Building energy rating - Your questions answered :

If you have more detailed questions please contact : 01 5242062

Who carrys 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(SEI).

What happens during an assessment ?
Each assessment is 'site specfic' 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 inputed to a computer programme during the energy rating inspection. The entire on site portion of the survey can take between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size and age of the property.

Why am I obligated to get a certificate?
As part of the Directive, a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate will be required at the point of sale or rental of a building, or on completion of a new building.

What does a survey provide me with?
a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate, which is effectively an energy label. The BER will be accompanied by an "Advisory Report" setting out recommendations for cost-effective improvements to the energy performance of the building. However there will be no legal obligation on vendors or prospective purchasers to carry out the recommended improvements.

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(included in the total price given to you for the inspection by Conspect). 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.

Can I improve the energy performance of my home before the inspection is carried out ?
Yes, We have broken down the 'Green energy' products and systems that Conspect supply into 2 main catagories: Energy creation products such as Solar panels and heat exchangers etc. all of which have grants available. The second catagory is Energy saving products and systems such as insulation and air tightedness or lighting etc. Some of these have grants available but they are low cost methods of retaining the energy used in your home.
Click on the link for Energy saving products to get information on some simple low cost methods of improving the energy and heat retention values of your property. Collectivly these improvements can provide you with a better energy rating result making your property more attractive to a potential buyer.