What Is a HERS Rating?
A HERS rating — short for Home Energy Rating System — is the industry-standard measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. If you’re building or renovating in Massachusetts, there’s a good chance you need one before you can get a certificate of occupancy.
The HERS Index scores homes on a scale. A score of 0 represents a net-zero energy home. A score of 100 represents the energy use of a standard reference home built to the 2006 IECC. Most new Massachusetts construction targets a score below 55 to meet the Stretch Energy Code.
How Is a HERS Score Calculated?
A certified HERS rater evaluates your home’s:
- Insulation levels (walls, attic, foundation)
- Window and door performance
- HVAC system efficiency
- Water heating equipment
- Air tightness (measured by a blower door test)
- Duct leakage (measured by duct testing)
- Ventilation systems
- Renewable energy systems
The rater inputs all of this data into RESNET-approved software, which calculates the final score. Preliminary ratings are done from plans before construction. Final ratings are completed after construction with actual test data.
Is a HERS Rating Required in Massachusetts?
Yes — for most new construction projects in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, adopted by over 300 municipalities statewide, requires a certified HERS rating as part of the energy compliance process.
If your town has adopted the Stretch Code (which most Greater Boston area towns have), you’ll need a HERS rating to close out your building permit. Your local building department can confirm which code applies to your project.
What Is a Good HERS Score for Massachusetts?
Under the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code:
- New construction 3,000 sq ft or smaller: HERS 55 or below
- New construction over 3,000 sq ft: HERS 45 or below
- Additions: Requirements vary — contact us for guidance
Many energy-conscious builders target HERS 40-50, which qualifies for ENERGY STAR certification and the best Mass Save rebate tiers.
What Happens If You Fail Your HERS Rating?
If your preliminary HERS rating shows a score above the required threshold, you have options:
- Upgrade insulation in walls, attic, or foundation
- Choose higher-efficiency HVAC equipment
- Switch to a heat pump water heater
- Add solar panels (which can significantly lower the score)
- Improve window specifications
A good HERS rater will walk you through exactly what changes will bring your score into compliance — and which ones give you the biggest improvement for the least cost.
How Long Does a HERS Rating Take?
At Home Energy Efficiency Consultants, we offer same-day preliminary HERS reports. Final ratings after blower door and duct testing typically take 1-2 hours on site. We provide 24/7 support so your project never gets held up waiting for energy compliance paperwork.
How Much Does a HERS Rating Cost in Massachusetts?
Costs typically range from $600 to $2,500 depending on project size and complexity. Call us at (617) 501-6788 for a free quote. We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround across all of Massachusetts.
Get Your HERS Rating Today
Home Energy Efficiency Consultants has completed over 15,000 HERS ratings across Massachusetts. Our owner holds an Unrestricted CSL License with 25+ years of construction experience — so we understand your project from the ground up.
Contact us today for a free quote: (617) 501-6788 or energyconsultants01@gmail.com.
