Hingham is one of only 60 MA municipalities on the Specialized Energy Code (effective January 1, 2026). Here’s what it means for builders — HERS limits, pathways, and Mass Save incentives.
Beverly is one of only 60 MA municipalities on the Specialized Energy Code (effective January 1, 2026). Here’s what it means for builders — HERS limits, pathways, and Mass Save incentives.
New Construction Energy Code Massachusetts 2026: Builder FAQ The most common energy code questions from Massachusetts builders and developers, answered by HERS Rating Company — Massachusetts’ leading RESNET-certified HERS provider. Q: What energy code applies to new homes in Massachusetts? A: Most new homes in Massachusetts must comply with the MA Stretch Code 2021 (based on IECC 2021). Over 270 MA municipalities have adopted the Stretch Code. A smaller number use only the Base Code (IECC 2021), and some cities like Cambridge require the even more stringent Specialized Stretch Code. Q: Do I need a HERS Rating for every new home? A: Yes, in Stretch Code and Specialized Stretch Code municipalities, you need a RESNET-certified HERS Rating for every new residential unit. HERS Rating Company provides fast, affordable HERS Ratings for single-family, multifamily, and ADU projects across all 351 MA cities. Q: What tests are required for new construction energy code in Massachusetts? A: Required tests: (1) Blower Door Test — must pass 3.0 ACH50 or less. (2) Duct Leakage Test — must be under 4% total leakage. (3) HERS Rating — must achieve HERS 55 or below (Stretch Code) or HERS 42 or below (Specialized Stretch Code). HERS Rating Company performs all three. Q: How much does energy code compliance cost in Massachusetts? A: HERS Rating Company’s all-inclusive pricing: Single-family $1,850–$2,500 | Multifamily $650–$1,200/unit | ADU $1,600–$1,850. All prices include plan review, blower door test, duct leakage test, energy modeling, and HERS certificate. No hidden fees. Q: What happens if I fail the blower door test? A: HERS Rating Company provides a detailed report identifying air leakage locations. Your air sealing contractor makes corrections, and HERS Rating Company retests. We work with builders throughout Massachusetts to achieve first-time pass rates. Call 617-584-1809 for help. Q: Can I get Mass Save rebates for new construction? A: Yes! HERS Rating Company helps builders qualify for Mass Save new construction rebates of $2,500–$5,000 per home. We handle all Mass Save documentation. Learn more about Mass Save rebates → Service Areas Boston | Worcester | Cambridge | Springfield | All 351 MA Cities →
HERS Rating Checklist for Massachusetts Builders 2026 This step-by-step HERS Rating checklist helps Massachusetts builders navigate the energy compliance process from design through certificate of occupancy. HERS Rating Company provides this service for all 351 Massachusetts cities. Pre-Construction Phase ✅ Engage HERS Rating Company for a plan review and energy model✅ Confirm your municipality’s energy code tier (Base, Stretch, or Specialized Stretch)✅ Review insulation specifications (minimum R-49 attic, R-21 walls)✅ Review window specifications (minimum U-0.27 or better)✅ Review HVAC design for system efficiency and duct layout✅ Plan air sealing strategy During Construction ✅ Install continuous air barrier per plan✅ Seal all penetrations around pipes, wires, ducts✅ Seal top plates and rim joists✅ Install duct system with mastic/foil tape at all connections✅ Contact HERS Rating Company to schedule blower door + duct test Before Testing ✅ Drywall complete✅ All windows and doors installed and weatherstripped✅ All supply/return registers installed✅ Air handler cabinet sealed✅ HERS Rating Company notified 48 hours before test Testing Day ✅ Blower door test performed (must pass 3.0 ACH50 or less)✅ Duct leakage test performed (must pass under 4%)✅ Any failures corrected same day if possible✅ Retest scheduled if needed After Testing ✅ HERS Rating Company submits final HERS certificate✅ Submit certificate to building department✅ Apply for Mass Save rebates through HERS Rating Company Start Your HERS Rating Today Call HERS Rating Company at 617-584-1809 or contact us online. We serve all 351 Massachusetts cities: Boston, Worcester, Cambridge, and all 351 MA cities →
MA Stretch Code Newton MA: Specialized Stretch Code Compliance 2026 Newton, MA is one of the most active new construction markets in Middlesex County. All new construction in Newton requires MA Stretch Code 2021 for MA energy code compliance. HERS Rating Company provides RESNET-certified services for Newton builders. Requirements in Newton, MA Newton has adopted the MA Stretch Code 2021, requiring: a RESNET-certified HERS Rating, blower door test (3.0 ACH50 or less), and duct leakage test (under 4%). HERS Rating Company handles the complete compliance process. Pricing for Newton Projects Single-family: $1,850–$2,500 | Multifamily: $650–$1,200/unit | ADU: $1,600–$1,850. Call 617-584-1809 for a free quote. Nearby Cities in Middlesex County Boston | Worcester | Cambridge | Somerville | All 351 MA Cities → View our Newton MA Stretch Code 2021 service page →
