Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is home energy rating?
Q: How is a home energy rating done?
Q: How can I find an Accreditited Assessor to carry out a home energy
rating?
Q: How much does a home energy rating cost?
Q: How do I become an Accredited home energy assessor?
Q: What do I do if I am unhappy with the conduct on an ABSA Assessor?
Q: What is home energy rating?
A: A home energy rating is an assessment of how much energy is required
to keep a home warm and comfortable, and how efficient the space heating and water
heating components in that home are. There are three components of a rating:
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Building envelope rating - this is a measure of how well your home's physical construction
(e.g. walls, floors, roof, windows, insulation, solar orientation) enables it to maintain
a comfortable, healthy temperature throughout the year and how much energy is required
to reach this standard.
-
Space heating efficiency rating - this is a measure of how efficient a home's heating
system is and how well it is sized to meet the home's needs.
-
Water heating efficiency rating - this is a measure of how efficient a home's water
heating system is and how well it is sized to meet the home's needs.
A assessment conducted by an ABSA Assessor will provide you with a home energy rating
report that shows you the rating of these three components, along with specific recommendations
on how these components can be improved.
Q: How is a home energy rating done?
A: ABSA Assessors conduct home energy ratings by inputting your house
design into an approved computer software package. The rating is based on building
fabric components (e.g. walls, floors, roof, windows, insulation), water and space
heating systems, climatic data (from weather data files), and occupancy settings.
ABSA Accreditation is a recognised standard for Assessor training and Quality Assurance
to carry out home energy ratings meeting the requirements of the New Zealand Home
Energy Rating Scheme Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organsiations.
Your ABSA Assessor will provide you with a stamped home energy rating report and may
suggest some alternatives to improve the performance of your house design, and appliance
efficiency.
Q: How can I find an Accreditited Assessor to carry out
a home energy rating?
A: A full list of Accredited Assessors is available on the Find
an Assessor page of this website. Only Accredited Assessors are listed on our
website.
When engaging an Assessor, make sure that they are an ABSA Accredited Assessor.
ABSA Accreditation ensures that your Assessor meets requirements for adequate training,
quality assurance and continuing professional development. They additionally must
carry appropriate insurance for their role.
If you are in any doubt and would like to check the validity of an Assessor’s Accreditation,
ask the Assessor for their ABSA Accreditation number. You can type this into our Find
an Assessor page and make sure they are currently listed. You can also check the
validity of your completed ABSA Certificate on the Check
an Assessment page of this website.
All ABSA Assessors who undertake on-site assessments are required to carry an ID card.
Q: How much does a home energy rating Cost?
A: Assessors set their own fee calculations based on their probable
costs, perceived value and other pertinent financial aspects. ABSA recommends that
you obtain quotes from several Assessors, as you would for any other similar service.
Q: How do I become an Accredited home energy rating?
A: Please consult the Become an Assessor page
of this website.
Q: What do I do if I am unhappy with the conduct on an ABSA Assessor?
A: Firstly let the Assessor know that you are unhappy about their
conduct and then advise the ABSA office by email or by calling +61 1300 889438 to discuss
your complaint. ABSA are obliged under the protocol to investigate all complaints.
If you are still unhappy you can contact EECA who manage the HERS in New Zealand.