The Building Energy Rating, sometimes known as the BER, is a system of ratings that are utilized in Ireland to determine how energy-efficient homes are. If a home has a high BER rating, it is more energy-efficient and, as a result, uses less energy and has less environmental impact. There are a number of things you can do to increase your home’s energy efficiency and improve BER rating.
Improve Your Insulation
The quality of your insulation directly affects how pleasant and cost-effective your home will be to live in. Wall, attic, floor, and roof insulation, when placed correctly, can drastically cut heating and cooling costs. Fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam are just some of the insulation options available. When it comes to residential insulation, fiberglass batts are by far the most popular option. They may be set up quickly and at a low cost. Cellulose insulation, which is created from recycled paper, may be blown into walls and attics to fill spaces. Even though it’s the priciest option, spray foam insulation offers superior heat resistance and air-sealing performance.
Upgrade Your Windows
A home’s windows can be a major contributor to its heat intake or loss. Due to their age and potential lack of insulation, some windows can significantly increase monthly energy costs. Windows that are energy efficient might be a great way to increase insulation and cut down on costs. The most effective forms of window insulation are double or triple-pane designs with low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas fills. The use of heating and cooling systems can be minimized thanks to low-E coatings since they reflect heat back into the home during the winter and away from the home during the summer.
Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
About 15% of a typical home’s electrical bill goes toward lighting. If you want to lower your BER and save money, you should replace your lights with ones that use less energy. The energy consumption and lifespan of LED and CFL bulbs are far lower than those of incandescent bulbs. Although investing in energy-efficient light bulbs may cost more initially, the cost savings over time can add up to a considerable amount.
Upgrade Your Heating System
A large portion of the energy needed to keep your home warm comes from your heating system. You can lower your energy costs and raise your BER by upgrading to a more efficient heating system like a heat pump or high-efficiency furnace. High-efficiency furnaces are more economical to operate while yet producing the same amount of heat as traditional furnaces. Heat pumps are more efficient than conventional air conditioners and can be used for both heating and cooling. Heating systems that are well-maintained function more effectively and last longer.
Invest in Renewable Energy
Using renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines to power your home is a great way to save money and the environment. Although the upfront cost may be high, the potential for cost savings and environmental improvement over time may make it beneficial. Solar panels can be placed on the ground or a roof, and any energy not used can be sold back to the utility company.
Address Air Leakage
Up to a quarter of heat loss occurs due to air leakage. Cracks and openings in walls, windows, and doors can be sealed to greatly increase insulation and decrease energy use. To prevent air leaks, caulk, and weatherstripping can be applied to the frames of windows and doors. Larger holes and cracks can be filled with spray foam. Ventilation systems are also energy efficient and can be installed to better indoor air quality.
Conduct a Home Energy Audit
An energy audit is an in-depth examination of your home’s energy consumption and efficiency. Insulation, lighting, heating, and air sealing are all examples of places that can benefit from them. If you want an expert opinion on how to save energy, hire an energy auditor to do an audit. A blower door test, which quantifies air loss, may also be a part of the audit.
Conclusion
Though improving your home’s energy efficiency may seem like a huge undertaking, the benefits will be well worth the effort. To that end, we at Luca Line Services are dedicated to providing homeowners with the resources they need to make their homes more energy efficient. Our professional staff can evaluate your home’s energy use and provide specific measures to raise your BER score.