How Builders Can Benefit from the CT RNC Program

As energy codes tighten and homebuyers become more energy conscious, Connecticut builders have a powerful ally in the CT Residential New Construction (RNC) Program. Designed to encourage high-performance homebuilding, the CT RNC Program offers incentives to builders and support for homes that meet advanced energy efficiency standards.

For builders, it’s not just about rebates; it’s about staying competitive, ensuring code compliance, building a quality home and delivering value to your customers. That’s where third-party inspections, HERS Ratings, and blower door testing come in.

What Is the CT RNC Program? How Builders Benefit?

The Connecticut RNC Program, run by utilities like Eversource and UI, is all about building better homes, homes that are more energy-efficient, comfortable, and durable. But, how can builders benefit from the CT RNC program?

When you participate, you can qualify for:

• Cash incentives (who doesn’t love that?)

• Expert technical support

• ENERGY STAR certification

• A competitive edge in today’s energy-conscious market

To qualify, your homes need to meet certain performance benchmarks, and that’s where third-party inspections come in. These inspections confirm that your project hits the mark, and they’re required to receive program incentives.

Why Third-Party Inspections Are Essential and Help Builders

Let’s face it: building is complicated enough already. The last thing you want is to finish a house and find out it doesn’t meet program requirements.

That’s where we come in. As your certified HERS Rater, we’re your partner in the field, we make sure every step of the process is on track.

Here’s what we do:

Pre Drywall Inspection

• Review your plans and help you hit energy goals early

• Inspect key stages like insulation and air sealing

• Perform blower door tests and duct leakage tests

• Complete all the paperwork for CT RNC and ENERGY STAR

We are here to catch problems before they become headaches and keep your projects moving smoothly.

What Is a HERS Rating and Why Does It Matter?

A HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index Score is a way to measure how energy-efficient a home is. The lower the score, the better. Think of it like golf — a score of 55 beats a 75.

In the CT RNC Program, your home needs to hit a certain HERS score to qualify for incentives. That number depends on a few factors (like the type of home and the version of ENERGY STAR you’re using), but don’t worry — we’ll walk you through it.

Achieving a good HERS score isn’t about just one thing; it’s about making smart choices across the whole build: insulation, windows, HVAC sizing, and especially air sealing.

New Construction Blower Door and Duct Leakage Testing

Duct Leakage Testing

If there’s one test that builders ask us about the most, it’s the blower door test, and for good reason.

This test measures how airtight your home is by using a special fan and pressure gauges. It tells us how much air is leaking through gaps and cracks you might not even see. Additionally, there is the duct leakage test. This is a similar test to the blower door, however it measures leakage through the duct work.

Here’s why it matters:

• It’s required for CT RNC and ENERGY STAR

• Too much leakage = lower energy performance

• Catching leaks early can save you from expensive rework later

We recommend doing this test before drywall goes up so any issues can be fixed quickly. We’ll also do a final test before closing to make sure everything checks out.

Partnering With a HERS Rater From the Start

The earlier we get involved, the easier it is to help. If we can look at your plans before you break ground, we can often help you avoid issues that might hold up your inspection — or worse, cost you incentives.

We’ll work with your HVAC installers and insulators to make sure everyone’s on the same page. That way, by the time we’re doing blower door testing and checklist sign-offs, you’re set up for success.

Program Checklists and What to Expect

To qualify for the CT RNC Program using the ENERGY STAR path, there are a few key checklists to complete:

• Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist

• HVAC Design Report

• HVAC Installation and Commissioning Checklists

• Water Management Checklist

It might sound like a lot, but we’ve done this hundreds of times, and we’ll make sure everything gets filled out right and submitted on time.

Let’s Build Better Homes Together

If you’re planning a new build or already working on a project that could benefit from the CT RNC Program, we’re here to help make things easier.

From blower door testing and HERS Ratings to third-party inspections and ENERGY STAR checklists, we’ve got your back, so you can focus on building great homes.

💬 Have questions? Need a quote?

Just reach out! We are happy to chat and point you in the right direction.