How do I get an Energy Rating for my home? Why do I need an Energy Rating? How much does an Energy Rating Cost? Do I really need an Energy Rating? How do I know who I can trust in this industry? How does it relate to the BASIX system in NSW? What’s the 6 Stars all about?
If you’ve just heard about Energy Ratings for the first time, then you may have some questions. Typically, people conducting a new build or a major renvotion will hear about the need to obtain an Energy Rating from their Certifier or Builder, and it’s only natural to have some questions.
Do I really need an Energy Rating?
Short answer is, yes. Every new home or major renovation is required to obtain an Energy Efficiency Assessment in order to be Certified. This legislation was introduced in 2003 with the aim of decreasing Australia’s Carbon Emmissions by reducing our reliance on energy-sucking methods of heating and cooling homes (the major electricity usage in most homes). It’s good legislation, because a well-designed home (one that passes the Energy Efficiency requirements) will use dramatically less energy to heat and cool that a poorly-designed one.
How do I get an Energy Rating for my home?
If you need an Energy Efficiency Rating, then you are reading the right blog! Send us an email or give us at call at BERA and we will look after all your energy rating needs and answer all your questions. In order to be certain that your Certifier will accept the Energy Assessment, you need to make sure that whoever you choose is fully accredited with either ABSA or BDAV. This accreditation means the practitioner is fully trained, licenced and insured, and will also give you peace of mind that you are getting value for money.
How much does an Energy Rating Cost?
Energy Ratings typically cost between $100 and $1,000, and it will depend on the complexity of your home design and the method used to assess it. Feel free to contact BERA for a free quote.
There are different assessment methods?
Houses can comply with the Energy Efficiency measures in the National Construction Code by achieving a Software Produced 6 Star Energy Rating. This software thermally models every room in a specific house throughout the day, on each day of the year, and takes into account room-use, house orienation and climate zone among other factors. It’s a complex calculation that results in a measure of energy that is expected to be used to heat and cool that home, and this meausure of Energy is used to produce the Star Rating (higher number of Stars = less energy expected to be used).
An alternative method is the “Deemed to Satisfy” method which evaluates each element of the building individually (eg floors, windows, ventilation, walls etc) and assesses them against Energy Efficiency criteria. A Deemed to Satisfiy assessment is generally cheaper than an Energy Star Rating.
A good Energy Assessor will be able to advise you which is the best method to use depending on your design, location and preference.
Do I need to get an Energy Rating if I’m not planning on installing airconditioners in my home?
Yes, the legislation is about encouraging design that leads to a thermally comfortable home, so you still need to get an Assessment completed even if you are not installing air-conditioners.
Anything else I need to know?
Well it’s a fascinating topic! Have a look at some of the other articles in this blog, or head over to the excellent yourhome.gov.au which has a wealth of well-presented information on this topic, and links to further articles on home sustainability.