A BETTER HOME STARTS HERE
Create a home that’s not only efficient but built to last. As certified HERS Raters, we guide you in making smarter, healthier choices to maximize your home’s efficiency and long-term comfort.
HERS RATINGS EXPLAINED
A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rating measures a home’s energy efficiency on a standardized scale. It assesses key factors like insulation, air leakage, windows, and heating and cooling systems. The lower the score, the more efficient the home— with a HERS Index score of 0 indicating a net-zero energy home. This rating helps homeowners, builders, and code officials understand energy performance and identify potential cost savings.
WHO NEEDS A HERS RATING
In Massachusetts, a HERS Rating is required for new residential construction and major renovations in communities that have adopted the Stretch Energy Code or the Municipal Opt-In Specialized Code. These energy codes apply to most cities and towns in the state and require homes to meet specific efficiency standards. Additionally, builders and homeowners in non Stretch or Specialized Code towns can voluntarily choose to use the performance-based method because it can often provide greater flexibility.
HOW WE EVALUATE
HOME PERFORMANCE
We take a forensic approach to home energy, carefully analyzing every aspect of a home’s design and performance to ensure it meets energy code requirements. By modeling the home during the pre-construction phase and conducting mid-point and final inspections, we help eliminate inefficiencies and address potential issues before they become costly problems. As HERS Raters, we collaborate with builders and homeowners to pinpoint the most cost-effective upgrades that will have the greatest impact on a home’s efficiency. Our thorough testing process ensures homes perform as intended—lowering operating costs, improving comfort, and meeting Massachusetts energy standards.
WHAT WE TEST AND VERIFY
Encolsure Area and Volume
Enclosure Insulation
Windows & Doors
Heating & Cooling Equipment
Ductwork Leakage
Whole Home Ventilation
Hot Water Equipment & Distribution
Lighting and Appliances
Enclosure Leakage
Renewable Energy Sources
ENERGY CODE
COMPLIANCE PATHS
Energy codes ensure that homes and buildings in Massachusetts meet minimum efficiency standards, reducing energy waste, lowering utility costs, and improving indoor comfort. With the state’s commitment to aggressive climate goals, these codes play a crucial role in cutting carbon emissions and promoting sustainable construction. Compliance also protects homeowners and businesses from high energy expenses while increasing property value.
Massachusetts offers three paths to energy code compliance, and choosing the right one depends on factors like location, building goals, and available incentives. We work closely with our clients to determine the best approach, ensuring compliance while maximizing energy savings and taking advantage of rebates that help offset building costs.
Base Energy Code
Follows prescriptive requirements for energy efficiency and does not mandate a HERS rating.
Stretch Energy Code
A performance-based model that prioritizes cost-effective construction while achieving higher energy efficiency. A HERS rating is required.
Specialized Energy Code
Requires opt-in by municipalities and builds upon the Stretch Code’s requirements, including the installation of a solar PV system. A HERS rating is required.
WHAT SETS US APART
At Spectrum Energy we combine technical expertise with real-world experience to deliver HERS Ratings that are both practical and effective. With a background in insulation, building science, and renewable energy, we understand how homes perform—not just in theory, but in practice. Having been involved in over 1,000 residential projects across northeast Massachusetts, we know how to effectively collaborate with homeowners, general contractors and architects, ensuring our recommendations align with project goals. Whether the target is basic code compliance or a net-zero home, we provide clear, cost-effective guidance to help clients make informed decisions without unnecessary upgrades.
ACE YOUR
HERS RATING
Get the insider strategies to confidently pass your HERS Rating and build a high-performance home. Our guide breaks down exactly what it takes to meet efficiency standards, maximize incentives, and create a durable, comfortable, and cost-effective home.
Sign up to receive a copy of our comprehensive HERS Rating Guide today!
SAVE THOUSANDS WITH INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
As HERS Raters, we help new construction and renovation clients save thousands by navigating the Mass Save program's incentive opportunities. Through precise energy modeling and performance testing, we assess your home's efficiency and identify strategies to maximize available rebates and incentives. Our goal is to ensure your project meets energy code requirements while optimizing energy savings, lowering both upfront costs and long-term utility bills. With our expertise, you can create a more energy-efficient, cost-effective home or building from the start.
SAVE THOUSANDS WITH INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
As HERS Raters, we help new construction and renovation clients save thousands by navigating the Mass Save program's incentive opportunities. Through precise energy modeling and performance testing, we assess your home's efficiency and identify strategies to maximize available rebates and incentives. Our goal is to ensure your project meets energy code requirements while optimizing energy savings, lowering both upfront costs and long-term utility bills. With our expertise, you can create a more energy-efficient, cost-effective home or building from the start.
HOW WE WORK
At Spectrum Energy, we’re not just a service—we’re a resource and integral part of your team. Whether you’re a builder, architect, or homeowner, we work alongside you to ensure your home meets the highest standards of energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability.
THE HERS RATING PROCESS
Preliminary Modeling & Consultation
We analyze your construction plans and specifications, inputting the data into our energy modeling software to generate a projected HERS score. This helps us identify potential areas for energy efficiency improvements before construction begins.
Mid-Point Inspection & Consultation
We verify that the construction meets the preliminary model, including checking insulation levels, air sealing practices, and ductwork installation. We also assess air leakage and address any issues that could impact energy performance.
Final Inspection & Testing
We conduct thorough testing to assess air leakage, duct system efficiency, and HVAC performance. We also evaluate key building components and use the data to generate the final HERS score to ensure your home meets all energy efficiency standards.
SOLAR AND THE ALL ELECTRIC HOME
As Massachusetts moves toward a future of all-electric homes, integrating solar power is key to controlling your home’s energy costs. With a fully electric home powered by renewable solar energy, you can reduce reliance on the grid, lower your utility bills, and achieve long-term sustainability. By pairing an all-electric home with solar, you ensure that every aspect of your home’s energy use is optimized, creating a more comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective living environment.
SOLAR AND THE ALL ELECTRIC HOME
As Massachusetts moves toward a future of all-electric homes, integrating solar power is key to controlling your home’s energy costs. With a fully electric home powered by renewable solar energy, you can reduce reliance on the grid, lower your utility bills, and achieve long-term sustainability. By pairing an all-electric home with solar, you ensure that every aspect of your home’s energy use is optimized, creating a more comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective living environment.
OUR SERVICES
HERS Ratings
Envelope Leakage Testing
Ductwork Leakage Testing
Ventilation Flow Measurement
Energy Star Certification
MA Code Compliance Review
Energy Modeling and Advising
Zone Pressure
Diagnostics
Building Plans Review and Optimization