ACE Money Transfer
ACE Money Transfer
17 Aug 2026
Rising energy costs and heat loss in older homes have made energy efficiency a top priority for homeowners across Ireland. To support this, the Irish Government provides house insulation grants in Ireland through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
These grants help reduce the cost of home upgrades such as attic insulation, wall insulation, heating improvements, and renewable energy systems.
According to SEAI, poorly insulated homes can lose a significant amount of heat through roofs and walls, leading to higher energy bills and reduced comfort.
This guide explains:
what grants are available
who qualifies
how much you can get
and how to apply step by step.
Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency.
SEAI estimates heat loss occurs through:
Roof: up to 30%
Walls: 20–30%
Floors: around 10%
Poor insulation can lead to:
High heating bills
Cold indoor temperatures
Damp and condensation
Poor Building Energy Rating (BER)
Improving insulation increases comfort, reduces costs, and improves property value.
Several house insulation grants in Ireland are available to help homeowners improve energy efficiency, reduce heat loss, and lower heating costs.
There are three main schemes under SEAI:
Supports homeowners with:
Insulation upgrades
Heating improvements
Renewable energy systems
Provides free home energy upgrades for:
Low-income households
Vulnerable homeowners
Helps:
Homeowners
Landlords
Approved housing bodies (AHBs)
It helps upgrade homes to a BER rating of B2 or higher.
Before starting insulation work, homeowners can arrange a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment.
A BER assessment helps:
Measure your home’s energy efficiency
Identify areas with heat loss
Recommend improvements to improve energy performance
Grant Type | What It Covers |
| Attic Insulation | Reduces heat loss through the roof |
| Wall Insulation | Includes cavity wall, internal dry lining, and external insulation |
| Heating Controls | Smart heating control upgrades |
| Solar Water Heating | Solar systems for hot water |
| Solar Electricity (Solar PV) | Solar panels for electricity generation |
| Heat Pump Systems | Heat pump installation and technical assessment |
| BER Grant | Building Energy Rating assessment after upgrades |
| Windows & Doors | Energy-efficient windows and doors (available from 2 March 2026) |
The Better Energy Homes Scheme does not cover replacing gas or oil boilers.
The amount of SEAI insulation grants in Ireland depends on:
Your property type
The energy upgrade selected
The grant scheme you apply for
Detached homes generally qualify for higher grant amounts than apartments or mid-terrace houses due to larger upgrade requirements.
The tables below show the grant amounts available under theBetter Energy Homes Scheme.
Energy Upgrade | Property Type | Grant Value |
| Attic Insulation | Apartment | €1,100 |
| Mid-terrace house | €1,400 | |
| Semi-detached / End of terrace | €1,500 | |
| Detached house | €2,000 | |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | Apartment | €700 |
| Mid-terrace house | €850 | |
| Semi-detached / End of terrace | €1,300 | |
| Detached house | €1,800 | |
| Internal Wall Insulation (Dry Lining) | Apartment | €1,500 |
| Mid-terrace house | €2,000 | |
| Semi-detached / End of terrace | €3,500 | |
| Detached house | €4,500 | |
| External Wall Insulation (The Wrap) | Apartment | €3,000 |
| Mid-terrace house | €3,500 | |
| Semi-detached / End of terrace | €6,000 | |
| Detached house | €8,000 |
Energy Upgrade | Property Type | Maximum Grant |
| Heat Pump System | Apartment | €4,500 |
| House | €6,500 | |
| Air-to-Air Heat Pump | All home types | €3,500 |
| Central Heating Upgrades | All home types | €2,000 |
| Renewable Heat Bonus | Heat pump upgrade | €4,000 |
| Technical Assessment | Heat pump assessment | €200 |
| Heating Controls Upgrade | All home types | €700 |
Energy Upgrade | Maximum Grant |
| Solar Water Heating | €1,200 |
| Solar PV Panels | Up to €1,800 |
| BER Assessment After Works | €50 |
Energy Upgrade | Property Type | Maximum Grant |
| New Windows | Apartment | €1,500 |
| Mid-terrace house | €1,800 | |
| Semi-detached / End of terrace | €3,000 | |
| Detached house | €4,000 | |
| New External Doors | Maximum 2 doors | €800 per door |
Additional grant support may be available for:
First-time buyers
People receiving social welfare payments
Homeowners living on certain offshore islands
Property Type | Attic Insulation Grant | Cavity Wall Insulation Grant |
| Apartment | €1,400 | €900 |
| Mid-terrace House | €1,800 | €1,100 |
| Semi-detached / End-of-terrace House | €1,900 | €1,700 |
| Detached House | €2,500 | €2,300 |
Note: These are the higher grant amounts available for eligible homes under the relevant insulation grant scheme.
Homeowners may also apply for a Home Energy Upgrade Loan to help cover costs not included in the grant.
Benefits of the Loan
Lower interest rates
Government-supported financing
Helps reduce upfront upgrade costs
You can only qualify for the loan if you are receiving an SEAI home energy upgrade grant.
To qualify for SEAI house insulation grants in Ireland, applicants must meet specific property, installation, and energy-efficiency requirements.
You may qualify for a grant if you:
Own the property
Use an SEAI-registered contractor or One Stop Shop
Install newly fitted materials and products
Complete work that meets SEAI standards
Get a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment after the work is completed
Insulation grants: property built before 2011
Heat pump grants: property built before 2021
The following applicants may qualify:
Owner-occupiers
Private landlords
Commercial landlords
Registered charities
Owners of holiday homes
Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs)
And owners' management companies for multi-unit developments
The Solar PV grant is available to:
Eligible homeowners
Landlords
Owner management companies
Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs)
Homes built before 1940 may need specialist advice before insulation work due to building conservation rules.
