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atregent
20th June 2006, 11:01 AM
Hi all,

Can anyone tell me how they work out the energy rating of a home?

I'm in the middle of renovating (well, actually more at the beginning) and would like to get the place energy rated when I'm done.

The plan is to use as many energy efficient/water saving appliances as we can reasonably afford, but if spending a wee bit extra is going to add to the total rating I'd be more than happy to consider it.

Only problem is, I can't seem find that info anywhere.

Cheers,
Anthony.

Barry_White
20th June 2006, 11:08 AM
Anthony

If you go to this web site there is a trial program you can download which willshow you how to get a five star rating for your home.


<!--StartFragment --> http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/about/tools.htm (http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/about/tools.htm)

atregent
20th June 2006, 11:18 AM
Thanks Barry, that's exactly the sort of thing I was looking for!

thebuildingsurv
20th June 2006, 11:45 AM
It is done on first rate house energy rating software. It is aimed at new homes (although can rate existing ones) and does not include appliances etc. A demo of the program is on this link. I am an accredited rater, however with a reno the options are limted on what u can do, such as upgrade cieling insulation, double glaze windows, seal all gaps and crack and weatherstrip doors etc. http://www.seav.sustainability.vic.gov.au/buildings/firstrate/index.asp

atregent
20th June 2006, 11:56 AM
Just downloaded the demo and had a quick play, looks like it'll get me in the right direction for a 5 star rating.

And, yes, there are some suggestions that I won't be able to implement, like change the timber floor for a slab (I suppose I could if I really wanted to...) or orientation, but, it tells me how worthwhile various things are.

Thanks!

atregent
20th June 2006, 01:19 PM
One more question, what is meant by the orientation of the house?

Greg Q
20th June 2006, 01:27 PM
It means the direction that the bulk of the windows face. ie 'north facing' is better in cooler climates because of the passive solar heating gained for free.

ozwinner
20th June 2006, 05:40 PM
One more question, what is meant by the orientation of the house?

Its when Oriental people live in the house.

Al :rolleyes: