Why Two Homes Can Get Very Different Results from the Same Assessment
Home Energy Assessment

Why Two Homes Can Get Very Different Results from the Same Assessment

Two homes can look almost identical yet receive very different Home Energy Assessment results. This blog explains why construction details, insulation levels, heating systems and how a home is lived in all affect outcomes — and why your assessment is designed to reflect your home, not your neighbour’s.
Published on 02 February 2026 : Updated 30 January • 5 minute read

Why similar homes don’t perform the same


It’s common to assume that homes on the same street will perform similarly. In reality, energy performance depends on many hidden details. A Home Energy Assessment looks beyond appearances to understand how heat moves through your specific home.

Even small differences can add up to very different results.

Construction type and build details


Homes may look alike but be built years apart or to different standards. Wall construction, roof structure, floor type and materials all affect heat loss. Changes made over time — such as extensions or renovations — also influence performance.

These construction details form the baseline for your assessment.

Insulation levels and quality


Insulation varies more than most people expect. One home may have upgraded attic insulation, while another has thin, uneven or compressed coverage. Wall insulation can also differ greatly depending on the age and structure of the property.

The assessment identifies what insulation is present, how effective it is, and where improvements would have the biggest impact.
Why Two Homes Can Get Very Different Results from the Same Assessment

Draughts, ventilation and airtightness


Uncontrolled air leakage around doors, windows, floors and attic hatches can significantly reduce comfort. Ventilation also plays a key role — too little can affect air quality, while too much can increase heat loss.

These factors are specific to each home and often explain why results differ.

Heating systems and controls


Two homes with similar insulation can perform very differently depending on their heating systems. Older boilers, limited controls or poor zoning reduce efficiency compared to modern systems with proper temperature control.

The assessment considers how heat is generated, controlled and distributed throughout the home.

Layout, orientation and exposure


The shape and position of a home matters. End-of-terrace and detached homes lose more heat through external walls. North-facing elevations, exposed sites and corner rooms are also more prone to heat loss.

This is why floor area alone does not determine results.
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How the home is lived in


A Home Energy Assessment reflects real-life use. Heating patterns, hot water demand and ventilation habits all help build an accurate picture of performance.

The goal is not comparison or judgement — it’s understanding how your home works day to day.

What the assessment is designed to do


A Home Energy Assessment is not about matching another home’s result. It is about giving you clear, tailored guidance based on your home’s condition today.

This is why two similar homes can receive:
  • Different BER results
  • Different upgrade priorities
  • Different improvement pathways

All of this helps remove guesswork.

What happens next


After your assessment, you receive a clear report explaining:


  • How your home is performing
  • Where energy is being lost
  • Which upgrades make sense now or later

There is no obligation to proceed. The assessment gives you clarity first, so you can make informed decisions when the time is right.

Understanding why results differ helps set realistic expectations — and ensures any future upgrades are based on what your home actually needs

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Mary Hilda Hurley, Retrofit Expert
Published on 02 February 2026: Updated 30 January • 5 minute read
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John and Brenda wanted a warmer, more efficient home as they looked ahead to retirement.

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