Upgrade your home’s energy efficiency with SEAI grants

Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency is not only an investment in comfort but also in the long-term sustainability of your property.

With the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) Better Energy Homes (BEH) scheme, homeowners have the flexibility to tackle energy efficiency projects gradually, managing costs over time while receiving financial support through grants.

The process can seem complex, but with a structured approach and clear guidelines, you can make meaningful changes to your home’s energy performance.

Why Choose a Step-by-Step Approach to Home Energy Upgrades?

The SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme offers a range of grants to homeowners, making it easier to improve energy efficiency over time.

Homeowners may prefer managing their upgrades incrementally because it allows for flexibility in budgeting and scheduling.

The process enables you to choose specific improvements that align with your needs and priorities, whether that means starting with insulation or opting for a renewable energy solution like solar PV panels.

By applying for individual grants under this scheme, homeowners can take on different aspects of energy efficiency as they are ready.

You may decide to begin with attic insulation, followed by improving your heating controls, and later opt for renewable energy systems like heat pumps or solar PV panels.

The SEAI grants for energy upgrades are available to homeowners and private landlords, but it’s important to keep in mind that these grants require the work to be carried out by SEAI-registered contractors.

Once the work is complete, you can submit the necessary documentation for the grant payment, either directly to you or to the contractor.

It’s all managed through SEAI’s online application system.

Types of Grants Available

The SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme offers grants for a variety of energy upgrades to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Below are some of the most common grant options:

• Attic Insulation: This grant supports the improvement of your attic insulation, helping to retain more heat in your home. Proper insulation can reduce your heating bills and improve overall comfort.
• Wall Insulation: Grants are available for both cavity wall insulation and internal/external wall insulation. These upgrades can significantly reduce heat loss through your walls.
• Heating Controls: Upgrading your heating controls is a simple yet effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Grants are available to help with the installation of more efficient controls.
• Heat Pumps: For a more sustainable and energy-efficient heating solution, consider installing a heat pump. Grants for this renewable technology are available through the SEAI.
• Solar Thermal Systems: Solar thermal systems for water heating are eligible for a grant, which can help you reduce reliance on traditional heating sources.
• Solar PV Panels: One of the most popular grant options is for solar PV panels, which allow homeowners to harness solar energy and generate their own electricity. This is a great way to reduce energy bills and support sustainability.

What’s Covered and What’s Not?

While the SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme provides a range of grants, it’s important to note what is not covered under the programme. For instance, windows and doors are not included in the grants, but these can be addressed through the SEAI One Stop Shop service.

Homes built before 2011 may qualify for certain upgrades, but those built after 2011 generally require different criteria.

Additionally, island homes may be eligible for additional grant funding.

It’s essential to review the full guidelines to ensure eligibility before applying.

Managing Your SEAI Grant Application

Navigating the SEAI grant application process is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Eligibility Check: Before applying, check that your home qualifies for the grants. The SEAI website provides a simple tool for checking eligibility based on your home’s characteristics and the grants you want to apply for.
2. Choosing a Contractor: It’s important to choose an SEAI-registered contractor to carry out the work. These contractors meet the necessary standards for the scheme and are approved by SEAI.
3. Submission of Application: Once the work is complete, submit the required documents online. These include a Request for Payment and Declaration of Works form. In some cases, an inspection of the completed work may be required before the grant payment is made.
4. Receiving Your Grant: After the work is finished and the forms are submitted, the SEAI processes your application and releases the grant directly to you or your contractor. This typically happens once your work passes the necessary inspections.

SEAI Grant Details: Breakdown by Type of Home and Grant Value

To help you navigate the available SEAI grants, here’s a clear breakdown of the grant values based on the type of home and the specific energy upgrade.

Grant Name	Types of Home	New Grant Value
Heat Pump Systems Homes built and occupied before 2021	All Houses Apartments	€6,500 €4,500
Heat Pump Air to Air Homes built and occupied before 2021	Homes built and occupied before 2021	€3,500
Heating Controls		€700
Solar Hot Water Homes built and occupied before 2021		€1200
Attic Insulation Homes built and occupied before 2011	Apartment (any) Mid-Terrace Semi-detached or end of terrace Detached house	€800 €1,200 €1,300 €1,500
Cavity Wall Insulation Homes built and occupied before 2011	Apartment (any) Mid-Terrace Semi-detached or end of terrace Detached house	€700 €800 €1,200 €1,700
Internal Insulation (Dry Lining) Homes built and occupied before 2011	Apartment (any) Mid-Terrace Semi-detached or end of terrace Detached house	€1,500 €2,000 €3,500 €4,500
External Wall Insulation (The Wrap) Homes built and occupied before 2011	Apartment (any) Mid-Terrace Semi-detached or end of terrace Detached house	€3,000 €3,500 €6,000 €8,000
Solar PV	€700 per kWp up to 2kWp €200 for every additional kWp up to 4kWp Total Solar PV grant capped at €1800	€1400 for 2kWp solar panels €1600 for 3kWp solar panels €1800 for 4kWp solar panels
BER		€50
Technical Assessment		€200

 

This table presents a clear, easy-to-read comparison of the grant types and amounts based on the specifics of your home. Whether you’re opting for solar PV, heat pumps, or insulation, it’s important to understand the values associated with each upgrade. These details will help you better plan your energy-saving home improvements.

Disclaimer: This information reflects the SEAI website as of 12 February 2025. Please be aware that SEAI grant details are subject to change. For the most current information, refer to the SEAI website: www.seai.ie.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation do I need to apply for a SEAI grant?

To apply for an SEAI grant, you will need your property’s MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number), details about the work being done, and the registered contractor’s information. For heat pumps, a technical assessment is usually required.

Are there grants for windows and doors?

Windows and doors are not covered under the SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme. However, you can access these grants through the SEAI One Stop Shop service.

Can I apply for multiple grants at once?

Yes, you can apply for multiple grants, such as insulation and heating controls, under the SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme. However, some grants may have specific eligibility requirements, so it’s important to review these before applying.

Is there a grant for replacing my boiler?

While replacing an oil or gas boiler is not covered by the SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme, grants are available for installing heating controls to help optimise your existing system. Additionally, grants are available for heat pump systems as an alternative.

How do I know if my home is eligible for a heat pump?

A technical assessment is required for homes built before 2007 to determine whether your home meets the heat loss criteria necessary for the installation of a heat pump. There are also grants available for this assessment.

The Path to a Cosier Home

Managing your home energy upgrades with the SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme allows you to make improvements on your own terms. Whether you start with insulation or decide to move straight to renewable energy solutions, the SEAI grants provide an opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs in the long run.

By taking a step-by-step approach, you can spread out costs while making significant upgrades to your home’s energy efficiency. This process not only helps create a cosier living space but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.

Need Expert Advice?

Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency is a smart investment that not only reduces your environmental impact but also saves you money in the long run. Whether you’re installing a heat pump, improving your insulation, or upgrading your heating controls, having the right products and expert advice can make all the difference.

Choosing the right solutions for your home energy upgrades can be overwhelming, but with the proper guidance and the right products, it becomes a manageable and rewarding task.

For expert advice, high-quality energy-efficient products, and everything you need to make your home more comfortable and sustainable, visit our store in Ballymote, Co. Sligo. You can also email us at info@mybuildingsupplies.ie or call 0818 888 000.

From energy-efficient heating systems to insulation solutions, we’re here to help you achieve a more energy-efficient home, one upgrade at a time.