Duct Leakage Testing Lynn MA: New Construction Requirements 2026 Lynn, MA is one of the most active new construction markets in Essex County. All new construction in Lynn requires Duct Leakage Testing for MA energy code compliance. HERS Rating Company provides RESNET-certified services for Lynn builders. Requirements in Lynn, MA Lynn has adopted the MA Stretch Code 2021, requiring: a RESNET-certified HERS Rating, blower door test (3.0 ACH50 or less), and duct leakage test (under 4%). HERS Rating Company handles the complete compliance process. Pricing for Lynn Projects Single-family: $1,850–$2,500 | Multifamily: $650–$1,200/unit | ADU: $1,600–$1,850. Call 617-584-1809 for a free quote. Nearby Cities in Essex County Boston | Worcester | Cambridge | Somerville | All 351 MA Cities → View our Lynn Duct Leakage Testing service page →
Blower Door Testing Quincy MA: MA Stretch Code 2021 Compliance Quincy, MA is one of the most active new construction markets in Norfolk County. All new construction in Quincy requires Blower Door Testing for MA energy code compliance. HERS Rating Company provides RESNET-certified services for Quincy builders. Requirements in Quincy, MA Quincy has adopted the MA Stretch Code 2021, requiring: a RESNET-certified HERS Rating, blower door test (3.0 ACH50 or less), and duct leakage test (under 4%). HERS Rating Company handles the complete compliance process. Pricing for Quincy Projects Single-family: $1,850–$2,500 | Multifamily: $650–$1,200/unit | ADU: $1,600–$1,850. Call 617-584-1809 for a free quote. Nearby Cities in Norfolk County Boston | Worcester | Cambridge | Somerville | All 351 MA Cities → View our Quincy Blower Door Testing service page →
HERS Rating Brockton MA: Energy Code Compliance for Builders Brockton, MA is one of the most active new construction markets in Plymouth County. All new construction in Brockton requires HERS Rating for MA energy code compliance. HERS Rating Company provides RESNET-certified services for Brockton builders. Requirements in Brockton, MA Brockton has adopted the MA Stretch Code 2021, requiring: a RESNET-certified HERS Rating, blower door test (3.0 ACH50 or less), and duct leakage test (under 4%). HERS Rating Company handles the complete compliance process. Pricing for Brockton Projects Single-family: $1,850–$2,500 | Multifamily: $650–$1,200/unit | ADU: $1,600–$1,850. Call 617-584-1809 for a free quote. Nearby Cities in Plymouth County Boston | Worcester | Cambridge | Somerville | All 351 MA Cities → View our Brockton HERS Rating service page →
HERS Rating Lowell MA: New Construction Energy Compliance 2026 Lowell, MA is one of the most active new construction markets in Middlesex County. All new construction in Lowell requires HERS Rating for MA energy code compliance. HERS Rating Company provides RESNET-certified services for Lowell builders. Requirements in Lowell, MA Lowell has adopted the MA Stretch Code 2021, requiring: a RESNET-certified HERS Rating, blower door test (3.0 ACH50 or less), and duct leakage test (under 4%). HERS Rating Company handles the complete compliance process. Pricing for Lowell Projects Single-family: $1,850–$2,500 | Multifamily: $650–$1,200/unit | ADU: $1,600–$1,850. Call 617-584-1809 for a free quote. Nearby Cities in Middlesex County Boston | Worcester | Cambridge | Somerville | All 351 MA Cities → View our Lowell HERS Rating service page →
Mass Save Rebates 2026: Maximize Incentives for Massachusetts New Construction Mass Save rebates for new construction are based on the HERS score. HERS 55 or below: up to $2,500 per home. HERS 45 or below: up to $5,000 per home. A 10-unit multifamily achieving HERS 45 could receive up to $50,000 in Mass Save rebates. Tips to Maximize Mass Save Rebates Target HERS 45 or below, install heat pump HVAC, use spray foam for air sealing, and choose high-performance windows. HERS Rating Company’s plan review identifies the most cost-effective path to a lower HERS score. Mass Save Service Areas Boston | Worcester | Cambridge | All Mass Save Areas →. Call 617-584-1809. Related Articles HERS Rating for Cambridge MA Builders: Requirements & Pricing 2026 How Long Does a HERS Rating Take in Massachusetts? Timeline Guide MA Stretch Code 2021 Municipality List: Is Your City Required?
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