Less than half of homeowners know their property's BER rating, according to research by An Post Green Hub, in partnership with iReach, highlighting a general lack of knowledge about domestic energy efficiency.
Some 47% of the 1,000 respondents to the survey said they didn't know their home's BER rating, and among the 53% who did, more than half (57%) believe they have a BER rating of C or lower.
Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that just 5% of homes have an A energy rating, but 54% are not planning to undertake a retrofit despite government grants available, with less than a fifth (18%) stating that they are planning a retrofit -- 28% were unsure if they would this year.
Over a quarter of respondents (28%) have undertaken a retrofitting project in their home, with 60% understanding the benefits of such a move on energy efficiency compared to 18% who don't.
Of that 28% who have embarked on a retrofit, 80% installed attic, cavity wall or external wall insulation; 56% have replaced windows and doors; 47% have replaced their gas boiler; 15% have installed solar panels; and 5% have installed a heat pump.
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For those planning a retrofit, the average amount they are willing to spend is €8,028, although 62% are prepared to spend less than €5,000 while a quarter (25%) are planning to spend between €2,001 and €5,000.
The government, which recently announced a scheme to retrofit homes by 2030, with grants of up to 50% available estimates that between €14,000 and €65,000 is required to retrofit a home to a B2 rating.
"Knowing and improving your home's BER rating will not only save homeowners money in the long run, but it will also vastly improve comfort levels," An Post Green Hub ambassador Patricia Power said.
"We see from this research that some homeowners have already undertaken a significant amount of retrofitting projects, from attic and wall installations to window and door replacements. By just insulating the attic and walls of a house, homeowners can save up to €600 a year on their heating bills.
"While certain changes will have a positive impact in the short-term, the long-term objective to improve the BER rating will ensure our homes are running as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible."
An Post Green Hub allows homeowners to sign up for a free home energy assessment, carried out by SSE Aitricity, with recommendations on retrofitting needs, quotes for likely upgrade costs and potential energy savings.
Photo: An Post Green Hub ambassador and quantity surveyor Patricia Power. (Pic: Maxwells Dublin)
