The star energy rating system used in Australian buildings is called NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme), and it’s a good start.
But, like the star system used to rate hotels, it only tells part of the story. It focuses more on the inclusion of certain features than on how well those inclusions are delivered.
For example, a motel with a 5-star rating has to meet more than 200 strict criteria, including opening hours, bedsheet thread count, and even the length of the mirror in each room. But that doesn’t mean the staff are polite or the mirrors and sheets are always clean.
Likewise, a home with a 7 or 8-star energy rating must meet strict criteria, including higher-grade insulation. But that doesn’t automatically mean the insulation is installed with the attention to detail needed for maximum performance.
What’s the good of investing thousands extra for premium insulation if the installer leaves gaps everywhere?
The truth is: Two homes, with the same Energy Star rating and cost of construction, may perform very differently in terms of comfort and energy efficiency. This article gives you the information you need to ensure your new home achieves (or exceeds) the comfort and energy star standards you’re paying for.
Building Membrane: Wrapped Up And Tucked In Tight
If you’ve ever seen a house being built, you would have noticed the frame being wrapped in a pliable building membrane, often blue in colour (to reduce glare when building), once commonly known as a sarking or vapour barrier.
This membrane is designed to minimise the transfer of water, air, and heat, with the aim of keeping your home dry and comfortable. Without this membrane, your home will be susceptible to temperature changes (hot and cold), and vulnerable to moisture (from leakage and condensation), causing premature structural degradation.
Your building membrane must have higher specifications to achieve a high star rating, but that doesn’t always ensure higher performance.
To optimise the performance of your building membrane, we ensure generous overlap and tape all seams securely with no gaps. We pay special attention around doors and windows, accurately taping the membrane for a perfect fit. We also extend your membrane right to the base of your slab, securely gluing the edges so there is no chance of moisture entering from underneath.
Insulation: Year-Round Comfort With Minimal Heating And Cooling
Insulation in the ceiling and walls (and underfloor in raised homes) slows the transfer of heat so your home remains at a more stable temperature all year round without the need for excessive heating or cooling.
To achieve a high star rating, your insulation must have a high R-value (the measurement of resistance to heat flow or thermal resistance). But once again, higher specifications don’t always translate into higher performance.
To make the most of your insulation, we ensure it is installed precisely, with no gaps. This includes accurately fitting insulation around all light fittings and installing insulation in the external corners of your home before your building membrane is attached (to ensure complete coverage). Failing to do this leaves your home vulnerable to thermal breaches that can cause condensation that leads to dampness, mould, and structural degradation.
Windows, Doors And Architraves: Sealed Internally Too
While your building membrane protects the outside of your home, it’s important to seal internal gaps too. While this may not be a requirement under the Star Energy rating system, it’s vital to achieve energy efficiency and comfort.
Before adding architraves to your windows and doors, we add expanding foam to ensure there are no gaps. We also thoroughly calk the joints between your walls and floor before adding your skirting board. Many builders cut corners here, leading to long-term issues like dampness and mould.
Plumbing And Air-Conditioning Pipes: Not A Gap In Sight
Every gap exposes your home to the transfer of water and heat, including the small crevices around plumbing and air-conditioning pipes. These overlooked areas (not considered under the start energy rating system) can lead to significant issues over time, including insect infestation, mould, and premature structural degradation.
We are fastidious about filling every crevice, so your home is fully sealed.
What You Should Expect From Your High-Star Rated Energy Efficient Home
When you invest in a meticulously sealed and insulated home, you will not only achieve a higher energy-star rating but also enjoy greater comfort all year round (with minimal heating and cooling) and energy efficiency that can add up to thousands in savings over the life of your home.
With extra moisture protection, your home will be healthier (less vulnerable to condensation and mould) and last longer (with greater structural integrity).
And because your home is built with attention to detail, it’s likely to have a premium finish.
How We Ensure Your Home Meets (Or Exceeds) Its Energy Start Rating
The NatHERS energy star rating is important because it indicates the quality of the building materials used in your home. However, it doesn’t give you the complete picture of how those materials have been installed and will perform to make your home comfortable and energy efficient.
The key to a truly energy-efficient, comfortable home is attention to detail in every aspect of construction (visible or not). This requires:
Systems And Processes
Unlike other builders who are happy to accept the varied quality of work from their tradespeople, we set clear expectations and guidelines to ensure your home is perfectly sealed (especially around doors and windows) and thoroughly insulated (including corners).
Skills, Experience, And Pride Of Workmanship
While most tradespeople focus on efficiency, our team is trained to prioritise accuracy (even if it takes a moment longer). Whether in plain view or hidden behind your walls, you can be sure the workmanship in your home is second to none.
Unmatched Quality Control
Before we proceed with plastering, we inspect your entire home to ensure all areas are thoroughly sealed and insulated. Though not mandatory by energy ratings, this extra step ensures your building materials are installed for optimum performance.
The Information You Need To Get The Energy And Comfort Standards You’re Paying For
Too many homeowners needlessly overpay for a home that disappoints. And energy star ratings are just one of many pitfalls.
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