What Is a Home Energy Assessment?
A Home Energy Assessment (HEA) is a detailed survey of your home's energy performance, carried out by a qualified assessor as the first step of a One Stop Shop retrofit. It goes well beyond a standard BER assessment, including airtightness testing, thermal imaging (in some cases), and a detailed analysis of where heat is being lost.
The output is a comprehensive report that tells you exactly what upgrades are needed to reach BER B2, what each measure will cost, what SEAI grants are available, and your net out-of-pocket cost.
What the Assessor Checks
- Building fabric: Wall construction (solid, cavity, insulated?), attic insulation depth and type, floor insulation, window types and condition
- Heating system: Boiler type, age, and condition. Radiators, controls, and hot water system
- Airtightness: A blower door test to measure air leakage (how draughty the house is)
- Ventilation: Current ventilation strategy and whether mechanical ventilation will be needed
- Renewable energy: Roof orientation, shading, and suitability for solar panels
- Measurements: Every room is measured for floor area, ceiling height, window sizes, and wall lengths
How to Prepare
Before the assessor visits:
- Clear access to the attic (move items away from the hatch)
- Locate your boiler and hot press for inspection
- Have a recent electricity and heating bill available
- Note any known issues: damp patches, cold rooms, draughty areas
- Close all windows and external doors during the airtightness test
Cost and Grant
A Home Energy Assessment typically costs €350 to €700 depending on the size and complexity of the property. SEAI provides a grant of €350 towards the cost when the HEA is carried out as part of a One Stop Shop retrofit.
If you proceed with the retrofit through the same One Stop Shop, many providers absorb the remaining HEA cost into the overall project price.
What Happens After
You'll receive a detailed report including your current BER rating, your Heat Loss Indicator (HLI), a recommended upgrade package, itemised costs for each measure, available SEAI grants, and your estimated net cost. This is your roadmap for the retrofit. You can then choose to proceed with the One Stop Shop, get quotes from other providers, or do individual measures at your own pace.
If you want a quick energy snapshot before committing to a full Home Energy Assessment, a standard BER is faster and cheaper. It gives you your current rating, HLI, and Advisory Report. Book a BER with Homerating.ie →
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A BER rates your home's current energy performance. A Home Energy Assessment goes further: it includes airtightness testing, heat loss analysis, and a detailed upgrade plan with costs and grant estimates.
No. You can take the assessment report and decide later. You're not locked into using the One Stop Shop that did the assessment.