Posts

Showing posts with the label building energy efficiency

NatHERS Certificate Cost Explained for Homeowners in Australia

Image
  Most homeowners building or renovating in Australia encounter NatHERS at some point during the approval process and immediately want to know two things: what it is and what it costs. The short answer on cost is that a NatHERS certificate typically ranges from $400 to $1,500, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The wide range reflects real differences in what you are actually getting, and understanding those differences helps you make a smarter decision before you engage anyone. What Is a NatHERS Certificate and Why Do You Need One? NatHERS stands for Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme. It is Australia's framework for assessing the thermal performance of residential buildings. An accredited assessor creates a 3D model of your home using approved software, simulates how the building heats and cools across a full year of climate data, and produces a star rating from zero to ten based on the energy required for heating and cooling. The certificate confirms three ...

7-Star NatHERS Rating Explained: New Energy Standards for Australian Homes from 2023

Image
  What Is NatHERS - and Why Is Everyone Talking About It? Picture this - you are about to build your dream home in Australia. Then someone mentions you need a NatHERS rating. You nod along, not entirely sure what that means. That is more common than you think. NatHERS , short for the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, is the official Australian government framework used to measure home energy rating . It assigns a star rating - from 0 to 10 - based on how well a home's design controls temperature naturally. The higher the stars, the less your home leans on heating and cooling systems. From 1 May 2023, a major shift happened. The National Construction Code raised the bar - all new residential builds now require a minimum NatHERS rating of 7 stars. That is a full two-star jump from the old 6-star requirement. Not only that, but the update also introduced a home performance rating for whole-of-home energy use - covering things like hot water systems, lighting, and appliances. B...