Ways to Increase the Energy Rating of Residential Buildings
Guide by BAYT

If you’re planning a renovation or extension, it’s the perfect time to think about your home’s energy rating.

In Ireland, homes are given a BER (Building Energy Rating) from A (very efficient) to G (poor). A higher rating means lower energy bills, a warmer home, and stronger resale value.

At BAYT, we’ve seen how improving energy performance doesn’t just save money, it makes a home feel better to live in.

Below are practical ways to boost your home’s energy rating, and why a design-and-build approach makes the process smoother and more cost-effective.

1. Start with a BER Assessment

Before making any upgrades, begin with a BER assessment. This shows how your home performs today and where improvements will have the biggest impact.

A registered BER assessor will review insulation levels, heating systems, windows, ventilation, and overall efficiency, then issue a report with clear recommendations.

This helps you:

• See exactly which upgrades are worth prioritising
• Avoid spending money on ineffective improvements
• Plan your renovation in the correct sequence

With BAYT, we translate the BER report into a step-by-step upgrade strategy, integrating energy improvements into the design from the outset rather than adding them later at extra cost.

2. Focus on Insulation and Airtightness

One of the most effective ways to improve your BER is by keeping heat inside the building.

This means upgrading the “fabric” of your home, including walls, roof, floors, windows, and doors.

The SEAI recommends addressing insulation before investing in heating systems or renewables.

Common insulation upgrades include:

• Attic insulation: Heat rises, so this often delivers the biggest improvement
• Cavity wall insulation or internal dry lining: Reduces heat loss through walls
• Upgraded windows and doors: Double or triple glazing significantly improves comfort
• Airtightness measures: Sealing draughts and gaps improves efficiency and comfort

When renovating with BAYT, insulation and airtightness are designed into the project from the first drawings, ensuring strong performance without costly rework later.

3. Upgrade Your Heating System

Once your home retains heat effectively, the next step is upgrading how that heat is generated.

Modern heating systems are far more efficient than older oil or gas boilers.

Options include:

• Heat pumps: Highly efficient and ideal for well-insulated homes
• High-efficiency gas boilers: A strong upgrade where heat pumps aren’t suitable
• Zoned heating controls: Allows you to heat only the rooms you’re using

Renovation is the ideal time to upgrade heating, as walls and floors are already being opened up, reducing disruption and cost.

With BAYT’s design-and-build approach, insulation, layout, and heating systems are coordinated as one integrated solution.

4. Add Renewable Energy and Smart Controls

Renewable technologies can significantly boost your BER rating.

Solar systems are the most popular renewable upgrade in Ireland.

Common options include:

• Solar PV panels: Generate electricity for household use
• Solar thermal panels: Assist with hot water heating
• Smart thermostats and lighting: Reduce everyday energy waste

During a renovation, roof access, wiring, and cabling can be planned neatly from the start.

At BAYT, renewables and smart systems are integrated into the design phase so they function efficiently and blend seamlessly with your home.

5. Make the Most of SEAI Grants

Government grants are available for many energy upgrades, including insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels.

Details can be found on seai.ie.

When working with BAYT, we help structure your upgrade plan to align with grant criteria, ensuring you maximise the financial support available.

6. Why Choose BAYT for Energy Upgrades

Energy upgrades often involve multiple parties: designers, builders, electricians, plumbers, and specialists.

When managed separately, this can lead to coordination issues, delays, and cost overruns.

With BAYT:

• Design, construction, and energy upgrades are handled by one team
• You have a single point of contact throughout
• Upgrades are planned into the renovation, not added afterward
• Budgets and timelines remain controlled

Most importantly, your home is designed holistically for comfort, performance, and aesthetics.

7. The Result: A Home That Feels Better Every Day

Improving your energy rating isn’t just about reducing bills.

It’s about living in a home that’s warmer in winter, cooler in summer, quieter, healthier, and built to last.

At BAYT, we specialise in energy-efficient renovations and extensions across Dublin.

Our integrated design-and-build model ensures every decision, from insulation to lighting, works together to deliver a beautiful, high-performing home.

Ready to make your home warmer, greener, and more valuable?

Talk to us about your renovation or extension, and let’s build a home that performs as well as it looks.