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 your home's energy performance so that you can make the most suitable and effective improvements.
It's a useful tool to help you create a warmer, healthier and more efficient home, whether you're buying, building, renting or renovating. Learn more about:
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 your home a star rating from 0 to 10 stars, along with tailored, expert recommendations on effective ways to improve your 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 you to make better decisions about what may be your biggest asset - your home.
A more comfortable, warmer, and healthier home
If you live in a house that isn't particularly warm, comfortable or healthy, especially in winter, a home energy rating can show you where the problem areas might be in your home and what to do about them. If your house does perform well, the rating is something you can show to potential buyers or tenants of your home.
Cheaper home energy bills
A Home Energy Rating will show you how to achieve a higher standard of energy efficiency in your home, making it more affordable to run.
Good for the environment
New Zealand homes use about 13% of the country's total energy use.[1] In 2007 $2.3 billion was spent by households just on electricity.[2]
We can all do our bit to reduce the amount of enegry we use by being more energy efficient at home. A home energy rating will help you identify the best ways to do this.
More information
- How to get a rating
- Is a home energy rating is right for you
- How home energy ratings are calculated
- To find out more about assessors, including how to become an assessor, see Home Energy Rating Assessors
Notes:
[1] Clark, S.J., Jones, M. & Page, I.C. 2005. New Zealand 2005 House Condition Survey. Wellington: BRANZ.
[2] Energy Information and Modeling Group. 2008. New Zealand Energy Data File. June 2008. Wellington: Ministry of Economic Development.
