Understanding Six Star Ratings
Your new home design will be assessed using the latest FirstRate5 version software and a 6 star + rating achieved. Should your design not achieve the 6 star rating required, options will be offered until we achieve the desired results.
The 6-Star regulations require greater stringency of the Building Code of Australia's Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) requirements, meaning in most circumstances builders will find it easier and cheaper to obtain professional compliance advice from an energy efficiency assessor.
Importantly, this assessor MUST be accredited under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). Your assessor will utilise computer simulations to determine a home's level of thermal comfort.
Australian Climate Zones
Different climate zones across Australia require different approaches to achieve optimal energy ratings. Understanding your zone helps determine the best strategies for your home.
Zone 1 - High Humid
Highly humid with a degree of 'dry season'. High temperatures year round. Minimum seasonal temperature variation. Lowest diurnal (day/night) temperature range.
Zone 2 - Warm Humid
High humidity with a definite 'dry season'. Hot to very hot summers with mild winters. Distinct summer/winter seasons. Moderate to low diurnal temperature range.
Zone 3 - Hot Dry Arid
Distinct wet and dry seasons. Low rainfall and low humidity. No extreme cold but can be cool in winter. Hot to very hot summers common. Significant diurnal range.
Zone 4 - Hot Dry
Distinct seasons with low humidity all year round. High diurnal range. Low rainfall. Very hot summers common with hot, dry winds. Cool winters with cold dry winds.
Zone 5 - Warm Temperate
Low diurnal range near coast to high inland. Four distinct seasons. Summer and winter can exceed comfort range. Mild winters with low humidity. Hot to very hot summers.
Zone 6 - Mild Temperate
Low diurnal range near coast to high inland. Four distinct seasons. Mild to cool winters with low humidity. Hot to very hot summers, moderate humidity.
Zone 7 - Cool Temperate
Low humidity, high diurnal range. Four distinct seasons. Summer and winter exceed human comfort range. Cold to very cold winters with majority of rainfall. Hot dry summers.
Zone 8 - Alpine
Low humidity, high diurnal range. Four distinct seasons. Winter can exceed human comfort range. Cold to very cold winters with some snowfall. Warm to hot, dry summers.