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What is a BER cert?
BER stands for Building Energy Rating. A BER cert measures the overall energy performance of a building and allows the comparison of the energy performance of different dwellings on a like-for-like basis. It helps you to understand the energy efficiency of a home and can be used as an indicator of the running costs and carbon emissions associated with heating the home to a comfortable level.
The rating scale rates the home on a scale from A-G and looks similar to an energy rating label for household appliances. Homes with an A rating are the most energy-efficient and comfortable. They generally have the lowest energy bills. Homes with a G rating are the least energy-efficient. They generally require a lot of energy to heat the house and have the highest energy bills.
When is a BER Cert required?
If you are building a new home, or selling or letting an existing property, it is required by law to have a BER Cert. Exemptions apply to listed (protected) buildings of outstanding architectural or historical importance & places or worship. If you are about to buy or rent a house or apartment you are entitled to a copy of the BER Cert from the builder/owner/agent (click here to see what a BER cert looks like)
Along with the BER Cert, an advisory report is issued with upgrade recommendations. There is no obligation to make any of the recommended improvements from the advisory report.
What are the benefits of having a BER Cert?
Understand your home’s energy performance - a BER shows how energy-efficient your home is, making it easier to see where energy is being used and lost.
Lower energy bills - the assessment identifies opportunities to reduce heating and electricity costs through improvements.
Reduce environmental impact - improving your BER lowers carbon emissions and supports a more sustainable home.
Increase property value and appeal - homes with better energy ratings are more attractive to buyers and renters.
Access to SEAI grants - a BER is often required to qualify for SEAI home energy upgrade grants. (SEAI Grant Link)
Improve comfort - energy upgrades recommended in the report can help create a warmer, more comfortable home (Link to SEAI's energy upgrades guide)
Can I get a BER Cert on my house even if it is not required?
Absolutely, energy efficiency only has positives; both to you and the environment. You can see how energy-efficient your home really is and find ways to cut energy bills. The assessment highlights where heat is being lost and what changes could make your home warmer, more comfortable, and save you money.
As a trained registered BER assessor and with 20 years experience in design and building with energy saving methodologies, I can give unbiased advice that suits your home. The report includes clear recommendations based on your specific house. Plan any upgrades with confidence, a BER helps you decide where to spend money for the best results. An energy-efficient home costs less to run in the long term, and adds value to your property. And these measures lower your home’s impact on the environment, using less energy helps reduce carbon emissions.
How long is a BER Cert valid?
A BER Cert is generally valid for 10 years. this can become void sooner if you make significant changes to the property that affect its energy performance, EG. adding an extension, upgrading a heating system, or installing new windows. A Provisional BER, for unbuilt homes, is only valid for 2 years.
How long does the survey take?
The time taken to do the site survey depends on the size and complexity of the property. It can take from between 1 to 3 hours. It is unintrusive and not disruptive to your home.
What information will I need to have ready for the BER?
Property address, MPRN, and age of construction.
What information is ideal to have for the BER? (dont worry if this sounds complex, you're builder/installer will have it)
If you can, information on the make and model of your boiler and/or other heat sources.
If applicable, proof of any insulation upgrades (documentation, certifications, receipts, invoices and/or signed as-built specification documents (drawings or written) from the architect, engineer or contractor who managed the works, that indicate who the signee is, the address of the dwelling, the works carried out, and the products used. (e.g. for wall insulation this would include the wall area covered, the insulation type/product certificate, and the thickness of insulation used)
If applicable, proof of any window & door upgrades - certification information for windows and doors. (e.g. for windows, certification information should be in english and include the make, model, glazing, u-value of overall window and solar transmittance value of the glass g⊥). Accredited certification includes: NSAI WEP (Window Energy Performance), or BFRC.
If applicable, any air test results - (performed by accredited tester (NSAI or INAB ) - IS EN ISO 9972).
If applicable, information on any heat pump installed - Ecodesign data, EN16147 data and designer/installer sign-off sheet for heat pumps (including heating design sheets & radiator technical data sheets).
When should you engage a BER Assessor?
The sooner the better. Provisional BER’s can be performed off drawings before any construction work has started and can ensure proposed work is correctly specified to achieve required results. Also products checked and specified correctly, so as to have the required documents to be included in the BER and ultimately perform as you the user intends. Also to ensure that builders, sub contractors & installers will provide correct documentary evidence when designing and installing insulation, and heating and ventilation systems.
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