A home energy rating is an estimated calculation into a homes potential energy usage, which will determine the amount of heating and cooling required to make its occupants comfortable. It produces a star rating dependant on the amount of heating and cooling loads which will be required, from 0 to 10 stars.
The information we require to complete a full and comprehensive energy report are the following
final working drawings in a PDF format:
Site Plan, Floor Plan, Elevations, Sections, Lighting layout and window schedule (including sizes of
the existing windows).
You will need a residential home energy rating if you are building a new home or undertaking major renovations. As it is a minimum standard which has been set to outline each state and territory minimum requirements based on the National Construction Code. You will be required to submit an energy rating report completed by an Accredited Assessor to either your shire/council or building surveyor in order to achieve a building permit.
A minimum of 6 Stars must be achieved for all new stand alone residences. With apartments having also to achieve an average rating of 6 Stars and with no apartment achieving less than 5 Star.
The cost will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed residence or extension. Our prices are inclusive of all the costings which go into being an accredited NatHERS assessor, this also includes the cost of producing the NatHERS FirstRate5 certificate.
We can deliver you a extremely fast turnaround of 2 working days for simple and straight forward single and double storey, for larger multi-unit developments a large turnaround of 5 business days maybe required. An approximate timeframe will be given at quotation stage.
All states and territory require energy rating certificate. Although different rules and regulations do apply.
In most states building surveyors and council/shires will only accept an energy efficient certificate produced by an accredited assessor.
FirstRate5 is the home energy rating software we use to generate 6 Star energy ratings. It is an interactive tool with a graphic user interface that enables designers and thermal performance assessors to generate energy ratings. The software uses a calculation engine to estimate the annual heating and cooling energy that is required to make the home thermally comfortable.
The software used is based on scientific research by the CSIRO. It estimates how much energy your home will require for heating and cooling. It bases these calculations on the layout of the home, its construction materials roof, walls, windows and floor coverings. Also calculated is the locations climate, orientation of it window in relationship to the the suns path and local breezes.
The elements which are imputed into the software are as follows: Climate zone, Building orientation, proximity to neighbouring houses, Wall type and insulation, Roof type and Roof/Ceiling insulation, Floor type and insulation, Ceiling penetrations (downlights and ceiling exhaust fans), Floor type and insulation, Window glazing type and frames, Internal floor coverings and External wall and roof colours.
ABSA is the Assessor Accrediting Organisation. Their roll is to offer Assessors support, ensure quality assurance of assessments, ensure the Assessor for fills their requirements of continued professional learning and maintain procedures all Assessor must adhere to.
Is the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). NatHERS have designed a star rating system form 0 to 10 stars, which is based upon the energy efficiency of the residential home base on its design. So the more energy efficient and the higher your star rating the more money you can potentially save on your energy bills.
Yes, any renovation and or extension will require an energy rating. Work that represents over 50% of the original home will require a 6 Star rating. Any work which represents less than 50% of the original dwelling will only then require the new area to achieve a 6 Star rating. Your own specific requirements will be outlined at quotation stage.
Zero star rating basically means that the residence does practically nothing to reduce the comfort of
hot and cold weather.
Six star rating basically indicates a good but not an outstanding performance.
Ten star rating is a home with excellent thermal comfort and may not require any mechanical
heating or cooling.
In some instances a 6 star rating can be very easily achieved with very minimal if any upgrades. However a few factors can come into play that may help or hinder your rating, namely these factors are mainly due to the its design and or orientation.
If in case your proposed residence does not achieve a 6 Star rating, then we will give you some sound advice on a range of changes which can be made to achieve a 6 Star rating.
Firstly the design of your house and its orientation should be such that it takes advantage of the passive heating and cooling available in the particular climate zone.
In some cases yes, but with a well thought out and designed house there may no additional or minimal costs. It may well be a good idea that you brief your Designer/Architect that they consider the energy efficiency of the proposed design in its early stages, if cost is an issue.
Email us your plans for a no obligation quote