Monson, MA Stretch Energy Code Support

According to the state's municipal adoption list, the Stretch Code has applied in Monson since January 1, 2012.

Here is how it applies to typical Monson work:

• New homes: a HERS rating of 42 or lower with gas, oil or propane equipment, 45 or lower if all-electric, or Passive House certification instead
• Large additions and renovations: work over 1,000 sq ft, or more than 100% of the existing home, needs a HERS 65 or 70 target
• Smaller additions and alterations: REScheck or the prescriptive path is usually enough
• Commercial: COMcheck for buildings up to 20,000 sq ft

Monson's mix of older farmhouses and newer homes means we see both full HERS 42/45 projects and additions that only need REScheck.

In Monson, building permits go through the Building Department / Zoning Enforcement office, which issues building, electrical and plumbing permits. The town asks applicants to use its free OpenGov online permitting site, and PDF applications are also posted.

Changes during construction matter. Swapping windows, insulation or the heating system after the HERS model is done can move the score, so those changes should go past the rater first.

Air sealing is where most scores are won or lost. Rim joists, attic hatches, recessed lights and plumbing penetrations are the usual leaks, so we flag them on the plans and check them before insulation is covered.

Duct leakage counts too. Ducts outside the conditioned space have to be sealed and tested, and keeping them inside the thermal envelope makes the target much easier to reach.

Mechanical ventilation is part of every HERS path, and the measured air flow is checked at the final visit along with the blower door number, so the fan and controls should be shown on the plans.

Our Marlborough office at 272 Lincoln St C1 covers Monson. Sending us the plans before the permit application lets the HERS, REScheck or COMcheck paperwork go in with the submission instead of holding up plan review.