Home energy ratings

New Zealand housing is very energy inefficient compared with other developed countries. A home energy rating can help build a picture of a home's energy performance so that homeowners can make the most suitable and effective improvements for energy efficiency.

It's a useful tool to help New Zealanders create a warmer, healthier and more efficient home, whether they are buying, building, renting or renovating.

What is a home energy rating?

A home energy rating is an assessment of the energy efficiency performance of a home.

It includes:

• How well the building's design, materials, construction and orientation enable it to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature
• The efficiency of a home's two biggest energy users: the space heating system and the water heating system.

The assessment will give a home a star rating from 0 to 10 stars, along with tailored, expert recommendations on effective ways to improve the home's energy efficiency.

A home energy rating can be completed on any home, including apartments, older homes and homes still at the design stage (i.e. off plans). It can be applied to simple homes and complex designs.

Why get a home energy rating?

A home energy rating supplies information for homeowners to make better decisions about their home.

A more comfortable, warmer, and healthier home

If a house isn't particularly warm, comfortable or healthy, especially in winter, a home energy rating can show where the problem areas might be in the home, and what to do about them. If the house does perform well, the rating is something homeowners can show to potential buyers or tenants of the home.

Cheaper home energy bills

A Home Energy Rating will show homeowners how to achieve a higher standard of energy efficiency in their home, making it more affordable to run.

Good for the environment

New Zealand homes use about 13% of the country's total energy use¹. In 2007 $2.3 billion was spent by households just on electricity².

New Zealanders can all do their bit to reduce the amount of energy being used by being more energy efficient at home. A home energy rating will help identify the best ways to do this.

How to get a home energy rating

Find out more on the ENERGYWISE™ website about how to get a home energy rating.

Notes:

¹ BRANZ House Condition survey 2005
² Energy Data File. MED, June 2008