How is a BER carried out?
The SEAI registered BER Assessor must carry out a full building survey in order to record the major physical components of the building, and the construction materials used. This includes: insulation levels; window types; ventilation features; air-tightness; details of the installed building services systems (heating, hot water generation, lighting, etc.). This information will then be used to generate the BER, which represents the energy performance of the dwelling. This gives a realistic simulation of annual energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting and associated pumps and fans, etc. All BER assessors are required to follow a standardised procedure using an approved survey and calculation methodology in order to generate the rating. A BER of an existing dwelling being offered for sale or letting on or after 1st January 2009 must be carried out by a registered BER assessor, at the expense of the owner – who must provide the resulting BER certificate and advis
