Insulation grants - Ireland

Many consider this the first grant they get for their homes, as it will reduce their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable.

Application Process

You must apply for the grant directly with the SEAI.

1. Choose what type of grants you need

2. Find a registered contractor

3. Apply for a grant

4. Accept grant offer

5. Get work done within 8 months

6. Post-works BER Assessment

7. Grant payment request

We'll post a further blog post and video on this process soon.

Eligibility

All homeowners, including private landlords, whose homes were built and occupied before 2011 can apply, defined as the date your electricity meter was installed.

Grant funding can only be issued once per property for each type of work. Any property that previously received wall insulation via the Better Energy Homes scheme or any other government scheme cannot receive additional support for further wall insulation works.

Advantages

Targeted measures

The best thing about insulation is that you can target certain areas of the house.

Here are some stats:

• 30% of heat is lost through the roof because heat rises

• 30% is lost through the external walls

• 10% through your floors

• 10-15% through your windows and doors

The rest of the heat is lost through cracks, radiation(travelling through cold surfaces), ventilation, and natural dispersion throughout your house.

Using this knowledge, we know we get the best bang for the buck by targeting the attic and the walls.

This means that insulation can be quite cost-effective and targeted if we can identify the source of heat loss in your home.

You can use a heat gun to learn more about how heat travels through your home.

Disadvantages

Limited opportunity

The grant can only be used once per property. So, if your budget only allows for the attic and you want to finish the walls later, you can't.

Planning Permission

In some cases, external insulation may require planning permission, such as with protected structures, in architectural conservation areas, or where the works alter the front profile of the property. Please check with your registered contractor or local planning authority.

Planning permission is not required for internal or cavity insulation.

ESB Networks service

Depending on the configuration of the electricity cables/wires at your home, you may require an ESB Networks Service Alteration as part of an External Wall Insulation works. Check with your registered contractor prior to any works commencing.

If an alteration is required, contact ESB Networks well in advance of any work commencing to request a service alteration.

Median Costs

Here is a table that outlines the median costs. Remember from school that the median means the midpoint. Your home may be lower or higher. However, you can still use this knowledge to negotiate with your supplier.

External Wall Insulation

Internal Wall Insulation

Cavity Insulation

Roof Insulation

Data is based upon 40,118 homes completed through Individual Energy Upgrades (December 2023). Median is the mid-point of all the upgrade costs, where half of upgrades are less expensive, and half of upgrades are more expensive.