If your heating system is running but your home still feels cold, the issue is unlikely to be the thermostat setting. Across Ireland, many homeowners are experiencing rising energy bills without a corresponding improvement in comfort.
Rooms remain chilly, floors feel cold underfoot, and heat seems to disappear almost as quickly as it is generated. In most cases, the problem is not the heating system itself. It is the performance of the building fabric.
Understanding Heat Loss in Irish Homes
A significant proportion of Ireland’s housing stock was constructed before modern energy performance standards were introduced. Even homes built in the early 2000s can fall short of current efficiency expectations.
Heat is commonly lost through:
• Insufficient wall insulation (cavity or solid wall construction)
• Inadequate attic or roof insulation
• Uninsulated ground floors
• Ageing or poorly performing windows and doors
• Air leakage through gaps, service penetrations and attic hatches
• Thermal bridging at junctions and structural elements
When heat escapes at this rate, heating systems must operate continuously to maintain temperature. This increases energy consumption while failing to deliver consistent comfort.
The result is higher bills without improved living conditions.
Why Increasing the Temperature Does Not Solve the Problem
Turning up the thermostat may temporarily increase warmth, but in a poorly insulated or draughty property, that heat dissipates rapidly.
Common indicators of excessive heat loss include:
• Rooms cooling quickly once heating switches off
• Noticeable temperature differences between spaces
• Persistent draughts
• Condensation forming on windows
• Dampness or mould growth
• Disproportionately high energy bills
These symptoms point to a performance issue within the structure of the home. The solution lies not in generating more heat, but in retaining it effectively.
Deep Retrofit Approach
At House2Home, we deliver deep retrofit solutions using a fabric-first methodology. This approach prioritises improving insulation, airtightness and overall building performance before upgrading heating systems.
A comprehensive deep retrofit in Ireland may include:
• External or internal wall insulation
• Attic and roof insulation upgrades
• Floor insulation
• High-performance windows and doors
• Airtightness improvements
• Mechanical ventilation systems, including MVHR where appropriate
• Air-to-water heat pump installation
• Solar PV
Each measure is carefully designed and coordinated to work as part of an integrated system, ensuring optimal performance.
When properly implemented, a deep retrofit can:
• Deliver consistent internal temperatures throughout the home
• Eliminate cold spots and draughts
• Reduce overall energy demand
• Improve the property’s BER rating
• Lower carbon emissions
• Provide long-term protection against rising energy costs
Most importantly, it creates a home that is comfortable year-round.
Deep Retrofit Approach
If your home still feels cold despite the heating being on, it is not simply a comfort issue — it is an energy performance issue.
The more relevant question is not:
“Why are my heating bills so high?”
But rather:
“How much heat is my home losing each day?”
Addressing heat loss through a professionally designed deep retrofit provides a long-term solution. It enhances comfort, reduces energy demand and future-proofs your home against evolving energy standards and costs. 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.