Heat Pumps in Ireland

Ireland is targeting 400,000 heat pump installations by 2030 as part of the Climate Action Plan. Heat pumps are the most efficient heating solution, providing 3-4 times more energy than they consume while significantly reducing your carbon footprint and heating bills.

400,000
Target installations by 2030
3-4x
Energy efficiency
€6,500
SEAI grant available

SEAI Heat Pump Grants

Significant financial support available for homeowners

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)

€6,500
  • Grant for standard installation
  • BER B2 or higher required
  • SEAI registered installer mandatory
  • Must replace fossil fuel system
Additional €800 grant available for heat pump controls

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)

€7,000
  • Higher grant for ground source
  • BER B2 or higher required
  • Suitable land area needed
  • Must replace fossil fuel system
Ground works and surveying may require additional costs
Important Grant Requirements
  • Home must be built and occupied before 2021
  • BER assessment completed within last 24 months
  • Property owner must be owner-occupier
  • All prior grants must be declared
  • Work must not commence before approval
  • SEAI registered installer required

Types of Heat Pumps

Choose the right heat pump system for your Irish home

Air Source (ASHP)

Extracts heat from outdoor air. Most popular choice in Ireland due to lower installation costs and suitability for most properties.

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Easier installation
  • Works in Irish climate
  • Minimal space needed

Ground Source (GSHP)

Extracts heat from the ground. Most efficient option with higher upfront costs but excellent long-term performance.

  • Highest efficiency
  • Very low running costs
  • Long lifespan (20+ years)
  • Requires suitable land

Water Source

Extracts heat from nearby water sources. Rare in Ireland but highly efficient where available near lakes or rivers.

  • Excellent efficiency
  • Stable performance
  • Requires water access
  • Planning permission needed

Hybrid Systems

Combines heat pump with existing boiler. Good transition option for homes not yet fully insulated to BER B2 standard.

  • Lower initial cost
  • Backup heating available
  • Not eligible for SEAI grant
  • Bridge solution

Is Your Home Suitable?

Key requirements for heat pump installation in Ireland

BER Requirements

BER B2 rating or higher required for SEAI grant

Your home's Building Energy Rating is crucial for heat pump efficiency and grant eligibility.

BER Scale Overview:
A1-A3 Most efficient
B1-B3 Grant eligible
C1-C3 Upgrade needed
D1-G Significant upgrades required
A BER assessment costs around €150-€300 and is valid for 10 years

Typical Upgrade Requirements

Most Irish homes need upgrades before heat pump installation:

Insulation
  • Attic insulation: 300mm minimum
  • Wall insulation: cavity or external
  • Floor insulation where accessible
Cost: €2,000-€8,000 (SEAI grants available)
Windows & Doors
  • Double or triple glazing recommended
  • Draught-proofing essential
  • Door seals and insulation
Cost: €4,000-€12,000 (grants available)
Heating System
  • Underfloor heating ideal (not essential)
  • Large radiators (heat pumps run at lower temperatures)
  • Hot water cylinder replacement often needed
Included in heat pump installation
Free BER Assessment and Upgrade Path

Get a professional BER assessment to understand your home's current rating and receive a detailed report on the upgrades needed to achieve BER B2 or higher. SEAI provides grants for most energy efficiency upgrades, making the journey to heat pump readiness more affordable.

Check SEAI Grants

Running Costs & Savings

Compare annual heating costs for a typical 3-bed Irish home (15,000 kWh heat demand)

Oil Boiler

€2,100

per year

Highest cost

Based on 85% efficiency
€1.40 per litre

Gas Boiler

€1,800

per year

High cost

Based on 90% efficiency
Natural gas rates

Electric Heating

€3,300

per year

Very high cost

Direct electric heating
22c per kWh

Heat Pump

€1,100

per year

Lowest cost

COP 3.5 efficiency
22c per kWh

Annual Savings Comparison

Current System Annual Cost Heat Pump Cost Annual Saving 10-Year Saving
Oil €2,100 €1,100 €1,000 €10,000
Gas €1,800 €1,100 €700 €7,000
Electric €3,300 €1,100 €2,200 €22,000
Actual savings depend on home insulation, heat pump efficiency, and energy prices. Well-insulated homes with underfloor heating can achieve even greater savings.
Additional Benefits
  • Price Stability: Less vulnerable to fossil fuel price fluctuations
  • Property Value: BER B2+ homes command higher prices
  • Carbon Reduction: 75% less CO₂ emissions than oil
  • Cooling Option: Most heat pumps can also cool in summer
  • Low Maintenance: Annual servicing costs €100-€150

Installation Guide

Everything you need to know about getting a heat pump installed

To qualify for the SEAI grant, your heat pump must be installed by an SEAI registered contractor. These installers have undergone specific training and meet quality standards.

What to Look For:
  • Current SEAI registration (check their ID number)
  • Experience with your type of property
  • References from recent installations
  • Detailed written quotation
  • Insurance and guarantees
Get Multiple Quotes:

It's recommended to get at least 3 quotes. Prices can vary significantly, typically ranging from €12,000 to €18,000 for a complete ASHP installation (after grant).

Find SEAI Installer
1
BER Assessment

1-2 weeks

Get your home assessed for BER rating

2
Energy Upgrades (if needed)

4-12 weeks

Insulation, windows, or other improvements

3
Heat Pump Survey & Quote

1-2 weeks

Installer assesses your property

4
SEAI Grant Application

4-6 weeks

Wait for grant approval before work begins

5
Installation

2-5 days

Heat pump system installed and commissioned

Grant Payment

4-6 weeks after completion

SEAI processes final paperwork

Total timeline: Typically 3-6 months from start to finish, longer if major home upgrades are needed first.

Heat pumps are low maintenance compared to oil or gas boilers, but regular servicing ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Annual Service (€100-€150)
  • Check refrigerant levels and pressure
  • Inspect electrical connections
  • Clean filters and coils
  • Test safety controls
  • Verify system efficiency
Homeowner Tasks
  • Check and clear outdoor unit of debris (monthly)
  • Ensure good airflow around unit
  • Monitor performance and unusual noises
  • Keep vents and radiators clear
With proper maintenance, a heat pump can last 15-20 years, compared to 10-15 years for a typical boiler.
Standard Warranties:
Heat Pump Unit 5-10 years

Manufacturer warranty on compressor and parts

Installation Work 1-2 years

Installer warranty on workmanship

Hot Water Cylinder 2-5 years

Usually separate warranty from manufacturer

Ground Loops (GSHP) 25+ years

Very long lifespan with warranty coverage

Extended Warranty Options:

Many manufacturers offer extended warranties for an additional cost (typically €200-€500). This can provide peace of mind and cover parts and labor beyond the standard period.

Always register your heat pump with the manufacturer within 30 days of installation to activate the full warranty coverage.
Need Help Getting Started?

Contact SEAI's energy advisors for free, independent advice on heat pumps, grants, and home energy upgrades. They can guide you through every step of the process.

01 808 2100
Visit SEAI Website

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