Building Energy Ratings: A quick guide

Building Energy Ratings:  A quick guide

A Building Energy Rating (BER) evaluates your home based on how energy efficient it is. The scale goes from A to bottom of the class G, with A-rated homes being the most energy efficient and G-rated homes the least.

What are the benefits of a good BER?

The better your BER, the more energy efficient your home is. Homes with a good BER rating will have lower energy bills, lower Co2 emissions and stay warmer for longer.

How is your BER calculated?

A BER assesses the amount of energy your home uses for things such as heating and lighting. It does not measure the energy spent on washing machines etc.

The BER calculation is based on the fabric of the building and does not consider the number of people living in the home.

Why do I need a BER certificate?

Your BER certificate will tell you the energy efficiency rating of your home and now all new homeowners must have a BER certificate. You also need to have a BER certificate if you are selling or renting your home and all ads for selling the property must include your BER rating.

How long does my BER certificate last?

Your certificate is valid for 10 years unless you make structural changes to your house or heating system, in which case you need to get a new assessment and BER certificate.

How do I find out the BER for my house?

If you cannot find it online, you can hire an approved BER assessor to survey your home and calculate the BER. They will inspect and survey your home using specialist software which measures the energy efficiency and CO2 emissions of your gas or oil burner.

What does a BER assessment involve?

The inspection normally takes about an hour depending on the size of your home. As part of the inspection, your assessor completes a survey of each room in the home, including the attic and garage, if you have them.

The type of information they record includes:

The year the property was built and when any extensions were added.

The insulation levels in the walls, roof, and floor

The type of building (for example, detached, semi-detached)

The dimensions of your rooms, windows, and doors

Details about your baths and showers

Details about your water heating system, ventilation system and lighting

Details about any renewable energy sources

They will then be able to calculate the annual energy use for heating, lighting, and ventilating your home. When the assessment is complete, your assessor will give you a BER certificate and an advisory report.

The BER certificate tells you the BER rating of your home and the advisory report gives you recommendations on how to improve your BER.

How much does a BER assessment cost?

The price of a BER assessment can vary depending on the supplier and the size of your home. The cost for an apartment is around €150, while the cost for a standard house is between €200 and €300.

How can I improve my BER if the rating is poor?

As part of your BER assessment, you will receive an advisory report. This will give you recommendations on how you can improve energy efficiency in your home.

You can improve your BER by upgrading the insulation in your home and making other changes. You may be able to get a grant from the SEAI to help with these.

What does BER exempt mean?

Some buildings do not need a BER certificate when they are being sold or rented. These buildings are called BER exempt and include some temporary buildings, industrial buildings, and protected structures such as an old Georgian house.

If a person requires legal assistance on a property sale/purchase matter from Property Solicitors, we can be contacted on  (052) 612 1999 or (01) 546 1121.