Federal Government Boosts Home Energy Efficiency for Older Homes
The Australian federal government is making a significant move to tackle energy inefficiency in older homes, investing $32.7 million to extend the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). This expansion aims to cover an estimated 70 percent of Australian homes built before minimum energy efficiency standards were introduced, many of which currently rate less than three stars out of 10.
An estimated 70 percent of Australian homes, built before the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards, are currently rated at less than three stars out of 10.
Expanding NatHERS to Older Homes
This initiative directly addresses a gap in the current system, which primarily focuses on new constructions. The expanded NatHERS program is designed to empower homeowners of older properties to understand and improve their home's energy performance.
The investment will facilitate the training and accreditation of more energy assessors across the country. Additionally, it will fund the development of advanced energy rating software tools to ensure comprehensive and accurate assessments.
How the Program Works
Once trained, assessors will provide participating households with a detailed home energy rating certificate. Crucially, these certificates will include tailored recommendations for upgrades specifically designed to improve a home's energy performance. This personalized approach ensures homeowners receive actionable advice relevant to their property.
Significant Savings and Benefits
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, highlighted the substantial impact of these upgrades.
"Improving a home's energy rating from three to five stars could reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by approximately 40 percent."
The broader program aims to achieve several key outcomes:
- Help homeowners understand their property's energy performance.
- Identify practical opportunities for improvement.
- Reduce household energy costs.
- Enhance liveability and comfort.
- Contribute to a decrease in national emissions.
Practical Steps for Energy Efficiency
Recommendations for improving energy efficiency vary widely, catering to different budgets and ambitions. While some homeowners might consider significant investments like installing solar panels and batteries, many effective solutions are more affordable or even DIY.
These include:
- Switching to energy-efficient LED lights.
- Draught-proofing floors, walls, and windows.
- Sealing bathroom exhaust fans to prevent heat loss or gain.
Ceiling insulation is also noted as a high-impact, low-cost addition that can significantly improve thermal performance. Homeowners like Scott Bradley, whose 1960s Perth home received a 2.6-star rating, have already utilized these assessments to identify and implement practical upgrades, demonstrating the program's real-world utility.
The Future of Energy Ratings and Disclosure
Looking ahead, there is potential for energy star ratings to become a mandatory disclosure at the point of sale or lease. This practice has recently been trialled in New South Wales, signaling a possible shift in consumer awareness and market dynamics.
Research suggests consumers may be willing to pay more for homes with higher energy efficiency ratings.
While a home energy assessment costs approximately $300, the long-term benefits of improved comfort and substantial energy savings often outweigh the initial outlay. It's important to note that the ultimate decision to make energy efficiency ratings mandatory for disclosure will rest with individual states and territories.