A.K. Property Services now offer Building Energy Rating (BER) certification services for properties all over Ireland. BER's will be required for new and existing buildings offered for sale or rent.
- What is a BER?
- Who will carry out a BER?
A BER assessment can only be carried out by an approved assessor who has undergone the necessary training and received their certification and registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).
- When is an Energy Rating legally required?
From 1st January 2009, BER's will be required for new and existing dwellings offered for sale or rent.
- What are the legal implications for non compliance?
There is a maximum fine of up to €5,000 for not getting a Building Energy Rating when required.
- How is a BER calculated?
BER takes into account values relating to building fabric, ventilation, space and water heating, and lighting. These values, including information taken from consultants drawings, are assessed and calculated from which a BER energy rating for the property is established.
- How can I improve my Energy Rating?
The Building Energy Rating Certificate is issued with an accompanying advisory report. This report sets out recommendations as to what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Typical recommendations being:- Increasing and or providing insulation in walls, attic & floors
- Upgrading windows/doors.
- Improve ventilation with your home
- Examine boiler efficiency and upgrade / replace Installing modern heating controls such as electronic time controlled stats.
- Consider installing renewable energy heating systems such as solar panels, heat pumps, pellet stoves
- Increasing and or providing insulation on hot water cylinder and pipe work
The advisory report will benefit all home buyers and home owners. It is particularly useful to those who have just purchased an existing dwelling which they plan to renovate in their early stages of occupancy. This report will also set out ways to use energy efficiently in your home.
A Building Energy Rating (BER) is a label, similar to efficiency ratings often displayed on such electrical items as fridges, freezers, and washing machines. A BER indicates the energy rating of a property and is expressed in the form of performance bands or categories, 'A' being the most energy efficient to 'G' being the least energy efficient. ‘C1’ rating is the minimum standard to which new homes must achieve in order to comply with current legislation. Much like in the planning system, a national record of BER’s will be published online for viewing by the public at any time.