Q. How is BER Calculated ?

• A BER is based on the characteristics of major components of the dwelling( Wall, Roof & Floor dimensions, window and door sizes & orientation) as well as the construction type and levels of insulation, ventilation,air tightness to name a few. This is fed into Software Programme DEAP to give energy rating from A1 to G being the least efficient.

Q. Who is entitled to a BER

• A seller must provide BER to prospective buyer or tenant when a home is constructed, sold, or rented under the following circumstances.
• New homes where planning permission was applied for on or after1st Jan.2008.
•  All homes for sale or rent on or after 1st Jan. 2009
• Certain exemptions apply to protected structures etc. (Ref.S.I.No.666 of 2006)

There are fines up to €5,000 for non compliance

Q. Who carries out a BER assessment ?

BER assessments are carried out by Registered BER assessors who have been trained under the national framework of qualifications and have registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Able Energy Ratings.ie assessors must adhere to the BER assessors code of conduct.

Q.How will it save me money ?

Along with the BER certificate from Able Energy Ratings .ie you will also recieve an advisory report which will help you to identify how you might improve the efficiency.

Q.What ways can I improve my BER

Able Energy Ratings .ie  upoun completion of the assessment will issue an advisory report. The main areas that we find the vast majority of improvments may be found are,but not restricted to.

• Increasing the insulation in the walls, attic, floors.
• Fitting energy efficient windows & orientation.
• Ventilation
• Lighting
• Replacing inefficient boiler with more efficient one.
• more controls on heating system
• lagging of pipework
• Draught proofing opes
• Installing renewable source of energy

Q.How long is a BER valid for ?

 A BER is valid for up to 10 years provided there is no material change to the dwelling that could affect its energy performance. The maximum term for  a provisional BER is 2 years.

Q. What is a provisional BER

New homes offered for sale off the plans also require a BER. In these cases,a provisional BER will be issued by Able Energy Ratings .ie upoun the design drawings and building specifications. When the home is completed, a BER based on assessment of the final drawings and building specifications, which represent the house as constructed, is required.This BER must be supplied by the developer/builder on completion of any such homes sold off plans.

Q. How much will this cost ?

Assessors are charged a fee of €25 to submit to SEI for publication on the National Register BER.There is no set fee and assessors will price each job individually depending on size, roof type, access to documents on U- values on products used in dwelling.At present Able Energy Ratings .ie  primarily works soley within the Dublin Area incorporating south Leinster,by 2011 we would hope to expand to whole of Ireland as such our fee base is very competive due to the fact that we are aiming to be the No. 1 assessors within the country. Give us a call for a quotation today.