Discover how the upcoming expansion of NatHERS star ratings to existing homes can help you save on energy bills, improve comfort, and support Australia's net zero targets.
Starting from mid-2025, the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) will extend its reach beyond new constructions to include existing homes. This significant expansion aims to empower Australian households with a deeper understanding of their home's energy performance. Whether you're a homeowner or a renter, this initiative will help you identify cost-effective upgrades to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, all while contributing to Australia's ambitious net zero emissions targets.
With this new focus on existing homes, NatHERS aims to provide homeowners with the tools and insights necessary to make informed decisions about their property’s energy efficiency. By understanding how well your home performs in terms of energy use, you can take proactive steps to enhance comfort and reduce your environmental footprint.
NatHERS star ratings are determined by trained and accredited assessors who conduct a thorough evaluation of your home's key features. These assessments consider various elements such as insulation, windows, construction materials, heating and cooling systems, and any existing solar or battery systems. Using advanced computer modelling tools, assessors simulate the home’s energy performance to generate a star rating that ranges from 0 to 10.
A higher star rating indicates a home that is more energy-efficient and comfortable, requiring less energy for heating and cooling. For instance, a 0-star rated home is likely to be uncomfortable throughout the year and costly to maintain at a reasonable temperature, while a 10-star rated home is highly efficient, remaining comfortable with minimal or no mechanical heating or cooling needs.
Achieving a high NatHERS star rating offers numerous benefits for homeowners. Firstly, it can significantly improve the comfort of your living environment. Homes with higher star ratings maintain more consistent and comfortable temperatures year-round, minimising the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Additionally, higher star ratings are correlated with lower energy bills. By making your home more energy-efficient, you can reduce your reliance on costly heating and cooling systems, leading to substantial savings over time. Moreover, homes with higher energy ratings often see increased property values and can be more attractive to potential buyers or renters, providing a competitive edge in the real estate market.
The new NatHERS assessment for existing homes adopts a 'whole of home' approach, which not only evaluates the building’s thermal performance but also considers the efficiency of major fixed appliances, such as heating and cooling systems, as well as the presence of solar panels and batteries. This comprehensive evaluation provides a more complete picture of the home's overall energy use and potential savings.
Assessment results are delivered in the form of a certificate, which can be exceptionally useful for guiding home upgrades, supporting applications for green loans, and meeting disclosure requirements for property sales or rentals. This holistic approach ensures that homeowners receive detailed and actionable insights into how they can improve their home's energy efficiency.
If you are considering a NatHERS assessment for your existing home, there are several steps you can take to prepare. Start by gathering any relevant documentation about your home’s construction, insulation, heating and cooling systems, and any installed solar panels or battery systems. This information will help the assessor gain a thorough understanding of your property's current energy performance.
It's also worthwhile to conduct a preliminary review of your home’s energy efficiency. Look for areas where you may already know improvements are needed, such as drafty windows, inadequate insulation, or inefficient appliances. Addressing these issues before the assessment can help you achieve a higher star rating and provide a clearer path to further energy-saving upgrades.