Duct Leakage Testing in Wales, MA — Base Code Town
RESNET-certified duct leakage (duct blaster) testing for new construction, HERS Ratings, Mass Save programs, and MA Stretch Code compliance in Wales, MA.
2026 Massachusetts Energy Code Facts — Wales
Wales 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. Under IECC 2021, total duct leakage may not exceed 4 CFM25 per 100 sq ft of conditioned floor area.
- 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 Wales services: HERS Rating Wales · Blower Door Testing Wales · Stretch Code Compliance Wales · 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 Wales Energy Code
Does Wales require a HERS rating in 2026?
Not by local code — Wales 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.
undefined
There is no mandatory HERS maximum under the Base Code in Wales, but the ERI compliance path follows IECC 2021 limits, and Mass Save incentive tiers require HERS 45 or better for the ENERGY STAR® tier.
undefined
Wales 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 Wales Projects
As one of only 49 Base Code communities, Wales 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 Wales 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 Wales adopts the Stretch Code at a future town meeting, the table above becomes mandatory — surrounding towns already enforce it, so Wales 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 Duct Leakage Testing Services in Wales, Massachusetts
RESNET-certified duct leakage testing for new construction, HERS Ratings, Mass Save programs, and MA Stretch Code compliance in Wales, MA. We measure total duct leakage and leakage to outdoors — the two metrics required by all Massachusetts energy codes.
New construction in Wales with forced-air HVAC must achieve total duct leakage of 4% or less of system airflow under the MA Stretch Code. Our certified reports are accepted by all Massachusetts building departments and Mass Save administrators.
Our Duct Leakage Testing Process in Wales
- Free Quote: Contact us for a transparent quote for duct testing in Wales. Package pricing with HERS Rating available.
- Schedule Test: We schedule your duct blaster test at a convenient time — including pre-drywall tests.
- On-Site Testing: Our technician connects the duct blaster fan and records total leakage and leakage-to-outside.
- Report Delivery: Certified duct leakage report delivered within 24 hours — ready for permits, Mass Save, and HERS Rating.
Related Services in Wales
HERS Rating in Wales
Duct leakage testing is included in every HERS Rating.
Learn More →Blower Door Testing in Wales
Often scheduled together to minimize mobilization costs.
Learn More →MA Stretch Code in Wales
Full compliance: HERS 55, ACH50 3.0, duct leakage 4%.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions — Duct Leakage Testing in Wales
How much does duct leakage testing cost in Wales, MA?
Duct leakage testing pricing in Wales: Single-family homes $1,850–$2,500 (when combined with full HERS Rating package) · Standalone duct tests start from $250. Contact us for a free quote — package pricing available with blower door testing and HERS Rating.
What is the duct leakage limit in Wales?
Under the MA Stretch Code, total duct leakage in Wales must be 4% or less of system airflow. The IECC 2021 base code allows up to 8%. Leakage-to-outside must be 4 CFM25 per 100 sq ft under both codes.
How long does duct leakage testing take in Wales?
The on-site duct blaster test in Wales takes 1–2 hours. We deliver your certified report within 24 hours.
Is duct leakage testing required in Wales?
Yes. Duct leakage testing is required for new residential construction with forced-air HVAC in Wales under both the MA Stretch Code and IECC 2021 base code, and as a component of every HERS Rating.
More Cities Near Wales
Schedule Duct Leakage Testing in Wales
Contact HERS Rating Company for a free quote on duct leakage testing in Wales, MA. RESNET-certified, 24-hour turnaround.