- Monday 04 September 2023
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Homeowners can now tap into SEAI grants to enhance their home's energy efficiency, with coverage ranging from 40% to 70% of the total retrofitting expenses, depending on the chosen upgrades.
In February 2022, the Government introduced an €8 billion National Home Retrofit Scheme to boost retrofit demand and capacity. They raised deep retrofit grants from 35% to 50% and committed to upgrading 500,000 homes to a B2 BER rating by 2030.
SEAI grants cover up to €25,000 for deep retrofits to achieve a B2 rating. Energy upgrades for families at risk of energy poverty now offer €400 monthly, and attic and cavity wall insulation grants are up to 80%. There's an additional €2,000 grant for heat pump installation.
A typical deep retrofit costs around €66,000 for a B2 BER and heat pump installation. Grants vary based on the improvements, including insulation, heat pumps, heating controls, solar panels, doors, windows, and ventilation.
Energy Upgrade at No Cost
Formerly 'Better Energy Warmer Homes,' the Fully Funded Energy Grant offers free energy-efficient upgrades for eligible homeowners on welfare. It focuses on older, low BER-rated homes, covering costs, assessments, and providing BER certificates. For pre-2011 low BER homes, the One Stop Shop simplifies deep retrofits, managing grants, assessments, and contractors.
Alternatively, Individual Energy Upgrade Grants cover up to 80% of costs for step-by-step improvements like insulation, windows, doors, etc. The One Stop Shop provides a broader grant range for comprehensive upgrades.
Insulating Your Home
Insulation is vital in a deep retrofit via The National Home Retrofit Scheme. SEAI provides four insulation grants, maxing out at €8,000. Grants can cover up to 70% of attic insulation, ranging from €800 for apartments to €1,500 for detached homes. Insulating a 150m² four-bed detached house with fiberglass typically costs €700 to €1,000 (before grants) and can save around €250 annually for a house with a €1,600 energy bill.
Wall Insulation:
SEAI offers three types of wall insulation grants, ranging from €700 to €8,000.
Cavity wall insulation is cost-effective, involving injecting polystyrene beads into wall gaps. Grants range from €700 to €1,700. For homes with solid walls, internal or external wall insulation (EWI) is needed. EWI grants range from €3,000 to €8,000. Internal wall insulation, called dry lining, uses boards inside exterior walls. Grants range from €1,500 to €3,500 for different home types. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent condensation. Detached homeowners can get a €4,500 grant.
Doors and windows:
Replacing old windows with energy-efficient double or triple glazing can save €100 to €400 annually, reduce heat loss by 20-30%, and boost comfort. SEAI offers a 'One-Stop Shop' customers grants up to €1,800 for doors and windows in apartments, terraced, semi-detached, and detached homes. Plus, an €800 grant is available for external doors. With improved insulation and windows, your home becomes more energy-efficient, approaching a B2 or better BER rating.
Heat pumps:
SEAI offers eco-friendly heat pump grants up to €6,000 for houses and €4,500 for apartments. A well-insulated home needs assessment by an SEAI Registered Technical Advisor. Grants require the heat pump to cover all heating and at least 80% of hot water needs, with no water-only or hybrid systems eligible. Retroactive grants cover post-upgrade Technical Assessments. Achieving a B2 energy rating earns a €2,000 bonus, with €1,000 for apartment central heating and €2,000 for houses. Heat pumps are low maintenance and cost-effective, suitable for modern Irish homes, efficiently managing heating and cooling while reducing energy bills.
Heating controls:
Heating controls can help you save up to 20% on heating bills by heating water separately and maintaining a comfortable home temperature efficiently. Installing and using them well can reduce costs and lower carbon emissions. Homeowners in houses built before 2011 can apply for a €700 heating control grant online.
Support for Solar:
Solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat water, covering 50-60% of hot water needs. Homes built before 2021 can get a €1,200 solar water heating grant. These systems cost €800 to €1,300 per square metre, with the grant paying back costs in a few years and reducing boiler and servicing expenses.
Solar PV panels save €200 to €300 annually on electricity bills. A quality system with batteries costs €5,000 to €7,000, including VAT. Grants for solar panels range up to €2,400, starting at €1,800 for the first two panels and €300 for each additional panel.
How to apply for an SEAI grant?
Here's a simplified step-by-step guide:
- Choose your energy upgrades and consult with a BER assessor, contractor, or energy advisor.
- If applying for a heat pump grant, contact an SEAI registered advisor for a technical assessment.
- Select an SEAI registered contractor and get a contract for the work.
- Apply for grants online or by mail, with online applications receiving immediate offers.
- Complete the work within eight months by an SEAI registered contractor, arrange payment, conduct a BER assessment, and obtain a BER certificate.
- Submit a Declaration of Works form (sent by SEAI), filled out by you, your contractor, and your BER assessor. Grant payments are typically made within four weeks.
Call into us at Bandon Co-Op in 1 of our 3 locations- Kinsale, Enniskeane, or Bandon and talk to our staff and they can give you guidance on insulating and upgrading your home energy.
