NatHERS stands for Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme. It’s a system used in Australia to measure how energy efficient a home is. The more stars a home has, the less energy it needs to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. NatHERS helps homeowners understand how well their house is designed to save energy.
Choosing NatHERS is important because it helps you save money on energy bills. If your home has a high star rating, it means you’ll spend less on heating and cooling. It’s also good for the environment because using less energy means your home produces less pollution. Builders and developers like NatHERS because it helps them create homes that are comfortable to live in and meet Australian standards for energy efficiency.
NatHERS uses a star rating system to show how energy efficient a home is. The ratings range from 0 to 10 stars. 0 stars means it’s not very good at saving energy and 10 stars is excellent at keeping the temperature comfortable without using much energy. Most homes in Australia have a rating between 4 and 6 stars, but with good design, you can achieve a higher rating.
To figure out a home’s NatHERS rating, an assessor uses special software to see how well the house will stay warm in winter and cool in summer. The software takes into account things like the room size, building materials, and house orientation. Our accredited assessors can then also provide specialised advice on what changes can be made to improve the energy efficiency of the house.
In Australia, new homes and major renovations need to meet certain energy efficiency standards. NatHERS is one of the ways to show that your home meets these standards. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) includes rules that your home must follow, and a NatHERS rating helps prove that your design is energy efficient. In NSW, using NatHERS is a common way to make sure your home complies with these rules.
You’ll need a NatHERS assessment when you’re building a new home or making major changes to your existing home, like adding extra rooms. The assessment should be done early in the design process so that any needed changes can be made before construction starts. By getting a NatHERS assessment, you can make sure your home is comfortable, energy efficient, and meets all the necessary regulations.
A high NatHERS rating means your home needs less heating in winter and less cooling in summer. Over time, these can save you money on your energy bills and can add up, making a high NatHERS rating a smart investment.
Homes with a high NatHERS rating are more attractive to buyers as people become more aware of the importance of energy efficiency. If you ever decide to sell your home, a high NatHERS rating could help you get a better price.
Using less energy means your home produces fewer greenhouse gases, which helps fight climate change. By choosing to build or renovate a home with a high NatHERS rating, you’re making a positive impact on the environment.
At Approved, we have a team of highly trained and accredited NatHERS assessors. We stay up to date with the latest industry standards and use the most advanced tools and software to ensure your home meets or exceeds the required energy efficiency standards.
Ready to make your home more energy efficient?
Approved’s expert building sustainability assessors are here to help. We specialise in providing accurate and detailed NatHERS assessments to ensure your home meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With our expertise, you can achieve a high star rating, which means lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.