With the evolving building regulations in Australia, a 7-star benchmark has become a new standard for energy-efficient homes. The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is the country’s national framework for assessing the thermal performance of residential buildings. A 7-star energy rating signifies that it is cost-effective, comfortable, and environmentally sustainable.

Households must embrace a holistic approach to achieve this rating. Besides investing in smart and efficient appliances, one must also look for low-energy systems. While solar PV and heat pumps dominate the energy-efficiency industry, natural gas still has a valuable role to play. When used strategically, natural gas can turn a home into a highly energy-efficient space.

This article will elaborate on the role of natural gas in enhancing home energy efficiency. Learn how your home can transform into a 7-star energy-efficiency rating with natural gas.

An Introduction to 7-Star Energy Rating

The NatHERS measures the energy efficiency performance of the homes in Australia by providing them with specific ratings in 10. Achieving a rating of 7 out of 10 is considered commendable home energy efficiency. The rating has been given after thoroughly checking aspects such as insulation, design orientation, thermal mass, glazing, air leakage, etc.

While zero represents the poorest energy efficiency, ten stands for the best energy rating. The states under the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC) have made it mandatory for houses to obtain a minimum score of 7 to maintain seamless energy efficiency. Let’s quickly check out the benefits of a 7-star home.

• Lower Energy Bills: A home with a 7-star energy rating requires less heating or cooling since it already possesses an excellent natural temperature regulation.
• Better Property Value: Do you want to increase the value of your property? Investing in energy-efficient systems and appliances for a 7-star rating increases property value.
• Low Carbon Emissions: A 7-star home reduces carbon emissions significantly by consuming less energy and increasing the lifespan of the home appliances.
• More Comfort: Better insulation and design are essential parameters for a 7-star home energy rating. Home dwellers will find more comfort with insulation enhancements.

Natural Gas for an Improved Energy Rating

While solar and heat pumps are prominent options for sustainable energy production for residential places, natural gas also remains a crucial option. Let’s explore the role of natural gas in maintaining home energy efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Gas Appliances

Investing in natural gas appliances is beneficial since they are energy-efficient. Such appliances also feature durable performance when selected and maintained with precision.

• Space Heating: Modern gas heaters can feature 90% more efficiency, ensuring a fast and consistent heating performance.
• Hot Water: Water heaters that use natural gas feature a continuous flow system to deliver hot water on demand while maintaining energy efficiency.
• Cooking: Gas cooktops are suitable for seamless heat control while cooking. Using gas cooktops instead of electric stoves is an energy-efficient choice.

The Evolving Carbon Footprint of Gas

Natural gas is an alternative to fossil fuel, though natural gas is a non-renewable resource like fossil fuel. The carbon footprint of natural gas is less than the same of fossil fuel. Nevertheless, the carbon footprint of natural gas can be further reduced using the following methods.

• Biogas Integration: Many companies blend renewable gases such as biomethane with non-renewable gas to enhance sustainability.
• Hybrid Systems: Combining gas with solar PV and smart electric controls increases sustainability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Hydrogen Blending: Hydrogen blending is a trial to blend green hydrogen with natural gas to create a sustainable future and reduce the carbon footprint.

Strategies to Maximise Energy Rating Using Natural Gas

So, how can natural gas help you increase the home energy rating? Embracing a few strategic measures can help to a large extent. In the following section, find a quick guide on key strategies that align gas usage with your home energy performance.

1. Efficient Gas Heating Systems

The heating system is one of the major sources that consume a high amount of energy in your home. A gas heating system can help you achieve the 7-star energy rating. Here are some of the reasons why gas heating systems prove to be more energy-efficient.

• Hydronic Heating: The hydronic heating technology is the biggest energy-efficient aspect of a gas-powered heating system, offering a comfortable and consistent heating by circulating water through pipes or panels.
• Zoned Ducted Systems: The zoned ducted systems allow users to heat specific or occupied areas. As a result, it minimises the energy waste and reduces the load on the heating system’s motor.
• Star-Rated Appliances: When you purchase home appliances, especially the HVAC systems, you should check the energy rating. An appliance near 5-star rating indicates high energy efficiency, which eventually helps in a 7-star home rating.

2. Gas Hot Water Solutions

Like the heating systems, the hot water systems can consume a good amount of energy. Installing an efficient gas-powered water heating system can minimise energy loss to a large extent. Here is how the gas-powered water heating system can help your home achieve a 7-star rating.

• Continuous Flow Gas Systems: Water heaters, outfitted with the continuous flow system, improve energy efficiency and eliminate the standby heating loss.
• Gas-Boosted Solar Water Heater: The gas-boosted solar water heater reduces the conventional energy consumption and improves home energy efficiency.

3. Passive Design Integration

Another effective strategy to achieve a 7-star energy rating is investing in passive design integration. The passive design principles reduce the need for artificial heating or cooling for a house.

• Thermal Mass: Materials like concrete and bricks can absorb heat during the day and release the heat during the night. Meticulous shading and window placements will further contribute to balancing the home interior temperature.
• Air Sealing: Minimising the drafts is important for two reasons. Firstly, it reduces the heating or cooling loss. Secondly, air sealing enhances the overall efficiency of the HVAC system by putting less load on the motors.
• Insulation: Seamless insulation is essential for a 7-star home energy rating. Instead of the old fibreglass insulation, foam insulation has become popular nowadays. Foam insulation reduces the heat transfer, leading to a more energy-efficient home.
• Building Orientation: A profound building orientation is also crucial for home energy efficiency. A flawless building orientation ensures maximising the light and heat. Therefore, it reduces the workload of the heating or cooling systems.

Bottom Line

Achieving a 7-star energy rating is no longer just a goal—it’s becoming a standard for modern, sustainable Australian homes. While electric technologies dominate the energy-efficiency space, natural gas remains a practical, efficient, and flexible option when used smartly.

By integrating high-efficiency gas appliances for heating, hot water, and cooking with passive design principles—like proper orientation, insulation, and airtightness—homeowners can strike the right balance between performance, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. As renewable gas options like biogas and hydrogen emerge, the long-term sustainability of gas-powered homes will only improve.

To ensure your design choices align with NatHERS requirements, it’s essential to work with certified energy assessors and qualified building designers. They can model your home’s performance, help you choose the right systems, and guide you in making design decisions that deliver lasting energy savings. Get started with Flipr—your trusted platform for comparing energy-efficient solutions, expert advice, and sustainable home planning tailored to Australian standards.