Mass Save Rebates and HERS Ratings in Massachusetts

Massachusetts homeowners and builders can qualify for major financial incentives through the Mass Save® program. These rebates reward energy-efficient construction and renovation projects that reduce energy consumption and improve home performance.

HERS Rating Specialist helps homeowners, builders, and developers qualify for Mass Save rebates by providing energy modeling, HERS ratings, blower door testing, and energy code compliance services across Massachusetts.

What Is Mass Save?

Mass Save is a statewide energy efficiency program sponsored by Massachusetts utility providers. The program offers rebates, incentives, and technical assistance to encourage high-efficiency building design.

Mass Save rebates are available for several types of projects including:

• New construction homes
• Major renovations
• Home additions
• Heat pump installations
• High efficiency water heating
• Insulation and air sealing improvements

Mass Save Rebates for New Construction

New construction homes in Massachusetts can qualify for significant Mass Save incentives when they meet high energy efficiency standards. Most projects use a HERS rating to verify the performance of the home.

The HERS score measures the energy efficiency of a home on a scale where lower scores indicate better performance.

Typical targets include:

• All electric homes – HERS score around 45
• Gas homes – HERS score around 42

Meeting these targets often requires high performance insulation, efficient windows, heat pumps, balanced ventilation systems, and efficient hot water equipment.

Mass Save Rebates for Renovations

Major renovations in Massachusetts can also qualify for Mass Save incentives. This typically includes projects where large portions of the building envelope or mechanical systems are upgraded.

Energy modeling and testing may be required to verify improvements in energy performance.

Typical renovation targets include:

• All electric remodel – HERS score around 70
• Gas remodel – HERS score around 65

Projects that achieve these levels can often receive rebates for insulation upgrades, high efficiency HVAC systems, and heat pump water heaters.

Mass Save Rebates for Additions

Home additions must also comply with the Massachusetts energy code. Depending on the size of the project, the addition may require energy modeling and performance testing.

Common requirements include:

• High performance wall assemblies
• Efficient windows and doors
• Air sealing and insulation verification
• Mechanical ventilation systems
• Efficient heating and cooling equipment

These improvements help the project qualify for Mass Save incentives while meeting the Massachusetts stretch energy code.

What Is a HERS Rating?

A HERS rating (Home Energy Rating System) is a standardized measurement of a home's energy efficiency. Certified HERS raters model the building and perform testing to verify the energy performance of the home.

The HERS rating process typically includes:

• Energy modeling
• Insulation inspections
• Blower door testing
• Duct leakage testing
• Mechanical ventilation verification

The final HERS score determines whether the home meets energy code requirements and qualifies for Mass Save incentives.

Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code

Many municipalities in Massachusetts have adopted the Stretch Energy Code, which requires higher efficiency than the base state energy code.

The stretch code often requires projects to achieve a specific HERS score to demonstrate compliance.

Working with a certified HERS rater early in the design process can help ensure the project meets the required performance level before construction begins.

Energy Testing Services in Massachusetts

Get Help With Mass Save Rebates

If you are planning a new home, renovation, or addition in Massachusetts, our team can help guide your project through the energy code and Mass Save rebate process.