All homes in the Program must be certified by an independent HERS Rating Company. A HERS Rating Company will review home construction plans and determine the most cost-effective upgrades to qualify your home for participation in the Program.  HERS Raters and work with the homebuilder throughout the building process, providing technical assistance and support.

The HERS Rater analyzes the home’s potential energy performance using an approved simulation program and then completes both on-site inspections and diagnostic tests before issuing the home’s HERS Score and Proram Tier level.   The rater conducts computer modeling of your home plans to determine the estimated energy usage. If necessary, recommendations are made to help the home meet the standard of the Massachusetts New Homes with ENERGY STAR Program. Two or more site visits during construction will be made to verify that your home is being built to maximize your energy savings and comfort. Upon completion of these steps, incentives available through the Sponsors of the Program are paid directly to the applicant.

Before enrolling in the Program, applicants should first work with a HERS Rater to review the home. After review, the HERS Rater will submit an incentive request form to the Program indicating which incentives your home qualifies for. You will receive an Award Letter from the Program confirming your incentives. Actual incentive amounts are contingent upon the final performance of the home and validation of equipment during final inspection.

Call 800-628-8413 or email massenergystarhomes@icfi.com for prequalifying information.