What Is a Good Energy Rating for a Home?

If you’re planning to build a new home, you’ll no doubt have come across home energy ratings as part of the planning process and wondered what a ‘good’ home energy rating means.

With the recent update to Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) requiring all newly built homes to meet the minimum requirement of a 7-star energy rating, it is important for those looking to build a home to be aware of what to include in their future property in terms of energy efficiency.

So, what does it mean to have a good home energy rating, and how is it measured? Let’s dive into the specifics, from the building elements that contribute to a home energy rating, to the benefits of a ‘good’ rating.

What is considered a ‘good’ energy rating for a home? 

All new home builds in Australia have to meet the required minimum 7-star energy rating as part of the nationwide initiative to increase the quality of future home builds. A ‘good’ home energy rating generally refers to a star rating of 7 to 10 on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) home energy rating scale.

The star rating system provides potential homeowners and builders with a simple way to determine how energy-efficient the planned home build will be upon completion. This star rating system follows a consistent assessment standard that covers different types and sizes of home builds in various climates and regions across Australia.

How are home energy ratings assessed? 

Home energy ratings reflect how much external heating or cooling appliances will be needed to keep the home at a comfortable temperature - the higher the home energy rating, the lower the need for artificial heating or cooling in the home. 

Home energy ratings are assessed through a systematic process:

An accredited NatHERS assessor will be provided with the design, layout, building materials, and location. All of this data will be processed through specialised software that runs simulations to analyse the thermal performance under different climate conditions, especially those that are common to the proposed location.

A star rating will be determined based on these results, with higher star ratings representing better energy efficiency and a more comfortable home environment. This rating will then be presented to the prospective homeowners as an accurate estimate of the home’s thermal performance.

Building factors that improve energy ratings for a home 

The home’s energy rating can often be improved with the use of certain building elements and materials, including:

• High-quality insulation - insulating walls, roofs, and floors to reduce the transfer of heat to and from inside the home. 

• Window glazing - using double or triple glazing, as well as low emissivity (low-E) glass.
• Shading - incorporating easings and awning to block excessive solar heat
• High thermal performance materials - including concrete, brick, stone, and tiles in building construction.
• Optimal home orientation - positioning the home to maximise natural light and heat from the sun.
• Natural ventilation - including windows, vents, and fans, as well as the layout of the home that promotes good airflow and consistent indoor air quality.
• Energy-efficient lighting - using LED lighting to minimise energy consumption.

Benefits of achieving a good home energy rating

Building an energy-efficient home with a good star energy star rating awards homeowners with a high-quality living environment that holds multiple benefits:

• Lower energy bills due to decreased reliance on heating and cooling appliances.
• A consistently comfortable living environment throughout the year, regardless of the season.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, promoting environmental sustainability.

As highly-awarded home builders in Townsville, John Munro Builder offers future homeowners a collection of home designs that all meet the required 7-star energy rating. We can work closely with you to include design features that enhance the energy efficiency of your future home.