The AccuRate Software is an enhanced version of the earlier NatHERS software, which has been in use in Australia for over 10 years. It is a rating tool that assigns a star rating to a residential building (a detached or semi-detached house, unit, townhouse, or apartment) based on its calculated annual heating and cooling energy requirements (not energy consumption: i.e. equipment efficiency is not taken into account).
The heating and cooling energy requirements are calculated hourly over a period of one year, using a year of real weather data appropriate for the location.
The following aspects of occupant behaviour are taken into account:
- Hours of heating and cooling
- Heating and cooling thermostat settings
- Operation of windows and other openings to increase ventilation
- Operation of adjustable outdoor window shading
- Operation of indoor window coverings
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