From mid-2025, the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) will extend its energy performance assessments to existing homes, offering valuable insights into energy efficiency for homeowners and renters.
Understanding the NatHERS Expansion to Existing Homes
From mid-2025, the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), which has long provided energy ratings for new homes, will expand to offer official energy performance assessments for existing homes across Australia. This initiative aims to help homeowners and renters better understand their home's energy efficiency, identify cost-effective upgrades, and reduce energy bills, while supporting Australia’s broader climate goals.
The introduction of NatHERS assessments for existing homes is a significant step toward achieving Australia's sustainability targets. It empowers residents to make informed decisions about their energy use and home improvements, ultimately contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
How to Register for a NatHERS Assessment
Eligible homeowners and renters interested in a NatHERS assessment for their existing homes can register their interest through designated channels. In current trial programs, participants can either proactively sign up or may be invited to participate.
Once registered, a trained and accredited NatHERS assessor will contact the household to schedule an assessment. This ensures a streamlined process, making it convenient for residents to engage with the new service.
Preparing Your Home for the NatHERS Assessor Visit
Before the assessment, residents are encouraged to prepare their homes to facilitate an efficient evaluation. This includes making all rooms accessible, securing pets, opening window coverings, and gathering any documentation about recent upgrades, such as insulation or appliance improvements.
These preparations help the assessor gather accurate data quickly, ensuring the assessment process is smooth and thorough.
What to Expect During the NatHERS Assessment
During the assessment, the NatHERS assessor will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. They will evaluate key features such as insulation levels, window types and shading, construction materials, air leakage points, and the efficiency of heating, cooling, and hot water systems.
The assessor will also consider on-site energy generation, like solar panels and batteries, and collect data on lighting and major appliances. All this information is entered into accredited NatHERS software to generate a comprehensive energy rating.
Interpreting Your NatHERS Assessment Certificate
After the assessment, the household will receive a certificate detailing the results. The trial certificate, and soon the official Home Energy Rating Certificate, includes a NatHERS Star Rating (out of 10), a Whole of Home Energy Rating (out of 100), a breakdown of appliance energy use, estimated annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and information on the home’s renewable energy profile if applicable.
This certificate helps homeowners identify areas for improvement, discuss upgrade options with professionals, and potentially access green loans or other incentives. It is designed to be reliable, consistent, and accessible nationwide, with extensive consultation and pilot programs ensuring the process is user-friendly and impactful.
