HERS Rating in Freetown, MA — Base Code Town
RESNET-certified HERS Ratings for new construction, renovations, Mass Save programs, and MA Stretch Code compliance in Freetown, MA.
2026 Massachusetts Energy Code Facts — Freetown
Freetown is one of only 49 Massachusetts municipalities still on the Base Energy Code (10th Edition — IECC 2021 with MA amendments) as of the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list — the Stretch Code does not apply here. HERS ratings remain an approved compliance path under the Base Code, and a RESNET-certified HERS rater is required to qualify for Mass Save® new-construction incentives.
- Energy code status: Base Code (10th Edition, IECC 2021 w/ MA amendments) — 1 of 49 MA municipalities (as of the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list).
- Required testing & verification: blower door (air infiltration) testing, duct leakage testing, balanced mechanical ventilation (ERV/HRV), plus EV-ready and solar-ready provisions on the HERS compliance path.
- Mass Save® 2026 new-construction incentives: up to $25,000 per all-electric single-family home (Passive House tier; $7,500 base tier, $15,000 ENERGY STAR® NextGen tier — HERS ≤45), up to $40,000 for a 4-unit building, up to $3,750/unit for 5+ unit multifamily, and up to $30,000 for major all-electric renovations. Every tier requires enrollment and verification by an approved HERS rating company.
Related Freetown services: Blower Door Testing Freetown · Duct Leakage Testing Freetown · Stretch Code Compliance Freetown · MA Energy Codes Guide — or get a free quote from our RESNET-certified team (617-584-1809).
Sources: 2025 DOER Massachusetts Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (Sept 2025); Mass.gov Building Energy Code Adoption by Municipality (June 2026); Mass Save 2026 Residential New Construction program.
Common Questions About the Freetown Energy Code
Is a HERS rating required in Freetown, MA?
Not by local code — Freetown is one of just 49 Massachusetts municipalities still on the Base Energy Code (10th Edition, IECC 2021 with MA amendments), so the Stretch Code HERS mandate does not apply. A HERS rating is still an accepted compliance path and is required for Mass Save® new-construction incentives.
What is the maximum HERS score allowed in Freetown?
There is no mandatory HERS maximum under the Base Code in Freetown, but the ERI compliance path follows IECC 2021 limits, and Mass Save incentive tiers require HERS 45 or better for the ENERGY STAR® tier.
Is Freetown a Stretch Code or Specialized Code community?
Freetown follows the Massachusetts Base Energy Code (10th Edition, IECC 2021 with amendments) as of the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list — one of only 49 communities statewide that have not adopted the Stretch Code.
Official Maximum HERS Index Scores (Table R406.5)
For comparison, here is the official maximum-HERS table that applies in Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code communities (Table R406.5, 2025 DOER Technical Guidance):
| Building type | New construction (permits after 7/1/2024) | New construction w/ embodied-carbon credit (R406.5.2) | Accessory Dwelling Units | Major alterations, additions, change of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed-fuel building | 42 | 45 | 52 | 65 |
| Mixed-fuel + solar electric | 42 | 45 | 55 | 70 |
| All-electric building | 45 | 48 | 55 | 70 |
| All-electric + solar electric | 45 | 48 | 58 | 75 |
Scores are measured before counting on-site renewable generation (per R406.5). Historic buildings may opt out for alterations under R503.1.1. Embodied-carbon credits (+3 points) come from low-GWP concrete and insulation EPDs per Table R406.5.3/R406.5.4.
What Base Code Status Means for Freetown Projects
As one of only 49 Base Code communities, Freetown projects follow the 10th Edition code (IECC 2021 with MA amendments) via the prescriptive path, the simulated-performance path, or the Energy Rating Index (HERS) path — without the Stretch Code’s lowered HERS caps shown above. Builders in Freetown still order HERS ratings for the ERI compliance path, for Mass Save® incentives (which always require HERS verification), and to document energy performance for buyers. If Freetown adopts the Stretch Code at a future town meeting, the table above becomes mandatory — surrounding towns already enforce it, so Freetown builders often test to those standards today.
Detail sourced from the 2025 Massachusetts Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (DOER, Sept 2025), Table R406.5 and Appendix RC.
Professional HERS Rating Services in Freetown, Massachusetts
RESNET-certified HERS Ratings for new construction, renovations, Mass Save programs, and MA Stretch Code compliance in Freetown, MA. Our RESNET-certified raters serve Freetown and all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns.
New homes in Freetown must achieve a HERS score of 55 or below under the MA Stretch Code. HERS Rating Company manages the complete compliance process — from initial energy modeling through on-site testing and certified report delivery.
Our HERS Rating Process in Freetown
- Free Quote: Contact us for a transparent, no-surprise quote for your project in Freetown.
- Plans Review: We review building plans and create an energy model before construction begins.
- Site Inspection: Our RESNET-certified rater visits your Freetown property and performs all required tests.
- 24-Hour Report: Receive your certified HERS Rating report within 24 hours — ready for permit submission and Mass Save applications.
Related Services in Freetown
Blower Door Testing in Freetown
Required air tightness test — included with every HERS Rating.
Learn More →Duct Leakage Testing in Freetown
Required duct blaster test for forced-air HVAC systems.
Learn More →MA Stretch Code in Freetown
Full IECC 2021 Stretch Code compliance from plan review to certification.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions — HERS Rating in Freetown
How much does a HERS Rating cost in Freetown, MA?
HERS Rating pricing in Freetown depends on project type: Single-family homes $1,850–$2,500 · Multifamily (per unit) $650–$1,200 · ADUs $1,600–$1,850. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote for your specific project.
Is a HERS Rating required for new construction in Freetown?
Yes. Freetown has adopted the MA Stretch Code, which requires all new residential construction to achieve a HERS score of 55 or below. A RESNET-certified HERS Rating is required to document compliance.
How long does a HERS Rating take in Freetown?
The on-site inspection in Freetown typically takes 2–4 hours. We deliver your certified HERS report within 24 hours of the site visit.
What is the HERS score requirement for MA Stretch Code?
New construction in MA Stretch Code municipalities like Freetown must achieve a HERS score of 55 or below. The Specialized Stretch Code (adopted in some towns) requires HERS 45 or below for homes over 3,000 sq ft.
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