The latest Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code has officially gone into effect in most state municipalities. This third major update since the original 2009 Stretch Energy Code now mandates a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating of 52 or below. It’s estimated to result in about 48% more energy efficiency than the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements established in 2004/2005.
HERS Rating is arguably the most crucial part, and under the latest Stretch Energy Code a third-party energy auditor must be brought in throughout the process to evaluate the home design, construction plans, building materials and to perform physical tests. The focus is now exclusively on the performance-based building method, doing away with the prescriptive-based method entirely. It’s no longer enough to simply install products based on the energy efficiency rating of each individual component. Every step of the performance-based home building method is centered around the bigger picture of the entire home. Just like an equation, the energy efficiency ratings of the windows, doors, roof/wall insulation, heating/cooling systems, solar and EV pre-wiring systems, etc. are factored in together to calculate the home’s overall HERS rating.
The most vulnerable areas in any building in terms of energy efficiency are windows, doors and insulation. Jonathan Piers, one of Mid-Cape’s Window & Door Architectural Sales Representatives, offers recommendations for products from window and door brands that will help you meet the energy efficiency goals of your building projects. With the implementation of the new Stretch Energy Code update, it’s crucial to evaluate a project’s windows and doors combined with all the building components, “how they fit together to keep the home most energy efficient,” explains Piers.
“A common misunderstanding is that the U-Value must be at a specific number. The reality is you want to get it as low as possible. Yes, it is true that .30 U-value just doesn’t work anymore but a U-value of .28, for instance, can work if the overall HERS rating requirement is achieved.”
Marvin offers a wide-ranging design palette of windows and doors that meet the latest energy code standards. From classic Cape Cod architecture to Modern Farmhouse design, Marvin offers many select product types within their Elevate and Signature collections that have triple pane glass capabilities. Also, high performance energy values can be achieved with dual-paned glass packages when special coatings are applied to the glass that can reach .20 and .24 U-Value with Elevate, or a .20 and .26 U-Value with Ultimate.
Jonathan describes how and why Mathews Brothers vinyl windows, supplied by Mid-Cape, can meet the energy efficiency standards under the new MA Stretch Energy Code easily. “Mathews Brothers uses a warm edge spacer between the two panes of glass (rather than a Stainless-steel spacer). It’s a pliable material that conducts less cool air from outside, through that spacer, and then into the house. In my view, the Mathews Brothers Sanford Hill is the best vinyl window on the market, an energy efficient and affordable option designed to replicate historic wood windows with the benefits of modern vinyl products.”
Your project can meet the required HERS ratings while installing the windows and doors you WANT to use, not what you feel you MUST use. “Have a conversation with your HERS rater,” Jonathan emphasizes. “If you want to use a particular window and door product on a project, let them know. A HERS rating is based on the efficiency of the entire house, not just the windows. The HVAC system, Insulation components and Solar options all have a role in meeting the HERS Rating Value now written into the Stretch Code.”
With the new MA Stretch Energy Code now in effect, it is more important than ever to reach out to Mid-Cape’s team of window and door experts to discuss our offerings. We’re always working to provide our building partners with the cutting-edge technologies that keep your projects moving forward. Solutions DO exist and Mid-Cape has them. Click here to contact our the Mid-Cape Window & Door Team.
Upcoming CSL 12-Credit Course
Featuring MA Stretch Energy Code
Dive more in-depth, attend the upcoming CSL/CEU renewal course we’re hosting at Mid-Cape Home Centers in South Dennis, taught by The Contractor Coaching Partnership. This is a two-day, 12-hour credit course that will cover several topics, including the new stretch energy code. Don’t miss out, click here to sign up today!