Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 30, 2007 8:09 pm Hi,
I'm having a BASIX battle at the moment. I didn't want to specify the air conditioner up front because (a) the builder's air-conditioner (at least in their display homes) is very loud and (b) the builder won't permit me to put in an air-conditioner during development. Now the BASIX variation has come in with a clause saying no cooling system or ducting can be installed in any room. I naturally was a but cheesed off and now I have to specify the exact model of air conditioner at least 6-7 months before it is installed. What if I find a better model down the track or the A/C company goes broke or something? I feel I'm being forced to either NEVER have an air conditioner or choose one now and make sure I install that model. Otherwise I need to fork out for another BASIX assessment. This BASIX thing is a joke to begin with and where does it all end? Are we heading for requiring government approval each time we buy a light globe? Does anyone have any advice about the air-conditioner clause? Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 2Apr 30, 2007 8:55 pm jamiet,
Have you considered using some split system airconditioing units. From what I understand, in the past ducted airconditioing was the way to go as large airconditioning unit were more effecient. Smaller units have now become more effecient and it's now cheaper and better to have split systems. There is quite a loss of heating/cooling in the ducts, even with thier insulation. What to you think of putting in a few spit system airconitioning units? Also, can you for the purposes of BASIX, state that there will be an airconditioing unit, which I suspect does not compele you to use one. Then when it comes to your contract, specifiy no airconditiong unit. Everyone is happy and you can decide what to do later. One precaution, if you go for a variation after you sign, you open yourself up to overcharging. Cheers, Casa Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 3Apr 30, 2007 9:29 pm Do you have the Basix Certificate yet? If so, you need to comply with the specifications within. If no A/C allowed, you will have to do a new Basix to get one included.
If A/C is already included in your Basix, it specifies the star rating you have nominated, nothing else. You can put in any unit that has the nominated star rating. The stupid thing is that you can put in any size unit, as long as it has the nominated star rating! I would see if you can install your own unit at a later date. Check with the Council whether, because it is on the Basix, you HAVE to put it in before a certain date. Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 5May 01, 2007 8:50 am If you can have your home well oriented and insulated, with good window positioning for cross breezes, you shouldn't need an A/C and can save yourself the expense!
My new home will be A/C free - good for the energy bills and environment too. Building a Jandson Espirit in Pennant Hills "What is the use of a home, if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?"Henry Daniel Thereau Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 6May 01, 2007 9:40 am lrhodes1 If you can have your home well oriented and insulated, with good window positioning for cross breezes, you shouldn't need an A/C and can save yourself the expense! I love the "theory" on this. I wonder how it will stack up with global warming and 5 or 6 40+degree days in a row? lrhodes1 My new home will be A/C free - good for the energy bills and environment too. Or you could have an Air Con and be comfortable whenever you want to be???? Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 7May 01, 2007 11:40 am Is it one of these models:
http://www.energyrating.gov.au/appsearc ... &B1=SEARCH All the rating data is on that site. Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 8May 01, 2007 5:39 pm Thanks bud,
The problem with that site is that it only measures the compressor, not the whole system. The Advantage Air system is pretty energy-efficient, especially with the Fresh Air option installed. is it possible? 9May 01, 2007 6:14 pm mattwalker lrhodes1 If you can have your home well oriented and insulated, with good window positioning for cross breezes, you shouldn't need an A/C and can save yourself the expense! lrhodes1 My new home will be A/C free - good for the energy bills and environment too. We have positioned our house exactly how it should be. We are fortunate to catch the best weather. The windows are tinted, and house is insulated. There are ceiling fans also installed in every room. It is good to be environmentally friendly and we did everything to comply with it. We have received a certificate for sustainable house but dont thing that there is a perfect house that you can survive in a hot weather. We have installed ducted super inverter and used that maybe 10 times between december and february. We would probably use more if we were at home during the day. cheers kate Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 10May 01, 2007 8:50 pm As far as Basix is concerned, you need to install the A/C with the star rating you have had approved.
"The Energy Rating Label was first introduced in 1986 in NSW and Victoria. It is now mandatory in all states and territories for refrigerators, freezer, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers and air-conditioners (single phase only) to carry the label when they are offered for sale. Three phase airconditioners may carry an energy label if the suppliers chooses to apply for one." If the proposed system does not have a star rating, it will not satisfy your Basix requirement, regardless of it's efficiency. Advantage Air should get their system star rated to sell more units if they are that good. Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 11May 02, 2007 6:44 am Is there anything to stop a Home Owner installing an Air Conditioner after the House is occupied, or are there BASIX Police patrolling the streets?
Isn't BASIX only relevant at the 'design stage' of construction? Re: Basix Issues - Advice needed 13May 02, 2007 3:55 pm Thanks guys,
I was told that Council come back after landscaping is complete to check the BASIX compliance. I'd have air-coniditioning in by then so I guess I have to specify the air-conditioner up front. Hi All, I engaged a tradie to install concrete retaining wall 600-800mm high over 32 meters in Victoria. Sleepers are 200*75*2000 mm installed over 17 steel posts. I… 0 6889 Building Standards; Getting It Right! Don't think they are designed for double brick. WA has a particular way of building and unfortunately that's the way a large amount of sills are finished. 3 6996 Thanks for your reply. I will just wait and see I guess. Trying to get some more information from our builder. 9 30236 |