Residential BER: How To Improve and Boost Your Building Energy Rating (BER)
If you’re considering an energy efficient home or thinking of making improvements to your current residence – you must have come across the term BER multiple times.
To help you understand BER better, we have compiled a list of BER questions that we often encounter.
To install the right solar panel for your home, search for residential solar installation near me, get in touch with OneRoof Solar and receive your quotation instantly.
What Is Building Energy Rating (BER)?
BER is the acronym for A Building Energy Rating. It shows the energy performance of your home through a BER report, which also includes recommendations for improvements. The efficiency of your home’s energy is rated on a scale of A – G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient.
The higher your BER, the more efficient your energy consumption. For instance, an A-rated house conserves the heat better. Hence, the amount of fuel consumed is also lower. In short, A-rated homes will benefit from low energy costs, while G-rated homes will attract high energy bills.
TIP: As renowned solar installers Darwin, we always recommend aiming for a B2 rating, while planning for home energy upgrades. This gives you the most savings out of your investment by reducing heat loss.
Important Read: Solar Panel Installation Darwin: Is Solar Worth It in Darwin?
Why Do You Need One?
Any home which is put up for sale or rent in Ireland requires a BER certificate and details to be included in the advertisement when the property is on the market.
Since January 2013, it has been made compulsory for all homes, especially new dwellings, to ensure they are built with energy-efficient designs, materials and appliances that are in line with the Government’s Sustainable Energy Policy.
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to arrange for a BER assessment. With that said, if you are planning to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency level, the SEAI suggests starting with a BER assessment. This will help you understand where your property stands on an A – G efficiency scale, and you can determine to upgrade your priorities accordingly.
How Do You Get One?
To get your residential BER certificate, you need to get an assessment from SEAI-registered BER assessors. Experienced solar installers Darwin of One Roof Solar can help you.
They will come to your property and conduct a survey (which typically takes about an hour ) to ascertain how much energy your residence requires for heating and lightning.
After the assessment, you will be provided with a BER Certificate and an Advisory Report.
How Long Is a BER Certificate Valid?
A BER certificate is valid for 10 years, provided there are no major modifications or alterations to your home that could affect the energy performance. New properties sold off-plan can get provisional BER certificate based on the home design – which is valid for two years.
How to Improve Your Residential BER?
Improving the Building Energy Rating (BER) of your home will increase comfort, reduce your energy and heating costs and even increase the resale value of your property. Additionally, it will help you reduce your carbon footprint.
Tips To Improve Your BER
OneRoof Solar, your trusted residential solar installation company in Darwin, suggests making the following changes in your home to witness an improved BER:
- Replace or Seal old Windows
Heat loss from old, inefficient windows and glazing is common. Draught stripping can help with this, but replacing all windows or installing energy-efficient glazing will be a better option and yield the highest overall savings.
- Choose Low Energy Lightening
If you want to see a noticeable difference in your electricity bills, replace old inefficient bulbs with low-energy LED lights.
- Check your Ventilation
Install chimney balloons in your fireplace and encourage better airflow. This not only helps reduce drought but also helps keep the heat in when it is not in use.
- Get a Lagging Jacket
Get your hot water cylinder a lagging jacket. This will keep the water warmer for longer, save money and improve your BER rating.
What Grants and Financial Help Are Available For Homeowners?
For homeowners and those undertaking self-built, the SEAI offers a range of Home Energy Grants, including the following:
- Insulation – up to €8,000
- Heating Controls – up to €700
- Heat Pump Systems – up to €6,500
- Solar PV panels – up to €2,100
- Solar Water Heating – up to €1,200
Care should always be taken when it comes to energy consumption and savings. To get more detailed information on how to improve your BER rating, Google “residential solar installation near me” and get in touch with OneRoof Solar today. They are specialists in commercial and residential solar installation Alice Springs. They will not only help you with your solar installation but also help you choose the right solar panel for your home.
