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BER ENERGY RATING ASSESSMENTS

What is a BER ?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) is an evaluation of the energy performance of a building using a scale of A to G and is calculated in energy used per square meter per year (kWh/m2/yr).Similar in its format to that given to new fridges and washing machines, where 'A' being most efficient and 'G' the least. It makes the energy performance of a home visible to prospective buyers and tenants to enable them to take the energy performance and running costs into consideration when deciding to buy (or rent)a particular property. Following the energy assessment of a property the BER cert. is sent to the homeowner accompanied by an advisory report on how they can improve the energy rating of their home. It will highlight the areas that are losing heat while giving examples of steps and technology that will best suit the particular home to gain a higher rating while lowering the overall running cost.

- A SAMPLE ENERGY RATING CERTIFICATE

Who needs a certificate ?
From 1st of January 2009' a BER certificate is compulsory for all homes being sold or rented. If you are buying or renting a house or apartment you are entitled to a BER cert. so make sure to ask the seller, landlord or agent for it. The BER legislation has applied to newly built homes since January 2007 but it is now enforced for all properties new or existing.

What is the certificate used for ?
Whether you are an existing homeowner or a prospective buyer the BER cert. will provide detailed information on the performance of a building taking into account several factors such as heating and ventilation systems installed, type and quality of walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, insulation and draught proofing, etc, It is best used to judge the running costs for a building / home and record the carbon emissions from heating it.

Is an advisory report provided with the BER certificate ?
The report will give you site specific information on the best technologies to deliver a more energy efficient home. The directive is in place to improve the energy performance of buildings while developing common construction standards across Europe that benefit our environment. The report will give you site specific information on the best technologies or renewed / upgraded parts of the building will provide you with a more energy efficient home.

Who carries out the energy rating inspection process ?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) is carried out by an independent energy assessor local to your area. All of the assessors are registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland(SEAI). Contact The Solar Panel People and you will receive a call back from our local approved assessor in your area to provide you with details of the process, prices and availability etc.

What happens during an assessment ?
Each assessment is 'site specific' and involves the measurement of the energy performance of your home. The registered assessor will take several factors into consideration during their visit at the arranged appointment time. The type of heating and ventilation systems installed, the type and quality of walls, windows, roof, floors, doors and insulation are all taken into account. Draught proofing and even light bulbs are even factored in also, this information is inputted to a computer program during the energy rating inspection. The onsite portion of the survey can take between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size and age of the property.

How long before the energy rating certificate is sent out ?
The information gathered during the visit is used to work out the energy rating of your home, this is forwarded by the inspector to the SEI with a fee for your cert. Your BER cert. is sent out by post a week to ten days after the inspection. Altogether the process takes about 2 weeks from the time you contact us first.

To find out further information on quality BER assessments from a local approved Energy rating assessor contact:
The Solar Panel People Ltd :
- Dublin: 01 - 5242062     Midlands: 044 - 9222724
- solarpanelpeople@gmail.com