New Bedford, MA · Bristol County
Energy Audits & HERS Ratings in New Bedford, MA
HERS ratings and energy code testing for builders across Bristol County, plus energy assessments for existing homes in New Bedford.
Why BCI Group
Measure before you insulate in New Bedford
For builders, a HERS rating is often how a new home shows it meets the Massachusetts energy code, especially in Stretch and Specialized code towns. Our raters work with you from plan review through final testing in New Bedford.
For mill conversions and multifamily projects, our HERS Raters work with the design team from plan review through final testing.
Our crews travel roughly 57 miles from Westborough, MA to New Bedford, and we group estimates and jobs by area to keep scheduling simple.
- Plain-language written reports
- Energy code compliance for builders
- Thermal imaging to find hidden leaks
- Help with Mass Save® steps
Applications
Energy services we provide in New Bedford
Every service starts with measuring, so recommendations are based on data, not guesses.
Blower door testing
Measures how much air leaks through the building shell.
Home energy assessments
A whole-home review with a prioritized upgrade plan.
Thermal imaging
Infrared scans show missing insulation and air leaks.Local homes
New Bedford homes and what they need
New Bedford's housing includes whaling-era and Greek Revival homes in its historic districts, plus many triple-deckers built for mill workers in the North and South Ends.
New Bedford's homes run from the historic district near the waterfront to the North End, the South End and Clark's Point, and buildings near Buzzards Bay face salt air and storm-driven rain. The city's many three-deckers and older capes often benefit most from attic air sealing and dense-pack wall insulation.
Bristol County includes the South Coast cities of New Bedford and Fall River, where coastal wind and moisture affect how homes should be insulated.
New Bedford at a glance
- Region
- the South Coast
- County
- Bristol County
- Climate zone
- 5A
- From our Westborough office
- About 57 miles
- Efficiency program
- Mass Save®
Recommended plan
How we would assess a typical mill-era building in New Bedford
Review the plans
We model conversions early to choose assemblies.
Test the units
Each unit is tested for leakage.
Document compliance
Ratings and reports support permits.
Verify at the end
Final testing confirms performance.
For multifamily buildings, we test and rate units and help owners see where heat is lost between them.
Climate, code & rebates
Insulation targets and incentives in New Bedford
Climate & code
Climate zone 5A targets
Homes in New Bedford sit in climate zone 5A, where ENERGY STAR suggests R-49 to R-60 in the attic. Settled or missing insulation is common in older buildings. Many Massachusetts towns have adopted the Stretch Energy Code or the Specialized Opt-in Code, which raise insulation and air-sealing requirements for new construction and major renovations.
Incentives
Mass Save® in Massachusetts
Mass Save® offers a no-cost assessment and incentives for approved insulation and air sealing, with enhanced incentives for income-eligible households. We confirm what applies to your home before work starts.
About Mass Save® →How it works
How an energy assessment works in New Bedford
- 01
Book the visit
We schedule a time that suits you or your build schedule.
- 02
Test
Blower door, thermal imaging and other tests as needed.
- 03
Report
You get a written report with clear priorities.
- 04
Next steps
We help with upgrades, incentives and re-testing.
Pricing
What affects the cost of testing and ratings in New Bedford
We explain the scope and price clearly before any testing begins.
- Pre-drywall inspections
- Number of units
- Plan review and modeling
- Tests needed
- Re-testing after upgrades
Our work
Testing and ratings like the ones we do in New Bedford
FAQ
Energy Audits & HERS questions in New Bedford, MA
When should a builder call a HERS rater?
At plan review, before construction. Early modeling helps choose cost-effective insulation, windows and systems.
Is a home energy assessment free?
Eligible Massachusetts customers can get a no-cost Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment. Other testing is quoted by project.
What is duct leakage testing?
A test that measures air leaking from heating and cooling ducts, often required for new homes.
Can you re-test after insulation work?
Yes. Re-testing shows how much the air sealing and insulation improved the home.
What is a blower door test?
A fan mounted in an exterior door depressurizes the building to measure how much air leaks through the shell.
Does a HERS rating help sell a home?
It documents performance, which can help buyers compare homes.
How soon can you start a energy assessment in New Bedford?
Our crews travel about 57 miles from Westborough, MA to New Bedford, and we group estimates and jobs by area. You'll get a start date with your written quote.
Do you also work in towns near New Bedford?
Yes. Besides New Bedford, we serve nearby communities such as Fall River, Brockton and Franklin, along with the rest of Bristol County.
Nearby
More from BCI Group in Bristol County and beyond
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10+ Years
Serving New England
HERS Certified
In-house ratings
Mass Save®
Rebates handled
5 States
MA · NH · RI · CT · ME