Heat Pump FAQ
Grants, eligibility, the installation process, choosing a system, servicing, and how HeatPumpIreland.ie itself works, answered directly.
Grants & Cost
4 questions
How much is the SEAI heat pump grant?
Up to €12,500 for houses installing air-to-water or ground-source systems, €9,500 for apartments, €7,500 for air-to-air. Full breakdown on the SEAI Heat Pump Grant page.
What does a heat pump cost after the grant?
Typically €1,500 to €5,500 net for air-to-water, wider for ground-source given its higher starting cost. See the full cost breakdown by system type.
Is VAT included in installer quotes?
It should be. Heat pump installation carries 9% VAT, reduced from 23% on 1 January 2025. Confirm this is reflected in any quote received.
Can I combine the heat pump grant with insulation grants?
Individual SEAI grants generally stack across different measures. The heat pump grant specifically cannot combine with the heating controls grant on the same application.
Eligibility & BER
4 questions
Does my home qualify for the grant?
It needs to be built and occupied before 2021, with a Heat Loss Indicator at or below 2.3 (standard target 2.0). See BER Rating and Eligibility for the full criteria.
What is the Heat Loss Indicator?
A measure of how fast a home loses heat through its fabric and ventilation, expressed in W/(K·m²). Full explanation, including the formula, on the Sizing and Suitability page.
Do I need insulation before a heat pump?
If the home’s HLI is above target, yes. Insulation work brings it down and is what typically makes an otherwise ineligible home qualify.
How long does a BER stay valid?
10 years from issue. A current certificate can be used to check a property’s HLI without a new assessment.
Installation Process
3 questions
How long does installation take from quote to completion?
Timeline depends on SEAI’s current processing volume and the scope of work needed. An installer confirms a realistic estimate during survey.
What happens to my old oil tank or gas boiler?
A gas boiler is decommissioned by an RGII-registered installer as part of the job. An oil tank is typically removed or decommissioned separately, an installer advises during survey.
Can work start before the grant is approved?
No. Work starting before SEAI issues and the homeowner accepts the Letter of Offer disqualifies the grant claim entirely.
Choosing a System
4 questions
Which type of heat pump is right for my home?
Air-to-water suits most Irish homes. Ground-source suits larger rural properties with land. Full comparison on Air Source vs Ground Source.
Is ground source worth the extra cost?
Often not for a typical suburban home, Ireland’s mild winters narrow the efficiency gap. It suits larger rural properties better, where the running-cost saving has more room to matter.
Can I get a heat pump if I don’t have radiators plumbed in?
Air-to-air heat pumps blow warm air directly into rooms without a wet heating system, though they don’t heat water and are capped at a €7,500 grant.
Is it worth switching from an oil or gas boiler?
A heat pump typically cuts running costs 40% to 70% against oil, and SEAI no longer grant-funds fossil-fuel boiler replacements. Full comparison on Heat Pump vs Oil and Gas Boiler.
Servicing
3 questions
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend annual servicing, often required in writing to keep the warranty valid. Full detail on the Heat Pump Servicing page.
Is a grant available for servicing?
No. SEAI’s heat pump grant funds installation, not ongoing servicing or maintenance.
Can any heating engineer service a heat pump?
Refrigerant work needs F-Gas Category 1 certification specifically. An engineer without it can’t legally handle the sealed refrigerant circuit.
About HeatPumpIreland.ie
3 questions
Is HeatPumpIreland.ie an installer?
No. HeatPumpIreland.ie is a free service that provides quotes from independent SEAI-registered installers and F-Gas certified servicing engineers, it doesn’t carry out installation or servicing work itself.
Is the service free for homeowners?
Yes, always. Installers and engineers pay to receive enquiries through the site, there’s no cost to homeowners requesting a quote.
Does requesting a quote obligate me to book work?
No. Getting a quote carries no obligation to proceed with any particular installer or engineer.
Still Have a Question?
An SEAI-registered installer can answer property-specific questions directly during a free survey.