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Exploring Software Tools For NatHERS Existing Home Assessments
Discover the cutting-edge software tools propelling the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS)...
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Our Capability Statement
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NatHERS for Existing Homes is a national rating system that measures the energy performance of homes that have already been built. It extends the trusted NatHERS framework beyond new constructions, giving homeowners, property professionals and government bodies a standard way to assess and compare the thermal efficiency of existing houses.
The program was developed to help Australians understand how comfortable and energy efficient their homes are today, not just when they were built. It is ideal for homeowners who want to retrofit or upgrade, real estate professionals who need accurate ratings for listings and anyone applying for green home finance. It also supports government goals for decarbonising the existing housing stock across Australia.
A trained assessor gathers detailed information about your home and uses accredited software to simulate how much heating and cooling energy it would typically use in a year. The simulation takes into account factors such as:
The result is a rating that reflects the thermal performance of the home.
NatHERS ratings range from 0-10. A home with 10 stars is considered thermally comfortable year-round with almost no need for artificial heating or cooling. A home with 1 or 2 stars will likely struggle with comfort and cost more to keep warm in winter or cool in summer. Higher star ratings are not only better for your energy bills and indoor comfort but can also add value to your property and support access to green loans.
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The assessor will inspect the property in person. They will record construction details, measure windows and openings, check insulation, and note zoning and orientation in MagicPlan. No invasive work is required and most assessments are non-disruptive.
Assessors use software approved under the NatHERS framework, such as MagicPlan and AccuRate Enterprise.
MagicPlan
AccuRate Enterprise
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.
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.
Several specialised tools and software are employed during a NatHERS Existing Homes assessment to ensure accuracy and consistency. Accredited assessors use NatHERS-approved software such as AccuRate, BERS Pro, and FirstRate5. These tools are designed to simulate the thermal performance of residential buildings based on the collected data.
The software models the building's energy usage and predicts how it will perform under various climatic conditions. It takes into account factors such as solar heat gain, heat loss through building fabric, and the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. The use of these sophisticated tools allows assessors to provide a detailed and reliable energy efficiency rating for the home. The assessment process begins with an initial consultation where the assessor explains the scope and objectives of the NatHERS assessment to the homeowner. This is followed by a thorough site visit where the assessor collects all necessary data, including measurements and observations of the building's features and systems.
