BER / Energy Ratings

Please note we no longer carry out Energy Ratings but please see information below which may answer some of your queries.

The property needs to be fully surveyed. This will normally take one and a half hours, longer if your property is larger than average.

An example of the details required are:

  • Storey heights.
  • Floor area.
  • Floor type.
  • Wall thickness.
  • Insulation thickness.
  • Boiler type.
  • Window measurements.
  • No. of chimneys, vents, flues.
  • Property orientation.
  • Details timers, thermostats etc.
  • Details of hot water tank.
  • Photograph the property.

Take the mprn number of the property from the owner. This can be found on most electricity bills.

Once the details are taken they need to be input into a software system to determine the rating. Once the cert is produced an advisory report is also included. This is just an “advisory” report, it is not a list of “things to do”.

The cert is valid for ten years as long as there are no large changes to the property such as an extension or a change of heating system etc.

In a nutshell, if you are selling, renting or adding an extension to your property, you are going to need an Energy Rating. This is not unlike the sticker that youenergyRating might see on the front of your new washing machine or cooker etc. The idea is very much the same. Properties are rated from “A” to “G”, “A” being the highest and “G” being the lowest. In the event that a property gets a low rating, you are not obliged to improve the rating or get it to any specific level however some councils require a minimum rating for house lettings, normally it is only a guide as to how efficient your property is.

If you are a Landlord, you should be able to provide your tenant with a copy of the certificate, which will inform them as to how efficient the house they are renting or wish to rent is. Of course the higher the rating the more attractive the property will be on the rental market.

If you are a seller, before your property is placed on the market for sale a certificate should be obtained as this will be required by your selling agent. The same principle applies, the more efficient your house is, the more interest it will generate.

Thankfully there are a number of simple ways of improving the efficiency of your home.

    • Turn down your thermostat: Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree can cut your fuel bill by up to 10%. The level of heat recommended for a living room is 21 degrees. Obviously, when at work or away, make sure your heating is turned down. When heating hot water, you don’t need it to be piping hot, if you can, set your hot water cylinder thermostat to 60 degrees centigrade.
    • Appliances: When buying a new appliance, whether it’s a bulb or large chest freezer, have a look at its energy label and purchase the highest rated appliance you can afford.
    • Insulation and windows: More than half your heat is lost through your walls, ceiling and especially your windows. Cavity wall insulation can be installed in your home for quite a reasonable cost and will save on your heating bills, as will making sure the insulation in your attic or ceiling is up to regulation (or higher)standard. With regard to your windows, it may be advisable to consider double or even triple glazed windows as people are always surprised as to how much heat actually escapes through them.
    • Turn off appliances: Especially lights, bills can be lowered just by turning off lights when the room is not being used. Anything that can be put on “standby”, turn it off, an appliance may be using up to 20% electricity just by being on standby.
    • Fit energy saving light bulbs: As, the heading says, fit energy saving light bulbs. They cost a little more but they last much longer and are far more efficient.
  • Higher cost energy saving suggestion for the home: Installing a high rated Condensing boiler which is very efficient and outperforms many other boilers. This should be seriously considered if your current boiler needs to be repaired or replaced. This measure could dramatically reduce your heating costs.

For more information on having your home rated, please give us a call or e-mail us. We also have a full list of Energy Rating frequently asked questions on our FAQ page including details of the BER (Building Energy Rating) system.

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