HERS Rating Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA — Stretch Code HERS 42/45
Certified HERS Rater serving Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts — helping builders, developers & homeowners meet the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code and qualify for Mass Save incentives.
Get a Free Quote Call 617-584-18092026 Massachusetts Energy Code Facts — Manchester By The Sea
Manchester By The Sea enforces the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code (225 CMR 22), adopted effective 1/1/2014. Under the 2025 code update (current for 2026 permits), new homes in Manchester By The Sea must reach a maximum HERS Index of 42 (mixed-fuel) or 45 (all-electric) — up to 48 with qualifying credits — verified by a RESNET-certified HERS rater. ADUs must meet HERS 52–58, and major alterations, additions or change-of-use projects HERS 65–75, depending on fuel type and on-site solar.
- Energy code status: Stretch Code (effective 1/1/2014) — 1 of 242 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 Manchester By The Sea services: Blower Door Testing Manchester By The Sea · Duct Leakage Testing Manchester By The Sea · Stretch Code Compliance Manchester By The Sea · 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 Manchester By The Sea Energy Code
Do I need a HERS rating for a new home in Manchester By The Sea?
Yes. Manchester By The Sea has enforced the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code since 1/1/2014, so new dwellings need a certified HERS rating from a RESNET-accredited rater — with blower door and duct leakage testing — before the certificate of occupancy.
What HERS index do new homes in Manchester By The Sea need to hit?
Homes permitted in Manchester By The Sea today must score HERS 42 or lower (mixed-fuel) or HERS 45 or lower (all-electric), up to 48 with qualifying credits. ADUs fall in the HERS 52–58 range and major alterations/additions in the 65–75 range, depending on fuel type and on-site solar.
Is Manchester By The Sea a Stretch Code or Specialized Code community?
Manchester By The Sea is one of 242 of Massachusetts’ 351 municipalities enforcing the Stretch Energy Code (225 CMR 22) per the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list; 60 towns have gone further to the Specialized Code and 49 remain on the Base Code.
Official Maximum HERS Index Scores (Table R406.5)
These are the official maximum HERS Index scores that apply to projects in Manchester By The Sea under Table R406.5 of the current code (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.
Complete Stretch Code Compliance Requirements in Manchester By The Sea
Beyond the HERS maximums above, every new dwelling in Manchester By The Sea on the HERS pathway must satisfy four code sections — R403.6 (Ventilation), R404.4 (EV Ready), R406 (HERS) and Appendix RB (Solar Ready) — per the 2025 DOER Technical Guidance:
- Balanced mechanical ventilation (R403.6): an ERV or HRV system meeting minimum system airflow, heat/energy-recovery efficiency, fan sound ratings and regulated air-inlet and exhaust locations — verified by field testing.
- EV-Ready parking (R404.4): pre-wiring with a connection point and dedicated electrical panel capacity for future vehicle charging.
- Solar-Ready roof (Appendix RB): a dedicated solar zone with structural-load verification, an electrical interconnection pathway and reserved panel space — unless the project installs solar directly.
- Air-tightness & duct sealing: blower door result of 3.0 ACH50 or lower (Climate Zone 5) and duct leakage within 4 CFM25 per 100 sq ft.
Passive House alternative (R405): Phius or PHI certification satisfies the code in Manchester By The Sea in place of a HERS score — with a Certified Passive House Consultant for design and a Phius Certified Verifier/Rater during construction — and still requires EV-Ready and Solar-Ready compliance. Prescriptive path: allowed only for buildings without individually separate dwelling units, additions, and alterations — and a whole-building prescriptive project must implement 2 of the 3 additional-efficiency packages in R408 (enhanced envelope, higher-efficiency HVAC, or reduced water-heating energy). Additions of 1,000 sq ft or more (or exceeding 100% of the existing floor area) must meet both R502.3 prescriptive and the R406.5 HERS limits. Level III alterations (work area over 50% of the home and over 1,000 sq ft) also trigger HERS compliance; historic buildings are exempt under R501.6. Note that ENERGY STAR® is no longer a compliance path — HERS and Passive House are the two certification routes in Manchester By The Sea.
