Energy efficiency is one of the most important things to consider when developing and designing properties in Australia – thanks to the most recent NCC changes in energy efficiency requirements, it’s now more paramount than ever. The flooring you choose will have an impact on the energy consumption of the new build, along with thermal mass and air quality. When installing energy-efficient flooring, you can often increase the asking price for buyers as this is a huge benefit in the long run.
As with most NCC changes and requirements, those surrounding the floor of your new build can be somewhat confusing. Explore everything you need to know, as well as the most energy efficient flooring options to choose from, below.
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What are the requirements for energy efficiency in Australia?
At the beginning of 2024, the National Construction Code (NCC) updated its requirements and standards with some major changes to how energy-efficient new builds need to be. One of the key changes is that they now need to achieve a minimum 7-star energy equivalence rating out of 10 for the building’s shell. The shell involves the walls, flooring, roof, and windows, so which floor type you choose can make achieving the 7-star rating all the easier. Choosing an energy-efficient floor option is a quick and often low-cost way of boosting your new build’s star rating without having to change the entire orientation of your design plans.
Learn more about 7 star energy efficiency rating homes.
Why do flooring materials matter?
The more energy-efficient the floor type you choose, the closer you’ll get to your minimum 7-star rating requirement. The flooring option you choose can determine how hard the HVAC system needs to work, depending on its thermal performance and whether it traps heat or not. Since the NCC changes have been set to make living costs lower for homeowners, the type of flooring you choose will go a long way in determining their energy bills.
Even if you’re planning on selling your new build straight away, developers will also be able to benefit from the material you choose. The more energy-efficient your floor is, the bigger the incentive is for homeowners to pay more. When used cleverly, you can even maximise your profit margin and make the most out of these new changes!
What are the different types of energy-efficient flooring materials?
Here are some of the most popular and best flooring options in terms of energy efficiency:
Tile and stone flooring options
Tile flooring is perfect for saving on energy bills because the porous material absorbs heat during the day and slowly releases it back into the home during the evening. This offers homeowners a free way of heating their home once the sun has set.
However, you might be thinking that tiles are colder in the winter – and you’d be right. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Their thermal mass slows the rate of heat and cool air moving through the home, therefore reducing energy costs in their own way.
Oak flooring
Oak flooring can be expensive, but its benefits often make the price well worth the extra. Oak offers amazing heat transfer, keeping the unit at a comfortable indoor temperature all year round. Its inherent thermal properties contribute to how efficient it is at keeping energy costs low.
Oak floors often feel naturally warm and provide their own insulation, meaning you don’t have to spend so much on this before installing them. They can also provide a cooling effect during hot weather.
Timber flooring
Timber flooring is another energy-efficient option that can also produce a healthier indoor environment – two huge selling points for boosting the market value of your new build! Timber is a natural material that is also durable and long-lasting, as well as being environmentally friendly. The benefits just keep on coming!
Timber floors also have a high thermal mass which means they absorb and store heat well and release it slowly back when the home needs it most. This helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day and night, meaning the HVAC system doesn’t need to work so hard to heat and cool the air around the clock.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to timber flooring, and it’s a great eco-friendly choice. Laminate can reflect heat back into a room, keeping it warmer for longer in the winter. While it’s not the most energy-efficient option on its own, you can definitely make laminate flooring more efficient by using the correct insulation to keep it running at its best. Laminate is a budget-friendly option, so if you’re looking for energy-efficient flooring without the huge price point, this might be worth it for your new build.
Carpets
Carpet is one of the most popular flooring options, and it can even help reduce energy costs during the winter. But it’s not the most energy-efficient option during the summer as it can trap heat and make your HVAC system work harder. To determine whether carpet would be an energy-efficient flooring option for you, you need to consider the climate of your new build. For example, if you’re building somewhere like the Blue Mountains, carpet is going to make the home even hotter during summer and therefore increase energy costs.
How much do energy-efficient floor materials cost?
As most of the energy-efficient flooring options are already sound choices for many architects and developers, you might already be considering choosing an energy-efficient option – which means you won’t need to spend any extra money on it at all! Here’s a breakdown of the average prices of flooring options you might be looking into:
- Tile and stone: Between $30 and $165 per square metre
- Oak: Between $40 and $200 per square metre
- Timber: Between $50 and $195 per square metre
- Laminate: Between $20 and $100 per square metre
- Carpet: Between $55 and $75 per square metre
Are underfloor heating systems worth it?
