Frequently Asked Questions

A NatHERS assessment evaluates the thermal performance of a home using the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).

The assessment analyses how well the building design and construction maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year by assessing:

• insulation

• glazing and windows

• shading

• orientation

• construction materials

• local climate conditions

The result is expressed as a star rating from 0–10 stars, based on the estimated heating and cooling demand of the home.

The NatHERS Star Rating measures the thermal performance of the building envelope — not total household energy bills.

The assessment estimates how much heating and cooling energy is required to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures under standardised conditions.

It considers:

• building design and geometry

• orientation and solar exposure

• insulation and construction materials

• glazing and shading

• local climate conditions

The rating uses standardised assumptions for occupancy and temperature settings so homes can be compared consistently.

The NatHERS Star Rating focuses on the thermal performance of the building envelope.

The Whole-of-Home assessment expands the analysis to include:

• heating and cooling systems

• hot water systems

• lighting

• major appliances

• solar PV and renewable energy systems

The Whole-of-Home score is expressed out of 100 and provides a broader understanding of the home’s total energy performance.

Not yet.

NatHERS assessments for existing homes are currently voluntary in NSW and across Australia. However, governments are actively developing frameworks for future energy disclosure at the point of sale or lease.

Energy ratings for existing homes are expected to become increasingly important in property transactions, with NSW exploring future disclosure requirements around the point of sale or lease.

The current NSW roadmap includes:

• trial and system development

• voluntary rollout from mid-2026

• preparation for broader policy adoption

A NatHERS assessment helps homeowners:

• understand how their home performs

• identify practical upgrade opportunities

• improve comfort throughout the year

• reduce heating and cooling demand

• plan renovations more effectively

• prepare for future energy standards

Obtaining a rating early may also help homeowners prepare for future energy disclosure requirements and evolving property expectations.

Assessments are completed using:

• AccuRate Enterprise (Existing Homes Mode)

• Magicplan

These are approved tools within the NatHERS for Existing Homes framework.

Haus Insights is part of the NSW Subsidised Home Energy Ratings program, allowing eligible NSW homeowners to access reduced-cost home energy assessments through the government-supported program.

Eligible homeowners may receive:

$330 off the cost of a home energy assessment.

To access the NSW subsidy program, homeowners must:

• live in NSW

• own the property being assessed

• book through the approved platform

• complete required feedback surveys