Detail sourced from the 2025 Massachusetts Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (DOER, Sept 2025), Table R406.5 and Appendix RC.
HERS Rating Services in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
HERS Rating Company provides certified HERS Index ratings in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. Our RESNET-accredited raters deliver fast, accurate energy ratings to keep your project on schedule and in full compliance with Massachusetts energy codes.
Whether you are building a new home, completing a major renovation, or adding an addition in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, our certified HERS raters provide the documentation you need to obtain a building permit and pass final inspection.
Why Manchester-by-the-Sea Builders & Contractors Choose Us
- RESNET Certified Raters — Fully accredited with years of Massachusetts experience
- Fast Turnaround — Energy reports typically delivered within 24 hours
- Massachusetts Stretch Code Experts — Deep knowledge of IECC 2021 & MA Stretch Code requirements
- Mass Save Qualified — Help you maximize energy efficiency rebates and incentives
- Competitive Flat-Rate Pricing — No hidden fees, transparent quotes upfront
- Statewide Coverage — Serving Manchester-by-the-Sea and all of Massachusetts
What Is a HERS Rating?
A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating is a nationally recognized score that measures a home’s energy efficiency. Developed by RESNET, the HERS Index works like a fuel economy rating for houses — the lower the score, the more energy-efficient the home.
In Massachusetts, a HERS rating is required for new construction and major renovations under the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code. Builders in Manchester-by-the-Sea must have a certified HERS rater verify that the home meets the required energy performance level before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.
Our HERS Rating Services in Manchester-by-the-Sea
- HERS Index Rating & Energy Modeling — Full REM/Rate energy modeling and HERS certification
- Blower Door Air Tightness Testing — Measure and verify air leakage per MA code requirements
- Duct Leakage & Duct Tightness Testing — Verify HVAC duct performance and sealing
- Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code Compliance — Full documentation for building permits
- IECC 2021 Compliance Verification — Code-compliant energy reports accepted statewide
- Mass Save Incentive Program Verification — Maximize your rebates and incentives
- Pre-Drywall & Final Inspections — On-site inspections at all construction stages
Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code in Manchester-by-the-Sea
The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code requires all new residential construction to be verified by a certified HERS rater. In Manchester-by-the-Sea and across Massachusetts, builders must meet the energy performance requirements of IECC 2021 with Massachusetts amendments, including air tightness limits and duct leakage thresholds.
Our certified raters work directly with builders, architects, and general contractors in Manchester-by-the-Sea to ensure full compliance from design through final inspection. We provide all required documentation for the building department, including blower door test results, duct leakage reports, and the final HERS certificate.
Ready to schedule your HERS rating in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA? Contact us today for a fast, free quote.
Schedule Your HERS Rating Call 617-584-1809Also Serving Manchester-by-the-Sea With These Services
In addition to HERS ratings, we offer Blower Door Testing, Duct Leakage Testing, and Massachusetts Stretch Code Compliance services in Manchester-by-the-Sea and throughout Massachusetts.
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How much does a HERS Rating cost in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA?
HERS Rating costs in Manchester-by-the-Sea typically depend on home size, design complexity, and the number of required site visits. For an accurate quote tailored to your Manchester-by-the-Sea project, call our RESNET-certified team at 617-584-1809.
Is a HERS Rating required for new construction in Manchester-by-the-Sea?
Yes. New residential construction in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA must demonstrate energy-code compliance, and a HERS Rating is the standard path under the Massachusetts Stretch Code. Call 617-584-1809 to confirm requirements for your build.
How long does a HERS Rating take in Manchester-by-the-Sea?
A HERS Rating in Manchester-by-the-Sea generally involves plan review, a mid-construction inspection, and a final test with blower door and duct testing. Timing depends on your construction schedule. Reach us at 617-584-1809 to coordinate.
What is the HERS score requirement for the MA Stretch Code?
The Massachusetts Stretch Code sets maximum HERS index targets that vary by code version and home type, with lower scores indicating greater efficiency. Our Manchester-by-the-Sea raters help you hit the required score—call 617-584-1809.