Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2025-08-08T23:28:41+00:00
Who needs a HERS Rating or Home Energy Audit?2025-08-07T19:42:21+00:00

Anyone building a new residential home in America. Also, depending on state homeowners may need this for renovation work being done to home.

Do you help with rebates and incentives like the Mass Save® Program?2025-08-12T18:04:39+00:00

Yes. In Massachusetts, we assist builders and homeowners in navigating and applying for Mass Save® rebates and no-cost upgrades. We also support rebate access in Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Ohio, where available.

How long does the energy audit and testing process take?2025-08-07T19:48:43+00:00

Typically, we require about 2 days lead time to schedule an audit and complete the necessary tests (blower door, duct blaster) depending on the home’s size and complexity. You’ll receive all required documentation for code compliance and any applicable rebate submissions. On site inspections typically take one to two hours depending on the size of the home.

Do you work with homeowners or just builders?2025-07-30T17:40:43+00:00

Both. We support builders, contractors, and developers and work directly with homeowners for insulation inspections, rebate documentation, and system efficiency testing.

What’s included in a home energy audit from JB’s Home Energy?2025-08-07T19:47:20+00:00

Our energy audits are tailored for new home construction and renovations. We inspect your insulation, HVAC efficiency, air sealing, and ductwork design to ensure your home is energy code compliant and built for long-term comfort and savings. If needed, JB’s Home Energy can do thermal imaging on a home to see where air leaks are coming from.

What are Manual J, D, S calculations, and why are they required?2025-07-30T17:40:21+00:00

Manual J (load calculation), Manual D (duct design), and Manual S (equipment sizing) are required for building code compliance. They ensure HVAC systems are properly sized and designed for maximum efficiency and comfort. JB’s Home Energy specializes in providing these reports for new construction projects.

What is a blower door test and when is it needed?2025-08-07T19:50:09+00:00

A blower door test measures how airtight a home is. It’s required in most states for new construction code compliance and helps identify leaks in hopes to reduce drafts, moisture issues, and energy loss. We provide these tests as part of our audit and inspection package. This test typically occurs at the very end of construction.

Why is an insulation inspection important before drywall?2025-07-30T17:40:08+00:00

Our insulation inspections are done before putting up a drywall to identify missing or poorly installed insulation. This ensures your home passes inspection and performs efficiently for decades. It’s also often required to qualify for rebates or meet stretch code standards.

How does Duct-EZ® HVAC sealing work?2025-08-07T19:51:20+00:00

Duct-EZ® is a high-performance spray-on duct sealant that reduces air leaks in duct systems. It improves airflow, energy efficiency, and system performance- this vital for builders to ensure code compliance while testing a duct system. Our team applies our Duct EZ material to the HVAC system in any areas it could possibly leak.

What is air infiltration sealing and what are the benefits?2025-07-30T17:40:03+00:00

We seal gaps, cracks, and joints in your home’s structure using advanced materials. This improves indoor air quality, reduces energy costs, and helps meet blower door test thresholds for code compliance.

What are the steps to getting a HERS rating?2025-08-07T19:52:39+00:00
  • Energy calculations: Builder has prints ready to get a new home started and needs to get the documents for his permit. He sends us the blueprints for the home with a “builder information sheet” telling me what he is going to be putting into the home as far as insulation, windows, doors, HVAC is concerned. We then model out the home and make sure that it is meeting code requirements. Once that is complete we give him the paperwork needed to get his permit.
  • Thermal Bypass Inspection (Insulation inspection): Once the home is insulated we come in and make sure that everything that was modeled in the home was actually installed. We document insulation, window, HVAC, specs and ensure that the home will pass the blower door and duct leakage test once drywall is put up.
  • Blower Door & Duct Leakage Test: A blower door and duct blaster test is required on every new home in the state in order to get an occupancy permit. The best time to do a blower door test is once the carpet in the home has been laid and the thermal envelope is sealed. This test ensures that the air leakage in the home and duct system is at an acceptable level for code requirements.
How do I qualify for incentives from utility and state programs?2025-08-07T19:53:22+00:00

The team at JB’s Home Energy would be glad to determine whether or not your home qualifies from incentives from rebate programs across the country. Call our team at (567) 742-4410 and an expert can help get you started in the right direction, explain program requirements and get you set up for incentives. To make this process quicker and easier on our team please fill out the questionnaire below and someone from our team will assist you in a timely manner.

