| When it comes to the green home, ratings | | | | one should we consider? |
| matter. There are a number of eco certification | | | | Eco Home Tip #16 - Ask about the R value - the |
| for home based appliances and white goods. Plus | | | | measure for insulation materials is the R value. A |
| you can get your home professionally assessed | | | | high R value means better insulation potential. For |
| for energy efficiency. | | | | example, Pink Batts offers a range ceiling |
| Residential homes can be given a rating based on | | | | insulation products that have an R value of up to |
| the National House Energy Rating (NatHERS) which | | | | 6.0. |
| is an index of the home's thermal performance. It | | | | Eco Home Tip #17 - Natural insulation - Take your |
| is done through a professional analysis by a | | | | insulation innovation even further and look for |
| qualified assessor working in conjunction with the | | | | ceiling insulation made from sustainable materials, |
| builder of the home. NatHERS provides a baseline | | | | such as Goldenfleece wool insulation. All natural |
| for assessment software to rate a home's | | | | wool fibre has great insulating properties, with the |
| energy efficiency potential. Most homes in | | | | CSIRO claiming, "wool insulation performs better |
| Australia currently fall below a 5 star rating, but | | | | because of it's ability to rapidly absorb and desorb |
| the current tool has now been adapted to allow | | | | moisture from the air." And you'll be helping out |
| for a potential 10 star rating (which would be | | | | the rural farmers! |
| equivalent to zero conditioning energy). This | | | | Eco Home Tip #18 - DIY insulation - there are lots |
| system is based purely on the home's | | | | of simple insulating ideas homeowners can adapt |
| infrastructure and does not include appliances or | | | | to protect their homes against the elements. Seal |
| hot water systems. Find out more about energy | | | | draughts with door snakes or hang some thick |
| ratings for your home. | | | | curtains on your windows to keep out the coming |
| Good insulation is a key feature in any energy | | | | cold. |
| efficient home. And homeowners are keen to | | | | Insulation is the first step to a great energy |
| take advantage of Kevin Rudd's important | | | | efficient home that will save you money. Well |
| announcement last week, with funds for ceiling | | | | designed homes that incorporate insulation, |
| insulation becoming available from the federal | | | | thermal mass design and sustainable energy |
| government. The Federal Government will be | | | | alternatives, such as solar panels, can save some |
| providing eligible homes wiht free ceiling insulation | | | | homeowners up to 50% on their annual energy |
| worth $1600. Landlords and renters can benefit | | | | consumption. Plus you get to enjoy the comfort |
| too with rental properties being included in the | | | | of having a pleasant living environment year round. |
| package. | | | | You can find more great eco home ideas on the |
| Yet with all the available insulation out there, which | | | | Green Pages. |