Reaching beyond 6 stars...

The main energy use in our homes is for heating and cooling.  For this reason each new home, or major renovation of an existing home, is required to meet a minimum requirement of 6 star energy rating.  A rating that assesses the projected heating and cooling load of the home to maintain a level of comfort. With the minimum requirement set, it can be easy to just settle for 6 stars (tick - met that criteria), but why should we be satisfied with a minimum requirement when the ratings stretch beyond to 10 stars.  After all, if we reach for more, we will receive a real benefit in comfort and in the hip pocket. Whilst reaching for 10 stars in South Australia's variable climate is a mammoth task, and often financially unsustainable, any point of a star improvement in star rating will save money in heating and cooling of your new home.  And this can mean significant savings longer term.  So, even a 6.5 star home will have a 13% saving in heating and cooling loads compared to a 6 star home. At Energy Aspect Living we have just completed the construction of a 7.9 star home, and put finishing touches to a new home design that has achieved 8.3 stars.  Bothclients are just as passionate about energy efficient living as we are.  Here you can see what savings they will make when it comes to living in their homes, and the energy (not) required to heat and cool them for comfort.

7.9 stars Key features: solar passive design combination of double and single storey construction double Timbercrete block external walls with thermal break colorbond roof high levels of insulation tiled floors double glazed windows and doors and more... Independently rated to achieve 7.9 starssaving nearly 50% of total thermal energy load compared to a  minimum 6 star home. Got plans and looking for an eco builder? Turn plans into a home... 8.3 stars Key features: solar passive design single storey aerated concrete panel external cladding colorbond roof high levels of insulation sealed concrete floors double glazed windows and doors off grid power source/s and more... Independently rated to achieve 8.3 starssaving nearly 61% of total thermal energy load compared to a  minimum 6 star home. Thinking of building but not sure where to start? Design ideas and options...