PRODUCTS > ecoMaster Solutions > Energy Rating Service
What's an Energy Rating?
House energy rating systems (HERS) have been developed
to rate the energy efficiency of new and existing housing
and allow comparisons of the heating and cooling needs of
different homes. The purpose is to provide more comfortable
homes that use less energy for heating and cooling and will
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
There are several rating systems including Nationwide House
Energy Rating System (NATHERS), FirstRate (used in Victoria,
ACT, SA and WA) and Basix (NSW only).
Why do I need one?
Victoria and ACT have mandated that new housing must be
built to meet a minimum 5 star energy rating. Put simply,
if you are building a new home, you must have a 5 Star Energy
Rating.
If you have ever lived in a heating climate then you might
be tired of being hot in front of the fire but freezing in
the bedroom. You might also be sick of paying high heating
bills and wearing three jumpers inside! Rather than look at
5 star ratings as a mandated bureaucratic regime, look at
the amazing opportunity to build a home that will cost so
little to run and be so comfortable to live in. Read
the case study of one client who has reduced their energy
consumption by 64% (and are reducing it even further!) just
by upgrading to a 5 star home. In really well
designed homes, your heating and cooling bills could be tiny!
Energy efficient housing is achieved through techniques such
as the solar orientation of the home, placement and sizing
of windows, levels of insulation, shading, thermal mass, double
glazing and draught proofing.
An energy rating is performed by entering details about the
house design into the FirstRate system. By entering the home's
postcode, the program links to relevant climatic information.
It is then easy to model design differences to see what effect
these have on the star rating. ecoMaster's accredited energy
raters can demonstrate how to optimise the energy efficiency
of your home.
A '0' star rating indicates that the home is very energy
inefficient and will be uncomfortable without extensive spending
on winter heating and summer cooling. A '5' star rating indicates
that the house has achieved a high level of energy efficiency
and will require minimum levels of heating and cooling for
year round comfort.
Who can perform a rating?
We can! ecoMaster's accredited energy raters can conduct
energy ratings of your proposed new home and demonstrate how
to optimise the energy efficiency of your home. We will even
show you how to obtain a rating higher than 5 stars. The higher
the rating, the more you will save over the life of your home.
Wearing three jumpers in your home during winter can be a
thing of the past!
Energy Rating Fees:
For homes up to 500 sq metres:
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Single storey home up to 4 bedrooms - $220 |
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Single storey more than 4 bedrooms
- $275 |
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Double storey up to 4 bedrooms
- $275 |
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Double storey more than 4 bedrooms
- $300 |
| All prices include GST |
For any other rating needs please contact
us.
Payment for half of the agreed fee is due when the preliminary
rating is issued. The balance becomes due when final building
plans are certified.
Should the plan need to be modified in order to achieve a
FirstRate 5 star rating, revisions will be charged at $35.00
per hour or part thereof.
Why choose ecoMaster?
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We are fast, friendly, professional and
ever so helpful!!! |
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We really do care about you,
your home and its energy efficient |
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We are sympathetic to alternative
construction of all types |
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We also rate brick veneer homes |
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We make it easy for you to achieve
your rating:
o NO ELECTRONIC FORMAT IS REQUIRED
o We will rate PAPER plans
o Our fees and terms are set out up front
- no nasty surprises!
o We don't charge a premium for rush jobs |
What do I need to provide for an energy rating?
To rate the energy efficiency of a house we will need 2
complete copies of the final building plans which should include
the following information:
FLOOR PLAN
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Floor areas (including carpeted and utility
floor areas)
Perimeter of house (including external walls and shared
walls)
Length of internal masonry walls
Area of roof glazing / skylights
Depth of overhangs (eaves, pergolas etc) above windows
Cross flow ventilation
Area and location of skylights
Number of chimneys
Number of exhaust fans
Number of vented down lights |
SECTION
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Floor to ceiling wall heights
Extent of cathedral ceilings
Tilt of skylight / roof windows
Roof type |
ELEVATIONS
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Shared floors and ceilings
Upper floors
Orientation of windows
Height and width of windows
Distance between top of window and overhang |
SITE PLAN
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Distance from and height of adjacent buildings |
OTHER
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Insulation levels and floor / ceiling foil
insulation
Floor type(s) and sub floor ventilation
Extent of carpet
Types of external walls
Types of internal masonry
Types of curtains
Extent of external blinds
Type of window frames
Type of glazing
Type of exhaust fans (sealed or unsealed)
Whether skylights are ventilated
Extent of use of weather strips to doors and windows
Location of house - inner city, suburban, rural or coastal |
 Read what our clients have said about our services
Find out how we can help you
Call 1300 326 627 or email
ecoMaster
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