Upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make. Not only can it reduce your energy bills and improve comfort, but it also increases your property’s value and supports Ireland’s environmental goals.
But with retrofit costs often reaching tens of thousands of euros, the big question is: how can you pay for it? In Ireland today, a combination of grants, government-backed loans and smart financing options makes home energy upgrades more affordable, if you know where to look and how to apply.
SEAI Grants – Start with Free Money
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides grants for energy-saving home improvements such as insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and heating controls. These grants can significantly reduce the upfront cost of upgrading your home.
Popular SEAI Grants:
Insulation Grants – attic, wall, and floor insulation
Heat Pump Grants – replacing old heating systems with efficient heat pumps
Heating Controls – smart thermostats and control systems
Solar PV and Solar Water Heating Grants – renewable energy solutions
How SEAI Grants Work
You can apply yourself with a registered contractor or go through a One Stop Shop service, which manages applications, grant claims and contractor coordination on your behalf.
New Heat Pump Grant
Homeowners looking to install heat pumps can now benefit from a new €4,000 grant, increasing the maximum funding available for replacing a whole-house heating system to €12,500.
Government-Backed Low-Cost Loans – Spread the Cost
To cover the costs that grants don’t, the Irish government offers the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, a low-cost financing option specifically for home retrofit works.
Key Features
Loan amounts: €5,000 – €75,000 per property (up to €225,000 across multiple properties)
Terms: 1 to 10 years
Interest rates: Typically 2.99% – 4.5% depending on lender
Unsecured: No mortgage required
Eligibility
Planned upgrades must be eligible for an SEAI grant
Upgrades must be carried out by an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop or Project Coordinator
Your home must have a valid BER (Building Energy Rating) and be projected to achieve at least a 20% improvement post-upgrade
How It Works
First, secure your SEAI grant and get a Home Energy Summary Report through a One Stop Shop. Then apply for the loan through participating banks or credit unions to finance the remaining cost, spreading repayments over time.
Combining Grants and Loans – The Smart Approach
The real advantage comes from combining SEAI grants with the Home Energy Upgrade Loan:
Grants reduce the amount you need to borrow
Loans cover the gap with lower interest rates than most personal loans
Energy savings help offset loan repayments over time
For instance, you could use SEAI grants to cover insulation and heat pump installation, then take a low-cost loan to cover the remainder, all while reducing your annual energy bills.
Invest in Your Home and Your Future
Energy upgrades can transform your home, reducing bills, boosting comfort and increasing property value. With a smart combination of SEAI grants and government-backed low-cost loans, financing these upgrades in Ireland in 2026 has never been easier.
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.