Home energy rating for existing homes
The Home Energy Rating for Existing Homes program offers an in-home assessment for the home’s energy performance.
This new national program for existing homes commenced 1 July 2026, replacing the former Residential Efficiency Scorecard program, which closed 30 June 2026.
Conducting a Home Energy Rating assessment
The most common reasons to get an energy rating for your existing home are:
- better understand its energy performance
- reduce energy bills
- improve occupant comfort so it is less hot in summer and/or less cold in winter.
The energy assessment is conducted by an accredited Home Energy Rating assessor, who can provide:
- a snapshot of the home’s energy performance and comfort
- a trusted rating
- expert advice tailored to the home’s specific design and features
- assistance on identifying cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades.
What it involves
An assessor will conduct a thorough in-home energy assessment which takes into account:
- the home’s design, construction materials, insulation, window types, and shading
- the energy efficiency of fixed appliances, such as air conditioning units, heaters, hot water systems, pool/spa pumps, and lighting
- any onsite renewable energy generation and storage e.g. solar panels and battery
- the local climate.
The assessor will also combine the energy assessment data with their specialist knowledge to make cost-effective recommendations for improving the home’s energy performance.
What it tells a homeowner
The Home Energy Rating assessment produces a Certificate which has 2 key aspects:
- Home Energy Rating (score of 0 to 100) – for the energy efficiency of the home’s major fixtures and appliances
- Star Rating (out of 10) – for the energy efficiency (thermal performance) of the home’s building shell (roof, walls, windows and floor).
The higher the score and/or the star rating, the lower the home’s energy bills.
Choosing an accredited Home Energy Rating assessor
Accredited Home Energy Rating assessors are experts in home energy efficiency. They have professional qualifications and/or demonstrated skills and experience.
To become accredited, assessors undertake specialised Home Energy Rating training and must pass a formal exam.
The cost of a Home Energy Rating assessment will depend on the size, location, and design complexity of a home, and will be set by the assessor.
For more information on the Home Energy Rating assessment and to find an accredited Home Energy Rating assessor, visit Home Energy Rating.