A new artificial intelligence (AI) system which could help to lower energy bills for households has begun trials in the country, thanks to industry big-wigs the CSIRO and CoreLogic.
The national science agency and property data analysis company have teamed up to pilot the CSIRO’s RapidRate AI model that looks to estimate the heating and cooling load, as well as the energy efficiency, of Australian homes.
Understanding the energy efficiency of a home can help households to improve their energy performance and overall usage control, particularly during extreme weather events such as heatwaves or cold snaps.
CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said if households understood this information, it could help them to lower their power and gas bills, as well as their carbon emissions.
“Improving the energy efficiency of homes right around the country can reduce emissions and translate to longer-term energy and cost savings on their energy bills,” he said. “Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is one of Australia’s greatest challenges, but collaborative science and technology holds the key to creating solutions that will get us there.”
Home energy efficiency in Australia is currently measured using the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) which appoints a star rating based on the building materials used, size of rooms, layout and orientation of the dwelling and position of the property in reference to the sun.
Data collated using the NatHERS method however, is not easily accessible and is generally only applied to new residential builds, with limited data available for homes built before its initiation in 1993.
CoreLogic International Chief Executive Officer Lisa Claes said there was an urgent need to fill these data gaps around energy efficiency for existing properties as well as newly built ones.
“It is a thrill to be at the vanguard of revolutionising energy efficiency with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to use innovative technology and data, to develop a solution for one of this generation’s greatest challenges,” she said.
“Combining our considerable breadth and depth of knowledge and respective industry expertise gives us the power and the privilege to make a real and significant difference towards improving energy efficiency performance across the entire residential sector.”
The RapidRate AI will initially be made available to CoreLogic’s core banking and finance customers, however there are plans to extend the program to others in the market in future.
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Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
What can I do today to make my home more energy efficient?
It’ll likely take some time before the CSIRO’s RapidRate AI is available to the vast majority of households. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from trying to make your home more energy efficient today.
If you are looking for some quick ways to ensure your household is using energy as efficiently as possible, then it might be worth checking out some of the following:
- Insulating your home: This can help to reduce the amount of heat escaping your home during the winter and retain the cool within the home in summer. Insulation can be added during a new build or included as part of a renovation.
- Double glaze your windows: This is essentially like ‘insulating’ your windows and, again, helps to keep heat in or out of the home.
- Maximise natural ventilation: Use windows and opened, screened doors to try and control a natural air flow in the home to avoid the need for excessive usage of electrical or gas appliances.
- Install efficient appliances: If you are looking to replace your home appliances, consider installing those with high energy ratings, as these will place the least impact on your energy usage. Keep in mind however, that these may come at a higher price tag.
- Consider a home energy usage monitor: While it won’t have a direct impact on your home energy efficiency per say, it may help you to identify areas in the home in which you are using more energy than average.
Some state and territory governments also offer resources and even rebates to households looking to be more energy efficient. If you are looking for further details or financial assistance when it comes to upgrading your home, it may be worth checking in with your local government to see what’s on offer. This information can usually be found on your state or territory government’s website.
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