⚡️ Did you know? A better energy rating could save you $350–$1,500 a year on bills ⚡️🏠 Homes with higher NatHERS ratings sell for up to 10% more 🏠🌿 Australia's average home rating is just 2.9 out of 10 stars — find out yours 🌿⚡️ Did you know? A better energy rating could save you $350–$1,500 a year on bills ⚡️🏠 Homes with higher NatHERS ratings sell for up to 10% more 🏠🌿 Australia's average home rating is just 2.9 out of 10 stars — find out yours 🌿
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Free interactive tool

Energy Rating Savings Calculator

See how much you could save each year by improving your home's NatHERS star rating — and which upgrades deliver the biggest impact for your state.

Last updated: 2026-04-24

Tell us about your home

Three quick inputs and we'll calculate your potential annual savings.

2.0 stars
0 (uninsulated)3 (typical pre-2003)6 (typical post-2010)9 (best practice)
180
50 m² (studio)180 m² (typical)400 m² (large)

How this calculator works

We use the NatHERS national average energy intensity per star rating — published by CSIRO and the NatHERS Administrator — combined with current state electricity rates from the AER Default Market Offer 2025-26 and the Victorian Default Offer 2025-26.

Energy use (MJ/m²/yr) is converted to kWh and multiplied by your state's average retail tariff. The 10-year projection assumes a 3% annual price increase, which is broadly in line with the AEMC's residential price trend forecast.

Estimates exclude appliance and hot water energy use. For a verified figure specific to your home, request a NatHERS Existing Homes assessment.

Frequently asked questions

How much can I save by improving my home's energy rating?

Most Australian homes built before 2010 sit between 1.5 and 3 stars. Upgrading to 6 stars typically cuts heating and cooling energy use by 60–75%, which translates to $800 – $2,500 in annual energy savings depending on your state, dwelling size and climate.

What's the most cost-effective upgrade to improve a NatHERS rating?

Draught-proofing and ceiling insulation give the best return. Draught-sealing typically costs $300–$1,500 with payback in 1–2 years. Ceiling insulation upgrades to R6.0 cost $1,500–$4,500 and pay back in 3–6 years while adding up to 1.5 stars.

Are these savings figures accurate for my home?

These are estimates using average NatHERS energy consumption figures and current state electricity prices (Jan 2026 AER/VDO data). Actual savings depend on your home's orientation, occupancy patterns, appliances and behaviour. For an accurate figure, get a NatHERS Existing Homes assessment.

Do solar panels improve my NatHERS rating?

No — NatHERS rates the building fabric (insulation, glazing, sealing, thermal mass), not appliances or generation. Solar PV doesn't change your star rating but dramatically reduces running costs. The best results come from combining fabric upgrades with solar and electrification.

Are there government rebates for energy efficiency upgrades?

Yes. Federal STCs cover heat pumps and solar; from July 2025 the Cheaper Home Batteries Program cuts ~30% off batteries. State schemes include VEU (VIC), ESS (NSW), REES (SA) and HEER (QLD). See our rebates page for current eligibility.