In preparation for the colder months, now is an ideal time to invest in insulation upgrades and replace fossil fuel heating systems. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), by investing in home energy upgrades, homeowners are creating a more comfortable and healthier home. More and more homeowners are aware of the benefits of home energy upgrades, with attic and wall insulation being a great starting point. These are long-term investments which will significantly improve home comfort and health, as well as reducing energy consumption and lowering energy bills.
For homeowners using fossil fuel heating systems such as oil or gas, they should consider the clean switch to a heat pump system. Heat pumps are highly efficient alternatives to fossil fuel heating systems, creating a warmer and healthier home by maintaining a constant, comfortable temperature throughout the year. Even better, as you are no longer using fossil fuels, you are reducing your carbon footprint and creating a much more energy efficient home for the future.
According to Stephen Farrell, One Stop Shop Programme Manager with SEAI, “Since 2009, almost 15,000 homeowners in Clare are enjoying a warmer, cosier, more energy efficient home, having already begun their home energy upgrade journey with the support of SEAI. As we head into the winter, now is the perfect time for people to upgrade their homes and enjoy a whole new world of comfort and savings.”
Farrell went on to explain the different home energy grant options available from SEAI, “SEAI’s One Stop Shop service is ideal for homeowners who want to carry out a complete home energy upgrade in one go and to achieve a BER rating of B2 or better. This grant option makes it a lot easier for the homeowner, as a SEAI registered One Stop Shop will manage their entire project from start to finish, including the grant application.
• Homeowners can reduce their energy bills and significantly increase the comfort of their home with a home energy upgrade.
• Over 15,000 homeowners in Clare have already upgraded their homes with help from SEAI’s Government funded grants.
• SEAI registered One Stop Shops offer homeowners a fully managed solution for a complete home energy upgrade.
• With around half of Irish homes having a BER of D or lower, Irish homeowners are currently losing out on comfort and savings.
“Another great benefit is that the grant is deducted from the cost of works, so the homeowner is getting the value of the grant upfront which can really help with financing.
“They will also carry out a Home Energy Assessment which provides a useful technical report on the energy upgrades needed to make your home suitable for a heat pump and to bring it to a B2 BER rating. SEAI offers a stand-alone grant of €350 for this assessment and you are under no obligation to carry out the works.
SEAI also offers a range of individual home energy upgrade grants to suit most budgets and circumstances. This is a great option for homeowners looking to start upgrading their homes over time and giving them more flexibility.”
Whether you choose to carry out a complete home energy upgrade through the One Stop Shop service, or carry out individual energy upgrades over time, both options offer significant Government grants ranging from up to €1,500 for attic insulation, up to €8,000 for external wall insulation and up to €10,500 for a heat pump system.
For further information about SEAI Home Energy Upgrade grants visit www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/