HERS Rating Marshfield MA

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 Marshfield cost?

A HERS rating in Marshfield 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 Marshfield?

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 Marshfield?

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 Marshfield?

If Marshfield has adopted the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, then 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 Marshfield?

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 Marshfield?

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 Marshfield?

We are a certified RESNET HERS rater serving Marshfield and the surrounding area. We provide HERS ratings for new construction, additions, and renovations.