Are energy code requirements different by state?2025-08-08T21:46:09+00:00

Yes, they vary by location. We help ensure your project complies with the latest local and state building codes in all our service areas. Depending on where you are our team can determine what is needed to build a home within code regulation in your state.

How do I get started with JB’s Home Energy?2025-08-11T19:16:24+00:00

Call us at (567) 742-4410 or request an estimate. We want to learn about your project, schedule the appropriate testing or design work, and help you meet compliance, performance, and rebate goals—on time and on budget.

What’s included in an energy audit?2025-08-07T14:24:54+00:00

We assess insulation, air sealing, HVAC sizing, ventilation, and perform blower door testing to evaluate your property’s or building’s energy performance.

Do I need an energy audit for rebates?2025-08-07T14:25:13+00:00

Yes. Many programs require an audit to determine eligibility and verify that improvements were made.

How long do energy audits take?2025-08-07T14:25:40+00:00

Audits typically take 1–3 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property.

Can energy audits help me sell buildings and properties?2025-08-07T14:26:06+00:00

Yes. Energy-efficient properties and buildings often have higher value and faster sales. An energy audit can help document that efficiency.

Do you offer audits for commercial buildings?2025-08-07T14:26:26+00:00

Absolutely. We offer both residential and commercial energy audits to builders and contractors to meet building code and performance standards.

What services qualify for rebates?2025-08-08T10:46:34+00:00

Air sealing, duct sealing, insulation, HVAC upgrades, and energy modeling are among the top qualifying services.

Do you handle the paperwork for rebates?2025-08-08T21:41:51+00:00

We provide all required documentation (including test results and modeling reports) to help you submit and get approved quickly.

Are rebates only for new construction?2025-08-08T10:47:33+00:00

No. Many programs also offer rebates for energy-efficient retrofits and home upgrades.

How much can I save when I qualify for rebates?2025-08-08T21:42:55+00:00

Rebates vary, but typical savings range from $200 to over $2,000 depending on the project and services used.

How do I get started with my rebates?2025-08-08T21:40:25+00:00

Start with a home energy audit or code-required testing! We’ll guide you from there.

When should insulation inspections be scheduled?2025-08-08T10:49:35+00:00

Before drywall or interior sheathing is installed—usually right after insulation is placed.

Are insulation inspections required?2025-08-08T10:49:58+00:00

They’re often required for rebate programs and are highly recommended to pass blower door testing.

What do you check for during insulation inspections?2025-08-08T21:39:10+00:00

We look for insulation gaps, compression, misalignment, missing coverage, and improper contact with air barriers.

Can insulation inspections help me qualify for Mass Save®?2025-08-12T18:02:32+00:00

Yes—correct insulation installation is a key requirement for qualifying the Mass Save® Program rebates and incentives.

How long do insulation inspections usually take?2025-08-08T21:37:39+00:00

Most take 30–90 minutes depending on project size and access.

When should air infiltration sealing be done?2025-08-08T21:37:00+00:00

Before drywall installation and ideally before final blower door testing. It’s also effective in existing homes with comfort or draft issues.

Will air infiltration sealing help pass blower door tests?2025-08-08T10:52:57+00:00

Yes—air sealing directly improves airtightness, which is essential for passing code-mandated blower door tests.

What areas do you typically seal for air infiltration?2025-08-08T21:36:43+00:00

Common areas include attic accesses, rim joists, wall penetrations, top plates, electrical boxes, and more.

Is air sealing included in Mass Save® rebates?2025-08-08T10:53:40+00:00

Yes, especially when paired with insulation upgrades and verified through testing.

How long does air infiltration sealing take?2025-08-08T10:54:00+00:00

Most projects take a few hours to a day depending on the size of the property.

Is energy modeling required for permits?2025-08-08T10:57:16+00:00

Yes—especially where energy code and performance standards apply (like IECC or stretch codes).

What’s the difference between an energy audit and modeling?2025-08-12T17:57:58+00:00

An audit is done on an existing structure. Energy modeling predicts energy use before or during construction.

Do I need energy calculations for a remodel?2025-08-08T10:58:12+00:00

If you’re doing major changes (HVAC, insulation, windows), modeling is often required for compliance or incentives.

Will energy calculations/modeling help me get rebates?2025-08-08T21:35:18+00:00

Yes—many rebate programs require a modeled energy baseline and post-improvement verification.

How fast can I get my energy calculation/modeling report?2025-08-08T21:34:32+00:00

We typically provide energy modeling reports in 2–3 business days.

