Get your home ready for a NatHERS Existing Homes assessment with these practical tips to ensure accurate and efficient evaluation.
Before your NatHERS assessment, it's vital to gather all relevant documentation that provides detailed information about your home. This includes building plans, renovation records, and any documents related to energy-efficient upgrades. These records help the assessor understand the historical context and modifications made to your home, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
In addition, collate any certificates or warranties for insulation, windows, and other energy-efficient installations. Having these documents ready not only speeds up the assessment process but also provides clarity and accuracy regarding the current state of your home’s energy performance.
Make sure all key areas of your home are accessible for the assessor. This includes attics, basements, and crawl spaces where insulation and structural elements are often located. Clear any obstacles and ensure that these spaces are well-lit and safe to enter.
Additionally, ensure that external features such as roof eaves, subfloors, and external walls are also accessible. This will allow the assessor to perform a thorough inspection without any hindrances, leading to more accurate results.
Assessors will need to evaluate various features and fixtures of your home, including windows, doors, and skylights. Ensure these are clean and easily visible. If you have installed any energy-efficient features such as double-glazed windows or solar panels, make sure these are noted and easily identifiable.
For heating and cooling systems, ensure that all units are accessible and any relevant documentation, such as user manuals or service records, is available. This helps the assessor to accurately gauge the efficiency and condition of these systems.
Assessors will evaluate various aspects of your home that contribute to its overall energy efficiency. This includes the thermal performance of your building envelope (walls, roof, windows, and doors), the effectiveness of insulation, and the efficiency of heating, cooling, and lighting systems.
They will also look at the orientation of your home, shading devices, and any renewable energy systems installed. Understanding these key areas can help you prepare your home better and ensure that no critical detail is overlooked during the assessment.
To ensure accurate data collection, it is important to provide clear and precise information about your home. Double-check the measurements of rooms, windows, and other structural elements before the assessment. Accurate dimensions are crucial for a precise evaluation.
Communicate openly with your assessor about any recent changes or planned modifications to your home. If you have any doubts or questions during the assessment, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. Clear communication can significantly enhance the accuracy of the assessment results.