Energy Efficiency Rating for established homes
Did you know?
You don't have to choose between reducing your energy costs and being comfortable.
Air Genius gives you both.
Prior to 2004 there was no requirement to build homes to any air infiltration standard. As a result, older Australian homes are so leaky that overseas testing equipment is unable to measure the high air infiltration levels that exist.
When energy was cheap it was a simple and relatively painless matter to add heaters or air conditioners to improve comfort levels.
The high and ever increasing cost of energy means that those days are gone.
Installing ceiling insulation was an obvious step, and whilst some improvements to comfort were experienced the energy efficiency benefits were marginal because the fundamental problem of air leakage remained.
Because mandated Star Ratings take into account factors such as building construction material, the home’s thermal mass and a range of other considerations, homes that have not been designed to meet a star rating standard cannot be rated retrospectively.
AIr (Air Infiltration rating) home energy performance scheme
After more than 10 years of research Air Genius have developed a new AIr rating system for established homes. This closely approximates the mandated Star Rating scheme in that it will give your home a measureable and provable energy efficiency rating.
In other words a 5-AIr rated home will provide a very similar energy efficiency performance as a properly built 5-star home.
Air Genius rectification service
Air Genius provides an air leakage testing and rectification service for owners of homes that were not designed or built to a star rating scheme, which incorporates of:
- Measure: We measure the volume of your home on site, and assess its general construction, orientation and climatic zone.
- Test: Our non-invasive onsite test scientifically measures the actual air leakage rate of your home. You can stay in your home during the test, so that we can show you where the leaks are.
- Report: A report is issued to you describing your home’s actual star energy performance, and setting out recommended corrective steps that should be undertaken. The report includes quotations covering different levels of improvement that can be achieved.
- Correct the problem: You decide how much you want to spend on improving your home’s energy efficiency. Our licensed Air Genius provider will do the necessary remedial work. This will not involve structural changes, and will result in minimal disruption to you.
- Re-test: On completion of the remedial work your home is re-tested to verify its new, improved level of energy efficiency.
- Certify: You will be issued with your official AIr certificate.
Then you’ll be able to enjoy your newly reduced energy costs in the improved comfort of your home.
Check our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.