Are Manual JDS calculations required for code compliance?2025-08-08T10:59:55+00:00

Yes. Most states, including MA and MI, require Manual J, D, and S reports to approve permits and confirm energy efficiency.

What’s the difference between Manual J, D, and S?2025-08-08T11:01:59+00:00
  • Manual J = Load calculation
  • Manual D = Duct design
  • Manual S = System selection

Together, they ensure correct HVAC performance.

Who needs Manual JDS HVAC calculations?2025-08-08T21:31:45+00:00

Builders, HVAC contractors, architects, and homeowners involved in new construction or major renovations.

Can Manual JDS HVAC calculations help with rebate programs?2025-08-12T18:03:21+00:00

Absolutely! Programs like Mass Save® require accurate documentation to validate system performance and efficiency upgrades.

How long do Manual JDS HVAC calculations take?2025-08-08T21:31:32+00:00

We typically deliver Manual JDS reports within 2 business days.

What does a duct blaster test do?2025-08-08T11:04:46+00:00

It pressurizes the duct system to find and measure air leakage, helping you locate problems that affect efficiency.

When is duct blaster testing required?2025-08-08T21:21:52+00:00

It’s often required for new construction, additions, or HVAC replacements, especially in areas following the 2015+ IECC.

Can I get rebates if I pass a duct blaster test?2025-08-12T17:56:58+00:00

Yes! Programs like Mass Save® require passing leakage thresholds to earn rebates and incentives.

How long does a duct blaster test take?2025-08-08T21:20:27+00:00

Most duct blaster tests take 1 to 2 hours, depending on system size and layout.

Can you help seal the leaks with Duct-EZ?2025-08-08T21:22:48+00:00

Absolutely! We offer Duct-EZ HVAC sealing to quickly and efficiently seal ductwork from the inside.

Is blower door testing required for new homes?2025-08-08T11:08:02+00:00

Yes. Most local building codes (including IECC) require blower door testing for newly built or heavily renovated homes to verify airtightness.

How long does a blower door test take?2025-08-08T11:08:27+00:00

Typically 1–2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property.

What does a blower door test measure?2025-08-08T21:06:56+00:00

It measures the air changes per hour (ACH) at 50 pascals of pressure—showing how much air is leaking from the home.

Will a blower door test delay my inspection timeline?2025-08-08T21:06:36+00:00

No—JB’s offers quick turnaround and can provide test results the same day to keep your project on schedule.

Can a blower door test help me get rebates?2025-08-08T21:06:16+00:00

Yes! Many energy programs and utility incentives require blower door testing as part of the qualification process.

What makes Duct-EZ better than traditional sealing?2025-08-08T11:11:01+00:00

Duct-EZ seals the entire duct system from the inside, reaching leaks that tape and mastic can’t.

Will Duct-EZ HVAC sealing work for existing homes?2025-08-08T21:05:05+00:00

Yes. Duct-EZ is ideal for both new construction and retrofits—no cutting into walls required.

Is Duct-EZ HVAC sealing safe for my HVAC system?2025-08-08T21:01:38+00:00

Absolutely! The sealant is safe, low-VOC, and tested to meet industry standards.

Will HVAC sealing help me pass energy inspections?2025-08-08T21:05:43+00:00

Yes. Duct-EZ HVAC sealing helps meet code requirements for duct leakage and qualifies you for rebates.

How long do HVAC sealing usually take?2025-08-08T21:00:55+00:00

Most applications are completed in a single day with minimal disruption.

Who qualifies for the Mass Save® Program?2025-08-12T17:23:05+00:00

Builders, property owners, and homeowners in Massachusetts who meet the program’s eligibility requirements for new builds or energy-efficient upgrades.

What upgrades are covered on the Mass Save® Program?2025-08-12T17:22:43+00:00

Commonly covered upgrades include insulation, HVAC equipment, air sealing, and lighting improvements.

How much can I save with the Mass Save® Program?2025-08-12T17:23:51+00:00

Savings vary by project but can reach thousands of dollars depending on the scope and measures installed.

Do I need to complete all upgrades at once for the Mass Save® Program?2025-08-12T17:24:46+00:00

No, but completing multiple upgrades often maximizes your rebate potential.

How does JB’s Home Energy help with the Mass Save® Program?2025-08-12T17:25:49+00:00

We manage testing, documentation, and rebate applications so you can focus on your build or renovation.

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