Underfloor heating systems are becoming one of the most popular heating systems in Australia for a number of reasons, one of which is how energy-efficient they are. Underfloor heating is actually much more efficient than using radiators, so installing radiant floors can boost your star rating instantly and drive the market value of your property up by more than you might imagine.
In fact, underfloor heating systems can be up to 25% more efficient than traditional heating systems!
Installation costs
Underfloor heating systems are relatively low-cost to install, and they’ll pay for themselves in the long run. How much you’ll need to pay to install them will depend on a number of things, but here’s an example:
- For a standard-sized Australian bathroom, which usually measures around 3 x 2 metres, a mid-range heating system will cost between $800 to $1000 to install
- For a standard-sized Australian bedroom, which usually measures around 3 x 3 metres, a mid-range heating system will cost between $1100 to $1300 to install
What flooring options do you have to work with underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating systems work with the majority of floor types, including:
- Tile
- Stone
- Engineered flooring
- Laminate
- Vinyl
- Wooden flooring
The only option underfloor heating systems don’t really work with is carpet as the material can block the heat. Luckily, carpet is one of the least energy-efficient flooring choices, so there’s no real loss here.
How do energy-efficient flooring materials differ from other floor materials?
Energy-efficient floor options can make sure your new build remains warm in cool weather and cold in summer. With energy post prices increasing all the time, homeowners are more conscious than ever about choosing a home that can save them money in the long run. More energy-efficient flooring like tile and wood can help people save more money by helping them increase their AC unit’s temperature in the summer and reducing their heating thermostat in the winter.
For example, stone flooring absorbs heat and slowly releases it after hours, which often coincides with the sun setting. This means homeowners can prevent themselves from turning their heating on at night time, still enjoying a cold environment during the day. On the other hand, carpet traps heat, so it will feel hotter underfoot no matter what time of day it is. This might mean your AC system needs to work harder to keep your environment cooler, which you’ll most likely see on your energy bill.
What are the advantages of energy-efficient flooring?
There are plenty of advantages to using energy-efficient flooring in your new build, including:
Temperature regulation and reduced energy bills
Using energy-efficient flooring can help regulate the temperature in your new build, removing the need for strong HVAC systems and extra AC units. Homeowners are often looking for buildings that are designed to reduce energy bills, so this might also drama extra interest on the market.
Boosts market value
If you are a developer and planning to sell your units straight away, choosing a floor type that the energy efficient can boost your market value and help you find a buyer quicker. You should also be able to increase the asking price of your unit, as homeowners will be willing to pay more for energy-efficient features.
Improved air quality
Insulated floors can actually prevent mould and damp from setting in, which can incredibly improve the indoor air quality of your new build. Mould can cause allergies and respiratory issues, so reducing the likelihood of this is a huge benefit. Both premium insulation and underfloor heating systems can improve quality, so they’re worth considering.
Are there any disadvantages to energy-efficient flooring materials?
While there are some potential disadvantages to energy-efficient flooring, most people find that the benefits outweigh them. Still, here are some points to consider:
Incorrect installation can lead to issues
Energy efficient flooring can sometimes require more extensive installation – and if you don’t use the right contractor for the job, this could lead to potential issues in the future including structural and more. This includes underfloor heating systems, which might not work properly if their installation fails.
Higher upfront costs
While it’s true that most energy-efficient floors pay for themselves over time, there is no going around the fact that some of them come with higher upfront costs. This is especially true if you’re using an underfloor heating system. If you want to use an energy-efficient floor, you might have to move your budget to accommodate these new expenses.
Explore other NCC requirements and regulations you need to be aware of before building a new home
- NCC changes 2024
- NCC energy efficiency requirements
- NCC waterproofing requirements
- NCC floor waste requirements class 1
- NCC handrail requirements
- NCC disability access requirements
Get free advice on your new floor from an experienced building broker
Are you still unsure about what type of flooring you want to use in your new development, or simply have more questions about the NCC’s new energy-efficient regulations? Then why not give us a call at 1300 947 132 or get in touch through our Contact Form for some free advice from our team of experts here at Buildi?
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