Understanding your home energy efficiency is key to helping you save money on bills. Achieving a B2 Rating will enable you to receive a Green mortgage with preferential interest rates. You can also receive a Green Loan and Grants from the SEAI to achieve this rating and secure your green mortgage.
So What Exactly Is A BER?
BER stands for Building Energy Rating, which is a measure of the performance of energy usage in your home. The rating works on a scale from A to G, with A rated homes being the most efficient.
A BER certificate is an indication of the energy performance of your home. Similar to the familiar energy labels for household appliances, a BER rates your home on a scale from A to G, with A-rated homes being the most energy-efficient and G-rated homes being the least.
The SEAI maintains a list of qualified BER Assessors who are able to complete the evaluation and issue certificates on a property. A typical assessment will cover:
- Insulation: The quality of wall, roof, and floor insulation.
- Windows and Doors: Their type and thermal performance.
- Heating System: The efficiency of your boiler, radiators, and controls.
- Ventilation: How well your home is ventilated to prevent heat loss while maintaining air quality.
- Renewable Energy Systems: The presence of solar panels, heat pumps, or other renewable technologies.
Included in this the assessor will also issue a certificate on the property.
Arranging Your BER Assessment: Simple and Affordable
Getting a BER assessment for your property is a straightforward process. We can arrange your BER assessment for a competitive price of €300.
As for any measure under the SEAI Grant scheme, a post works BER is needed, therefore it is often best to arrange to complete a Low Cost High Impact Upgrade, such as attic insulation. Once completed you will not only start saving but will get a fully completed assessment and €50 of grant assistance towards the cost of the assessment.
Achieving B2 for Green Mortgages
One of the most compelling reasons to improve your BER rating, and specifically to aim for a B2 or higher, is the increasing availability and attractiveness of green mortgages.
Green mortgages are designed to reward homeowners whose properties demonstrate strong energy efficiency. Lenders offer preferential interest rates or other benefits to properties with a BER of B2 or better. This is because energy-efficient homes are considered lower risk – they have lower running costs, making them more affordable to live in and less susceptible to fluctuating energy prices.
Achieving a B2 rating can translate into substantial savings over the lifetime of your mortgage, making your property not only more environmentally friendly but also more financially viable. The advisory report from your BER assessment will highlight specific areas where you can make improvements to reach this crucial B2 threshold.
Invest in Your Home's Future
A BER energy rating is more than just a certificate; it's a valuable tool for understanding, improving, and benefiting from your home's energy performance. Whether you're looking to reduce your energy bills, increase your property's value, or unlock the advantages of a green mortgage, taking the step to get your home assessed is a smart investment in your future. Contact us today to arrange your BER assessment and start your journey towards a more energy-efficient and financially rewarding home.
Find out more on SEAI grants here: www.arate.ie/grants