SEAI also provides guidance on insulating older homes.
Homeowners can apply for SEAI house insulation grants in Ireland in 2 different ways.
Apply online via SEAI
Choose contractors yourself
Manage the process independently
A SEAI One Stop Shop can simplify the home energy upgrade process by:
Applying for grants on your behalf
Managing contractors
Organising energy upgrades
Overseeing the full retrofit project
If you are applying only for the Solar PV grant, you must apply directly yourself.
However, if Solar PV panels are included with other energy upgrades, a One Stop Shop can manage the process.
Additional authorisation forms may be required if the applicant is:
A company
An Approved Housing Body (AHB)
A charity
A property ownership agency
You can find more information on the SEAI grants website or contact SEAI before applying.
Homeowners who manage their own SEAI insulation grant applications are responsible for organising contractors, paperwork, and home energy upgrades.
Choose the energy upgrades you want to complete.
Apply for the relevant SEAI grant.
Hire a contractor from the SEAI registered contractors list.
Complete the upgrade works.
Arrange a final Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment through an assessor listed on the SEAI’s National Register.
Submit your grant claim after the work is completed.
You can apply:
Online through the SEAI.ie
By post using the official application form.
You will typically need:
Your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number)
Details of your chosen contractor
SEAI also provides an application guide to help homeowners complete the process correctly.
The Solar PV Grant has a separate application process. Check the SEAI website for the latest application requirements and guidance.
SEAI grants are paid after the work has been completed and:
The contractor has been paid in full
All required documents have been submitted
The grant claim has been approved
Before hiring a contractor, SEAI recommends that you:
Get recommendations from friends or family
Compare several quotes
Check references and previous work
Agree on a written contract covering:
Costs and payment terms
Project timelines
Warranties and guarantees
Scope of work
SEAI provides a sample contractor agreement on its website to help homeowners.
To remain eligible for an SEAI grant:
Get grant approval before starting any work
Do not purchase materials before approval
Do not begin grant-funded work early
Work started before approval will not qualify for grant funding.
Once approved, you generally have 8 months to:
Complete the upgrades
Submit your grant claim
All work must be completed by qualified contractors who comply with:
SEAI technical specifications
Domestic energy upgrade standards
For detailed guidance, consult:
The SEAI Application Guide (PDF)
SEAI grant scheme documentation
Homeowner safety resources from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA)
Following these steps can help ensure your insulation project is completed safely, meets SEAI requirements, and qualifies for grant funding.
If you prefer a simpler process, you can use an SEAI-approved One Stop Shop to manage your home energy upgrade project from start to finish.
A One Stop Shop is an SEAI-registered company that:
Manages the full home energy upgrade process
Applies for SEAI grants on your behalf
Organises and supervises contractors
Coordinates energy assessments and paperwork
Completes approved insulation and energy-efficiency upgrades
The SEAI grant is paid directly to the One Stop Shop
The grant amount is deducted from the total cost of the works
You pay only the remaining balance
Many One Stop Shops also offer:
Flexible payment options
Financing plans for upgrade costs not covered by grants
Expert advice on the most suitable energy improvements for your home
Using a One Stop Shop can save time and reduce paperwork, making it a convenient option for homeowners planning multiple energy-efficiency upgrades.
House insulation grants provide multiple long-term benefits:
Lower energy bills
Reduced heating costs
Higher property value
Warmer homes
Fewer cold drafts
Improved indoor air quality
Lower carbon emissions
Supports Ireland’s Climate Action Plan
Starting work before grant approval
Using non-registered contractors
Ignoring BER requirements
Choosing unsuitable insulation type
House insulation grants in Ireland provide an effective way to improve home comfort, reduce energy bills, and increase property value. Whether you choose attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, or a full external upgrade, SEAI-backed schemes make energy efficiency more affordable.
By understanding eligibility, comparing insulation types, and applying through approved channels, homeowners can make informed decisions that deliver long-term benefits.
As Ireland continues its transition toward energy-efficient housing under the national Climate Action Plan, insulation grants remain one of the most valuable supports available to homeowners.
For global financial needs beyond home improvements, services like ACE Money Transfer make it easier and more reliable to send money internationally with speed, security, and convenience, helping families stay connected across borders.
House insulation grants in Ireland are mainly offered through the SEAI Better Energy Homes Scheme, covering attic, cavity wall, internal, and external insulation.
You can apply for house insulation grants online through SEAI by choosing an approved contractor and submitting your application before work begins.
Homeowners of existing properties who meet SEAI eligibility criteria and use registered contractors typically qualify for insulation grants.
Grant amounts vary depending on insulation type, with attic and wall insulation receiving different levels of financial support from SEAI.
Yes, insulation grants are worth it as they significantly reduce heat loss, lower energy bills, and improve overall home energy efficiency.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, tax, business, or financial advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all facts, figures, and data are accurate and valid as of the date of publication, no warranty or guarantee is given as to the ongoing completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information.
The content is based on information available at the time of publication. Regulations, government policies, market conditions, and service offerings may change over time and vary across jurisdictions and providers. As a result, some information may no longer be current or applicable. Readers should independently verify all information and consult qualified professional advisors before making any financial, legal, or business decisions.
