HERS Rater Near Burlington, MA

HERS Rating System

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is the national standard for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. It assigns a numerical score—the HERS Index—based on how much energy the home is expected to use compared to a reference home built to modern code standards.

A lower HERS score indicates a more energy-efficient home:

• A standard new home typically scores around 100.

   

• A highly efficient home can score below 50.

   

• A net-zero home can even achieve a score of 0.

   

Each point on the HERS scale represents a percentage of energy consumption difference. For example, a home with a HERS score of 50 uses roughly 50% less energy than the reference home. The score provides a clear, comparable metric for builders and buyers to evaluate performance and efficiency.

At Home Energy Efficiency Consultants, our certified raters are trained under RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) guidelines, ensuring accuracy and credibility across every step of the evaluation process.

Detailed Energy Analysis and Testing

A comprehensive HERS Rating involves much more than a quick inspection. Our process includes multiple layers of analysis, field testing, and software modelling to create a complete energy performance profile of your property.

Our assessment typically includes:

• Building envelope inspection – Evaluating insulation, air sealing, and thermal boundaries to identify energy loss points.

   

• Duct leakage testing – Measuring air leaks in the duct system that can waste heating or cooling energy.

   

• Blower door testing – Assessing air infiltration to determine how airtight the home is.

   

• Mechanical system evaluation – Verifying HVAC system efficiency, ventilation balance, and sizing accuracy.

   

• Lighting and appliance review – Measuring how installed equipment contributes to overall energy consumption.

   

The results from these tests are entered into RESNET-approved software, producing an accurate HERS Index score and a comprehensive energy model for your home.

Code Compliance and Energy Standards in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the most progressive states in the U.S. when it comes to energy efficiency codes. Many towns—including Burlington, Lexington, and Woburn—have adopted the Stretch Energy Code, which requires new homes and substantial renovations to meet specific HERS Index targets.

For most new single-family homes, the required HERS score is typically between 55 and 60, depending on the local municipality. Homes that do not meet these standards may face delays in obtaining a certificate of occupancy. That’s where our team comes in.

At Home Energy Efficiency Consultants, we guide you through every step of compliance:

• Pre-construction plan review to identify potential energy issues early.

   

• Mid-construction inspections to verify insulation and air sealing.

   

• Final testing and certification for permit approval.

   

Working with our certified HERS Raters near Burlington, MA ensures a smooth process from start to finish—without costly rework or code-related setbacks.