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HVAC&R News ·

Ready, set, benchmark! NatHERS for existing homes now live.

NatHERS energy rating tool has launched for existing homes across Australia. It allows homeowners to benchmark thermal comfort and energy performance of older housing stock.

What does the NatHERS rating tool for existing homes mean for retrofit work?

Builders, plumbers, electricians and HVAC trades may see increased retrofit and upgrade work as homeowners identify poor-performing homes and seek improvements.

Key takeaways

  • NatHERS energy rating tool is now publicly available for existing homes, not just new builds.
  • Australia's existing housing stock has poor energy and thermal comfort performance, research shows.
  • Trades in retrofitting, insulation, HVAC and electrical upgrades may benefit from increased demand.
  • Homeowners can now benchmark their home's performance, potentially driving upgrade decisions.
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Seeing all-electric stars in the NABERS Annual Report

The NABERS 2025/26 Annual Report shows progress in energy efficiency, electrification, indoor environment, energy management innovation and embodied carbon. The report highlights all-electric buildings among the standouts.

Why it matters: Electricians, HVAC technicians and builders may see more demand for all-electric building work as NABERS ratings reward electrification. Plumbers working on gas hot water and appliances may be affected too.

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HVAC&R News ·

Building ministers pledge NCC modernisation

State, Territory and Commonwealth ministers responsible for housing, homelessness, planning and building met in Canberra on October 16, 2026. Reform of the National Construction Code (NCC) was on the agenda. The article gives no further detail.

Why it matters: Builders and other trades working to the NCC may eventually face changed construction requirements. No specific changes are confirmed yet, so there is no immediate impact on day-to-day work.

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HVAC&R News ·

A2EP reveals a "hidden energy transition"

The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) has released a report describing a "hidden energy transition". It says industrial heat pumps are part of an accelerating trend toward electrification.

Why it matters: Electricians and HVAC contractors may see more industrial heat pump and electrification work. The article gives little detail, so the practical scale of that demand is unclear.

hvacelectricalbusiness