How can I build to energy code in a cost-effective way?
Using low-emission concrete can reduce the HERS score by about 3 points, saving close to $20k or more between systems and upgrades.
What is an ERV system and do I need it in Salem?
Yes, it is now required by code. You can use an ERV or HRV to satisfy the requirement for balanced mechanical ventilation.
How much CFM do I need for my ERV?
It is based on bedrooms, square footage, and insulation volume, along with the ACH from your blower door test.
What do I need to start a HERS rating?
You need a set of architectural plans and to know whether you will go gas or all-electric.
How can I improve my score and what affects my score?
Your score is affected by windows, insulation, HVAC, and appliances such as the washer, dryer, dishwasher, and fridge.
Does a HERS rating add value to my home?
Yes. Energy-efficient HERS-rated homes have been shown to sell at a premium over comparable standard homes, on top of ongoing savings from lower utility bills.
Are there rebates for a HERS rating in Salem?
Yes. Working with a certified HERS rater can unlock Mass Save incentives for new construction and renovations.
Where can I find a HERS rater near Salem?
We are a certified RESNET HERS rater serving Salem and the surrounding area. We provide HERS ratings for new construction, additions, and renovations.
How do I apply for a building permit in Salem?
Salem takes building permit applications online through its Viewpoint Cloud portal, which requires an email address and lets you pay by credit card or check. Inspectional Services is at 98 Washington Street, 2nd floor, main line 978-745-9595 ext. 42200. Once work is underway, the permit holder, owner or contractor, is responsible for calling the inspector when the job reaches each inspection stage.
What HERS rating does an addition in Salem need under the Specialized (Opt-In) Code?
Salem has followed the Specialized (Opt-In) Code since July 1, 2024. An addition or renovation that adds more than 1,000 square feet, or more than 100% of the existing conditioned floor area, must reach HERS 65 if the home is mixed-fuel or HERS 70 if it is all-electric. A new accessory dwelling unit must reach HERS 52 (mixed-fuel) or HERS 55 (all-electric).
HERS Score Requirements in Salem by Year
Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code HERS thresholds have tightened over time. These are the maximum HERS Index scores required to pass for new construction, based on when the building permit was filed.
| Building type | New construction (permits after July 1, 2024) | New construction with embodied carbon credit | Accessory Dwelling Units | Major alterations, additions, or change of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed-Fuel Building | HERS 42 | HERS 45 | HERS 52 | HERS 65 |
| Solar Electric Generation | HERS 42 | HERS 45 | HERS 55 | HERS 70 |
| All-Electric Building | HERS 45 | HERS 48 | HERS 55 | HERS 70 |
| Solar Electric & All-Electric Building | HERS 45 | HERS 48 | HERS 58 | HERS 75 |
Curious why the required score keeps sliding lower? Massachusetts has tightened its HERS thresholds cycle after cycle — falling from about 55 to 52 and now near 42 for fossil-fuel homes and 45 for all-electric homes in Salem. Every downward step nudges new construction toward net-zero, which is exactly why planning early and modeling carefully pay off on a Salem project.
Note: HERS requirements are set by the Massachusetts Stretch and Specialized Energy Codes and can change with code updates. Figures reflect the current code at the time of writing.
Mechanical Ventilation Requirements in Salem
Hitting a low HERS Index in Salem means building a very airtight, well-insulated home — and a tight home needs controlled mechanical ventilation to stay healthy. The energy code pairs air-sealing with a whole-house ventilation system so fresh air is delivered on purpose rather than through random leaks.
Continuous whole-house ventilation
A whole-house system runs continuously and is sized to ASHRAE 62.2. The minimum airflow follows code equation R403.6: Q = 0.03 × CFA + 7.5 × (Nbr + 1) − 0.052 × Q50 × S × WSF, where CFA is conditioned floor area, Nbr is the number of bedrooms, S is the building-height factor, and WSF is the shielded weather factor for the county. The blower-door result converts with Q50 = (V × 2·ACH50) / 60, using conditioned volume V.
Balanced ERV / HRV
In our cold climate (zone 5A), balanced heat- or energy-recovery ventilation is the practical way to hit a low HERS score. An ERV or HRV supplies fresh air and exhausts stale air while recovering most of the heat between the two streams, so ventilation does not wreck the energy target.
