If you’ve ever thought about selling, renting, or upgrading your home, you’ve probably come across the term BER. For homeowners in Ireland, improving your BER (Building Energy Rating) isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s a smart move to save money on energy bills, increase property value, and make your home more comfortable.
With the right energy upgrades, like insulation, heat pumps, and airtightness, you can significantly boost your BER and take advantage of available grants to help fund the process. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about improving your BER rating and how EcoVision can make it simple.
What is a BER Rating and Why Does It Matter?
A BER rating measures the energy efficiency of a home, graded on a scale from A to G:
- A-rated homes are the most energy-efficient and cost less to run.
- G-rated homes are the least efficient, meaning higher energy bills and more heat loss.
Your BER rating is important because:
- It’s required if you’re selling or renting your home.
- A higher rating increases your home’s value and appeal to buyers.
- It highlights areas where your home is wasting energy, helping you prioritise improvements.
Top Energy Upgrades to Improve Your BER Rating
Here are the key upgrades that can make a big difference to your home’s BER:
1. Upgrade Your Insulation
Poor insulation is one of the main reasons for heat loss in homes. Upgrading the insulation in your walls, roof, and floors helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Example: Adding attic insulation can boost your BER rating by up to 20% and significantly lower heating bills.
2. Improve Airtightness
Gaps and draughts around doors, windows, and walls let heat escape, making your heating system work harder. Sealing these gaps and improving airtightness helps your home retain heat more efficiently.
Tip: Combine airtightness improvements with ventilation upgrades to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
3. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Replacing single-glazed or older windows and doors with modern, energy-efficient alternatives reduces heat loss and improves your BER.
4. Switch to a Heat Pump
Old, inefficient heating systems waste energy and cost more to run. Replacing them with an air-to-water heat pump or similar energy-efficient system can drastically reduce energy consumption and improve your BER.
How SEAI Grants Can Help Improve Your BER Rating
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants to help homeowners cover the cost of energy upgrades. Grants are available for:
- Insulation (walls, roof, and floors)
- Heat pump systems
- Energy-efficient windows and doors
- Airtightness improvements
- BER assessments
With these grants, improving your BER rating is far more affordable, and you can see a return on investment through lower energy bills.
EcoVision’s Step-by-Step Process for Improving Your BER
Improving your home’s BER rating can feel overwhelming, but EcoVision makes the process simple. Here’s how we work:
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your home’s current energy performance, estimated costs, and available SEAI grants.
Step 2 – Energy Audit
We’ll schedule a detailed energy audit to identify where your home is losing energy and recommend the most effective upgrades.
Step 3 – Report
You’ll receive a clear, easy-to-understand report outlining the best upgrades to improve your BER, tailored to your budget and needs.
Step 4 – Quotation & Grant Application
We’ll source competitive quotes from SEAI-approved contractors and handle the grant application process on your behalf.
Step 5 – Grant Approval & Project Kickoff
Once your grant is approved, we’ll schedule the work. If needed, EcoVision can provide bridging for the grant amount to keep the project moving.
Step 6 – Project Supervision
Our project manager oversees everything to ensure high standards, with quality checks throughout and a final inspection.
Step 7 – Grant Disbursement
Once the upgrades are complete, the SEAI grant is processed. If you’ve paid upfront, the grant amount will be passed back to you.
Step 8 – Completion & Handover
Your project finishes with a new BER assessment and a full handover pack, including your updated BER certificate.
Why Improve Your BER with EcoVision?
At EcoVision, we make upgrading your home easy and stress-free. Here’s why homeowners in Tipperary, Clare, and Limerick choose us:
- SEAI Expertise: We’ll help you secure grants and manage the entire process.
- Tailored Solutions: Every home is different, so we recommend upgrades that suit your needs and budget.
- Trusted Professionals: We work with SEAI-approved contractors to ensure top-quality results.
With EcoVision, improving your home’s BER is simple, affordable, and guaranteed to deliver results.
Ready to Improve Your BER Rating and Save on Energy Bills?
Let EcoVision help you boost your BER rating, reduce energy bills, and increase your home’s value. Register your interest today and start saving.
