Horizon Windows

38+ Google Reviews

Need Interior Design Solutions?

From built-in wardrobes to bespoke kitchen designs, our sister company Horizon Bespoke Joinery crafts perfect storage solutions to complement your home interior.

Close

What is a BER Rating Certificate?

ber energy rating

A BER (Building Energy Rating) Certificate is an official document that measures the energy efficiency of a building. It rates your property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), helping you understand its energy performance.

Do You Have a Custom Project?

Book a free consultation to find the perfect insulation solution for your home.

FREE QUOTE REQUEST

The certificate includes: 

Energy performance indicator (kWh/m²/year) – Shows how much energy your building consumes per square meter annually. 

Carbon dioxide emissions (kgCO₂/m²/year) – Indicates the environmental impact of your property. 

Recommendations for improvement – Suggests cost-effective upgrades to enhance energy efficiency. 

A BER assessment is conducted by a certified assessor who evaluates factors like insulation, heating systems, and ventilation. If you’re selling or renting a property in many countries (like Ireland), a valid BER certificate is legally required. 

The rating scale is standardized, with A1 being the highest (most efficient) and G the lowest (least efficient). The better the rating, the lower your energy costs and environmental footprint. 

If you want to improve your BER rating, the certificate will guide you on where to focus, such as adding insulation or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. 

What is a Good BER Rating?

A good BER Rating is A or B, which means your property is very energy efficient. The ratings range from A1 (best) to G (least efficient), so an A or B rating indicates lower energy costs and a smaller environmental impact. If you want to check more about improving your BER rating, be sure to check out how to improve your BER rating.

Why Do I Need a BER Rating Certificate?

You need a BER Rating Certificate because it is a legal requirement when selling, renting, or building a property, and it helps you understand the energy efficiency of your building.

This certificate provides you with a clear rating of how much energy your home or building consumes, from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Having a BER certificate helps you identify ways to reduce energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. It also informs potential buyers or tenants about the expected energy expenses and environmental impact, making your property more transparent and appealing. Without a valid BER certificate, you may face legal penalties or delays in property transactions. 

How Do You get a BER Rating Certificate?

To get a BER Rating Certificate, you need to hire a certified BER assessor who will inspect your property and calculate its energy performance.

Here’s how you can get your BER certificate step by step: 

Find a Certified BER Assessor: Look for a qualified and accredited professional authorized to carry out BER assessments. 

Schedule an Assessment: Arrange a convenient time for the assessor to visit your property. 

Property Inspection: During the visit, the assessor examines key elements like insulation, heating systems, windows, ventilation, and lighting. 

Data Analysis: The assessor inputs the collected data into official software that calculates the building’s energy rating. 

Receive the BER Certificate: Once the calculation is complete, you receive the official BER certificate showing the energy rating from A to G. 

Keep the Certificate Ready: You will need to present this certificate when selling, renting, or building a property. 

Getting a BER certificate is straightforward, and the assessor handles the technical details to ensure your property’s energy efficiency is accurately measured. 

What is the Cost of the BER Rating Certificate?

The cost of a BER Rating Certificate typically ranges from €100 to €300 for residential properties, depending on the size and location of the home. For small homes, it usually costs between €100 and €150, medium-sized homes range from €150 to €250, and larger homes can cost up to €300. Commercial properties may cost more, often between €310 and €700 based on complexity.

How Long is an BER Rating Certificate valid?

A BER Rating Certificate is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. After this period, you will need to get a new assessment to ensure the energy rating reflects any changes or improvements made to the property.

Follow our blog page for expert advice and knowledge about windows and doors.