Duct Leakage Testing Manchester by-the-Sea, MA — Stretch Code HERS 42/45
Certified duct leakage testing in Manchester by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. Verify your HVAC duct system performance for Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code compliance, Mass Save eligibility, and HERS ratings.
Schedule Duct Testing 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. 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 Manchester By The Sea services: HERS Rating Manchester By The Sea · Blower Door 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 is the maximum HERS score allowed in Manchester By The Sea?
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.
What building energy code is Manchester By The Sea on right now?
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.
Duct Leakage Testing in Manchester by-the-Sea, MA
HERS Rating Company provides certified duct leakage testing in Manchester by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. Our RESNET-certified technicians measure the air tightness of your HVAC duct system, ensuring compliance with the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code and helping you qualify for Mass Save incentives.
Duct leakage testing is required for new construction in Manchester by-the-Sea under IECC 2021 and the MA Stretch Energy Code. Leaky ducts waste energy, reduce comfort, and can cause moisture problems — our testing identifies issues early, before walls are closed up.
What Is Duct Leakage Testing?
Duct leakage testing (also called duct blaster testing) measures how much air leaks from your HVAC duct system. Using a calibrated fan connected to the duct system, we pressurize the ducts and measure leakage at 25 Pascals — reported as CFM25 (cubic feet per minute).
The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code requires duct leakage to total (leakage to outside) of 4 CFM25 per 100 sq ft of conditioned floor area or less. We test your system and provide full documentation for the Manchester by-the-Sea building department.
Benefits of Professional Duct Leakage Testing in Manchester by-the-Sea
- Code Compliance — Required for new construction under MA Stretch Energy Code in Manchester by-the-Sea
- Energy Savings — Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of heating and cooling energy
- Improved Comfort — Even heating and cooling distribution throughout your home
- Better Air Quality — Reduces infiltration of dust, allergens, and outdoor pollutants
- Mass Save Eligibility — Required verification for many Mass Save rebate programs
- HERS Score — Duct leakage results contribute directly to your HERS Index rating
Our Duct Leakage Testing Process in Manchester by-the-Sea
- Review of HVAC system plans and duct layout
- Setup of Minneapolis Duct Blaster calibrated testing equipment
- Total duct leakage test at 25 Pascals (CFM25 total)
- Duct leakage to outside measurement (most stringent standard)
- Digital report with all measurements and code compliance determination
- Pre-drywall testing available to identify and fix leaks before walls close
When Do You Need Duct Leakage Testing in Manchester by-the-Sea?
Duct leakage testing is required in Manchester by-the-Sea for: new residential construction, major HVAC system replacements, home additions with new ductwork, and when applying for Mass Save duct sealing rebates. We recommend pre-drywall testing so any issues can be corrected before the ductwork is sealed inside walls and ceilings.
Need duct leakage testing in Manchester by-the-Sea, MA? Get fast results from our certified team.
Get a Free Quote Call 617-584-1809Related Services in Manchester by-the-Sea
HERS Rating Manchester by-the-Sea MA | Blower Door Testing Manchester by-the-Sea MA | Stretch Code Compliance Manchester by-the-Sea MA