Improving the energy efficiency of your home is no longer just about comfort, it’s about reducing energy bills, lowering carbon emissions and future-proofing your property. For Irish homeowners, the big question is often: should you opt for a deep retrofit or carry out one-off energy upgrades?
At House2Home, we’ve supported homeowners across Ireland through both approaches. In this article, we break down the differences, benefits and long-term value of each, helping you decide what works best for your home.
What Is a Deep Retrofit?
A deep retrofit is a comprehensive, whole-house energy upgrade designed to significantly reduce energy demand and improve comfort.
Rather than addressing individual issues in isolation, a deep retrofit treats your home as a complete system. Typical measures include:
- Wall, attic and floor insulation
- High-performance windows and doors
- Airtightness improvements
- Mechanical ventilation systems
- Modern heating solutions such as heat pumps
- Solar PV and renewable technologies
When planned correctly, these upgrades work together to deliver a home that is warmer, healthier and far more energy efficient.
What Are One-Off Energy Upgrades?
One-off upgrades involve improving individual elements of your home over time. Common examples include:
- Adding attic insulation
- Upgrading a boiler or heating system
- Installing solar panels
- Replacing windows
These upgrades are often chosen because they are less disruptive upfront and can be carried out as budget allows.
Deep Retrofit vs One-Off Upgrades: Key Differences
- Energy Performance
- Deep retrofit: Delivers the biggest improvement in energy efficiency, often upgrading homes to BER A-rated standards.
- One-off upgrades: Improve efficiency incrementally but may not address heat loss holistically.
- Comfort Levels
- Deep retrofit: Consistent temperatures throughout the home, reduced drafts, improved indoor air quality.
- One-off upgrades: Comfort improves in specific areas but may leave cold spots or ventilation issues.
- Long-Term Costs
- Deep retrofit: Higher upfront cost, but significantly lower energy bills over time.
- One-off upgrades: Lower initial spend, but repeated works can add up and may require re-doing elements later.
- Grant Support
- Deep retrofit: Eligible for higher SEAI grant support through the One Stop Shop model.
- One-off upgrades: Individual grants available, but funding is typically lower per measure.
Is a Deep Retrofit Always the Best Choice?
Not necessarily. The right solution depends on several factors, including:
• The age and condition of your home
• Your budget and long-term plans
• Whether you intend to stay in the home long-term
• Your tolerance for short-term disruption
For homeowners planning to remain in their property for many years, a deep retrofit often provides the best return on investment. For others, a phased approach with planned upgrades can still deliver meaningful improvements, provided they are properly coordinated.
Start Your Deep Retrofit Journey Today
If you’re feeling the cold, now is the perfect time to consider a deep retrofit. Take control of your home’s comfort, efficiency, and running costs and get maximum financial support from SEAI grants.
Use our online cost calculator to get your project estimate today and let House2Home guide you through the process from start to finish.
📞 Get in touch today or visit House2Home.ie today.