We here at Nestor Shanahan Auctioneers believe that heating and energy efficiency deserve much more attention when buying a property in Ireland. The asking price and appearance of a home are often the first things buyers consider, but the ongoing cost of keeping a property warm and comfortable can have a significant impact on household finances. Asking the right questions about heating, insulation, energy usage and the property's BER can help buyers understand what they are really taking on.
With energy costs, environmental considerations and the general cost of running a home remaining important issues for Irish households, energy efficiency has become a key part of the property buying decision.
A property with a good BER and an efficient heating system may offer greater comfort and more predictable running costs. A property with an older heating system, poor insulation or other energy weaknesses may require additional investment after purchase.
Here are five important questions buyers should consider.
1. What Is the Property's BER and What Does It Tell Me?
The Building Energy Rating, or BER, is one of the first things buyers should examine.
A BER provides an indication of how energy efficient a property is and is based on factors including insulation, heating systems, ventilation and the building's construction. Properties are rated from A to G, with A-rated properties generally being the most energy efficient.
However, buyers should avoid treating the BER as the complete picture.
Two properties with similar BER ratings can still feel quite different to live in, depending on their heating controls, room layout, windows and individual usage patterns.
Ask to see the property's BER certificate and advisory report where available. The advisory report can provide useful information about potential improvements and the factors contributing to the current rating.
This can help you understand whether the property is already performing well or whether there may be opportunities for improvement.
2. What Type of Heating System Does the Property Have?
Find out exactly how the property is heated.
Is it heated by gas, oil, electricity, a heat pump, solid fuel or another system? How old is the boiler or heating system? Has it been regularly serviced?
The age and condition of the heating system can be particularly important. A system that is nearing the end of its useful life could represent a significant expense for a new owner.
Buyers should also consider how easy the system is to control. Modern heating controls can allow homeowners to manage temperatures more efficiently across different rooms and at different times.
If the property has a heat pump or another less familiar heating system, make sure you understand how it operates before making assumptions about its running costs.
3. How Well Insulated Is the Property?
Good insulation can make a significant difference to the comfort and energy performance of a home.
Ask about insulation in the attic or roof space, walls and floors where relevant. You should also look at windows and external doors and consider whether there are signs of draughts, condensation or cold areas.
During a viewing, pay attention to how the property feels. Does it feel comfortable throughout, or are some rooms noticeably colder than others?
It is important to remember that visual inspection has limitations. Buyers considering an older property, particularly one requiring renovation, may wish to arrange an appropriate professional inspection to identify potential issues.
Improving insulation can involve investment, so it is worth understanding what may be required before committing to a purchase.
4. How Much Does the Property Cost to Heat?
This is a question many buyers overlook.
Knowing the property's BER and heating system is useful, but actual energy consumption can provide additional context.
Ask the seller or auctioneer whether information about previous energy usage is available. Actual consumption will depend heavily on the occupants, the temperature they prefer, how often they heat the property and how many people live there, so historic bills should not be treated as a guarantee of future costs.
Still, they can help provide a more realistic picture.
Think about the property's size too. A larger home may have a good BER while still costing more in absolute terms to heat than a smaller, less efficient property.
The objective is to understand the relationship between purchase price and ongoing running costs.
5. What Energy Improvements Could Be Made in the Future?
A property does not have to be perfect from day one.
Some buyers may be willing to purchase a home with a lower BER if they can identify realistic improvements that fit their budget and plans.
Ask what upgrades have already been carried out and whether there are obvious areas that could be improved. Depending on the property, this could involve insulation, windows, heating controls or replacing an older heating system.
However, buyers should be careful about assuming that an upgrade will automatically pay for itself.
The cost of improvements, potential savings, available supports and the property's suitability for particular upgrades all need to be considered. Professional advice may be appropriate before making significant decisions.
Energy Efficiency Is Part of the Bigger Picture
Heating and energy efficiency should form part of the overall property assessment rather than being considered separately.
A home with a strong BER, effective insulation and a modern heating system can be attractive because it may offer comfort alongside lower energy requirements. A property with a lower rating may still be suitable for a buyer who understands the work involved and has budgeted appropriately.
Buyers should also consider how energy efficiency may influence future resale. As household costs and expectations around energy performance continue to evolve, efficient homes may appeal to a wider range of purchasers.
The key is to ask questions before making an offer rather than discovering potential costs after the keys have changed hands.
When viewing a property, look beyond the décor and layout. Ask how the home is heated, how well it is insulated, what the BER tells you and what improvements may be required.
Understanding these factors can help buyers compare properties on more than their asking prices and make a decision based on the full cost of owning and living in the home.
If you would like to discuss buying or selling a property, contact us on 061 415337 or email info@nestorshanahan.ie or visit nestorshanahan.ie.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.
