BUILDING ENERGY RATINGS (BER’s)

BER Certification Donegal

A Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate shows the energy performance of your home. A BER certificate rates your home’s energy performance on a grading scale from A to G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and cost less to heat than G-rated homes, which are the least energy efficient.

The survey process takes 45 minutes to one and a half hours, depending on the size of your home. The assessor will record the type of heating system, ventilation system and the insulation in the walls, floors and attic. The type of doors and windows are also recorded.

The house dimensions, orientation, heating and hot water source, ventilation, lighting and insulation are inputted into DEAP (Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure) software, which calculates the energy performance and carbon dioxide emissions of your home. A BER does not include electricity used, other than heating, pumps, lighting and fans. Therefore, the energy used for electrical appliances, for example, washing machines, tumble dryers, cookers, fridges, computers etc are excluded.

See our Frequently Asked Questions on BER Certs

Call Gerard on 086 274 2482

Who needs a BER?

If you are selling or renting your house, the owner must provide a BER to prospective buyers/ tenants. The BER rating must be included on the advertisements for the sale or rent of a property. There are exemptions for certain building categories e.g. a protected structure.
Before you move into a new home for the first time the homeowner must obtain a Final BER.
If you have applied for an individual grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) a BER is needed following the completion of works. More information can be obtained on www.seai.ie.
Please note, if you are applying for an individual heat pump grant or through a One Stop Shop Provider a technical assessment is required prior to undertaking any work.
Homeowners often undertake a BER prior to beginning retrofit work. The BER assessor will identify the current BER rating of the home, and the advisory report will provide measures that a homeowner can take to increase the energy efficiency of their property. This can be very beneficial as it can be used as a road map when deciding on retrofitting measures to incorporate into their project.
A ‘green mortgage’ is a mortgage where the loan provider offers lower interest rates to people who are buying or currently living in a more energy efficient home. At present, in most cases to qualify for a green mortgage application, you need to be buying a home with a BER of at least B3 or higher. This is also the same for people who are moving lending providers. Further details can be obtained from your loan provider.

Advisory Report

You will also receive an Advisory Report when you get a Building Energy Rating (BER) on your home. The advisory report provides you, the homeowner with a personalised roadmap on how to upgrade your home to achieve a BER rating of B2 or higher in line with Government objectives. The advisory report identifies potential energy performance improvements that could lead to better comfort levels, reduced energy use and therefore reducing your energy costs.

Advice from your BER Assessor

EnerRating are here to help you understand your BER Certificate and Advisory Report. We can guide you through the different measures recommended and steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. We are very passionate about reducing energy use in your home for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions about BER Certification Donegal

What is a Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate?

A BER rating shows the energy efficiency of a property. A BER is calculated based on the amount of energy your home requires for space heating, hot water heating, ventilation, the building fabric and lighting. Homes are rated on a scale from A-G, with A being the most efficient rating that you can achieve, and G being the least energy efficient rating for a home.

How is my Building Energy Rating (BER) calculated?

Data on the dimension, orientation, heating and hot water source, ventilation, lighting and insulation is entered into DEAP (Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure) software. This calculates the energy performance and carbon dioxide emissions of your home.

Does a BER include electricity use?

A BER does not include electricity used other than heating, pumps, lighting and fans. The energy used for electrical appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, cookers, fridges and computers is excluded.

Why would I need a BER Certificate?

Selling or renting your house;
Moving into your new build home;
If you have applied for individual grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), a BER is required following the completion of works (e.g. solar, insulation, heating controls).
Homeowners often undertake a BER prior to beginning of a retrofit or energy efficiency work.
Applying for a “green mortgage” with your lending provider which ensures a lower monthly mortgage repayment.

How do I get a BER Assessment on my home in Donegal

You can contact EnerRating by phone at 086 274 2482 or email at gerard@enerrating.ie for a no obligation quote.

What should I expect when a BER Assessor from EnerRating calls to my home?

During the BER assessment, the BER assessor will collect information from your home which will include calculations, measurements and photographic evidence.
To collect this information, your BER assessor requires access to all areas of your home including the attic, lighting systems, ventilation, meter cupboards, heating systems and controls, hot press and all doors and windows.

How long will the BER Assessment take?

The survey will take between 45 to 90 minutes depending on the size/ complexity of your property.

What do I receive When my BER Assessment is complete?

After the assessment, you will receive a BER certificate and advisory report. The BER certificate will show the BER rating of your home, and the advisory report will provide recommendations for home improvements that could increase the energy efficiency of your home.

How long will it take to receive my BER Certificate?

It usually takes 3 to 5 working days. You will also receive an advisory report. The advisory report will detail the best energy saving improvements for your home. Here at EnerRating we are happy to discuss the recommendations contained in the advisory report.

How much does a BER Assessment cost in Donegal?

A BER rating for a 3 bed semi-detached/bungalow is €249 and for other homes is €295. This fee is inclusive of all costs. For larger properties or properties with extensions, there may be additional charges. Call us for a quick quote over the phone.

How much does a final BER cost?

A final BER is carried out on a ‘new dwelling’ following its completion and often just before the homeowners move in. The costing for a final BER is between €390 and €450 depending on the size and complexity of the house.

How long is a BER Certificate valid for?

A BER certificate is valid for 10 years as long as there are no major changes to the property that would alter the homes energy performance.

Will i receive advice from my BER Assessor if i have questions?

EnerRating are here to help you understand your BER Certificate and Advisory Report. We will advise on the different measures recommended and the steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. We are passionate about helping you reduce the energy use in your home for you and your family.