Local exhaust
Kitchens and bathrooms still need local spot exhaust in addition to the whole-house system — vented to the outdoors, not into an attic or crawlspace — to remove moisture and cooking pollutants at the source.
Source: Massachusetts 2025 Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (residential ventilation — IRC M1505 / ASHRAE 62.2).
EV-Ready Requirements in Salem
New homes in Salem must be wired so an electric-vehicle charger can be added later without opening up finished walls. Under the Massachusetts Stretch Code, “EV-Ready” means the rough electrical infrastructure is in place at the time of construction — here is what that involves.
Dedicated circuit
A 40-amp, 208/240-volt branch circuit is reserved for each dwelling’s parking space, sized to run a Level 2 charger.
Panel capacity
Electrical-panel space and labeled capacity are reserved so a future Level 2 charger can be added without a service upgrade.
Conduit & outlet
A raceway or conduit is run to the parking area so the charger installs quickly when the homeowner is ready.
Source: Massachusetts 2025 Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (EV-Ready / Section R404.4).
Mass Save Rebates & Incentives
Below, the charts walk through the Mass Save incentives Salem projects can access. New construction and gut renovations travel on separate incentive tracks, and the payout grows the further your HERS score drops beneath the required target — a tighter Salem home simply earns a larger rebate. We handle the energy modeling and the filings so your project collects every dollar it qualifies for.
A HERS rating can unlock Mass Save incentives for eligible projects in Salem. Incentives are available for both new construction and for renovations and additions. Actual amounts depend on project type, number of units, efficiency level, and program eligibility.
New Construction Incentives (Single-family, 1-4 units)
| Path | Single Family | 2-Unit | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base (all-electric) | $7,500 | $8,750 | $10,000 | $11,250 |
| ENERGY STAR (30%+ savings or HERS 45) | $15,000 | $17,500 | $20,000 | $22,500 |
| Passive House | $25,000 | $30,000 | $35,000 | $40,000 |
Incentives up to $25,000 are available for the construction of single-family homes.
Renovations & Additions Incentives (Single-family, 1-4 units)
| Tier | Incentive |
|---|---|
| Base | Pay-for-Savings ($0.30/kWh + $30/MMBtu + savings x $2,500); up to $10,000 total |
| All-Electric Base | Pay-for-Savings ($0.40/kWh + savings x $3,000); up to $15,000 total |
| Level 1 | Single-family $20,000; 2-unit $30,000; 3-unit $40,000; 4-unit $50,000 |
| Level 2 | Single-family $30,000; 2-unit $40,000; 3-unit $50,000; 4-unit $60,000 |
Eligibility: projects within Sponsor electric service territory. Renovations must be extensive (about 50% or more of the original home) or additions of at least 500 square feet. Full terms and conditions are available on the Mass Save website. Incentive programs can change.
Get Started With HERS Rating Salem MA
Contact Home Energy Efficiency Consultants today for certified HERS ratings and project support in Salem, Massachusetts.
Mass Save®-Listed HERS Rater
U.S. DOE Efficient New HomeTrusted Partner — Verified
ENERGY STAR®Partner
Phius CertifiedPassive House Verifier
ICCMember★★★★★136 Google
Reviews
The Phius Certified Verifier logo is used under license from Phius.
HERS Ratings Across Salem and Nearby Communities
Home Energy Efficiency Consultants rates new homes, additions, and major renovations throughout Salem — from Downtown Salem, The Point, and South Salem to North Salem and Salem Willows. Every Salem project is filed with the City of Salem Building Department, 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 Salem, including Beverly, Peabody, Marblehead, Danvers, and Swampscott. Our Everett office at 371 Main St is the closest of our four Massachusetts locations — see our Everett office or call (617) 501-6788 to get a Salem rating on the schedule.
Salem Specialized Energy Code — HERS Index Targets
Salem 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 Salem project up front so you know the exact target and the fastest path to hit it — call (617) 501-6788.
More Massachusetts Towns We Serve
Certified HERS ratings, blower door testing and energy code compliance across all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns.
Salem Enforces the Massachusetts Specialized Code
Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem regularly — see the full inspection sequence or call (617) 501-6788 for a same-day preliminary HERS report.
