Category: News

Energy Upgrade Grants for Homes Affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB)

If your home has been impacted by defective concrete blocks (DCB), you may qualify for government grants to assist with energy upgrades during the repair process. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides financial support aimed at making your home more comfortable, warmer, healthier, with less carbon emissions.

Understanding DCB and SEAI Grants:

Homes affected by defective concrete blocks often require substantial repairs, including potentially partial or complete reconstruction. During these repairs, homeowners can apply for SEAI grants to incorporate energy upgrades such as insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and ventilation systems. These improvements are designed to help homes achieve a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better.

To be eligible, homeowners must obtain approval for their remediation work from their Local Authority or the Housing Agency. Additionally, a pre-works BER assessment is mandatory before commencing any upgrades.

How Electric Ireland Superhomes Can Assist:

Navigating the grant application process and coordinating upgrades can be daunting, but Electric Ireland Superhomes simplifies it. As a certified One Stop Shop with SEAI, we look after all the key stages of a home energy retrofit, from retrofit design through to project completion and management of SEAI grant funding.

Key Services Include:

• Comprehensive home energy assessments to determine the best upgrade options and grants
• Management of SEAI grant applications for energy upgrades
• Final BER assessment to confirm the home meets B2 or better

Why Combine Energy Upgrades with DCB Remediation? 

Taking care of energy upgrades during DCB remediation has several long-term benefits: 

• Lower Energy Costs: Improved insulation and modern heating systems help reduce energy consumption and costs. 

• More Comfortable Living Space: Better thermal performance means a warmer, healthier home. 

• Lower Carbon Emissions: Reduced carbon emissions support a more sustainable environment. 

• Increased Property Value: Homes with higher BER ratings are more desirable and can fetch better prices on the market.

Start Your Retrofit Journey:

If you’re repairing your home due to DCB, don’t miss the opportunity to improve its energy efficiency with SEAI grants. Contact us to explore your options and get expert support with the grant application process. 

Transform Your Traditional Home with Electric Ireland Superhomes

Are you the proud owner of a traditional home, or a building professional looking to help homeowners improve their property’s character while achieving a warmer, more comfortable home with less carbon emissions. Electric Ireland Superhomes can help your architect or engineer in preparing their application.

What is the Traditional Homes Pilot Scheme? 

Funded under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, the Traditional Homes Pilot supports homeowners to upgrade their properties using materials and methods that respect the unique nature of traditional buildings. Typically built before the 1940s, these homes feature solid masonry walls such as stone and brick to move naturally, and using inappropriate modern materials can lead to issues like condensation and mould. This pilot ensures that  energy upgrades particularly insulation,  maintain the building’s breathability and aesthetic charm while improving indoor comfort.

How Electric Ireland Superhomes Can Help 

As a participating One Stop Shop (OSS), Electric Ireland Superhomes provides comprehensive support for both homeowners and building professionals. For architects and engineers working on suitable projects, Electric Ireland Superhomes offers guidance throughout the application process, ensuring all requirements are met. 

To apply, you will need: 

• Full planning permission (if required) 

• A qualified main contractor 

• A conservation-accredited Architect, Building Surveyor, or Structural Engineer to approve the traditional materials being used 

Electric Ireland Superhomes manages the grant process on behalf of homeowners, making it more accessible and cost-effective. Our team collaborates with Traditional Building Professionals to create a retrofit strategy that respects the building’s heritage while improving thermal performance.

Overview of SEAI Traditional Homes Pilot

 

Electric Ireland Superhomes

As a one-stop-shop, Electric Ireland Superhomes’ experienced team looks after all the key stages of a home energy retrofit, from retrofit design, through to project completion and management of SEAI grant funding. Our aim is to provide quality assurance, peace of mind, and when the retrofit is complete, the best home possible.

Benefits of Participating 

• Access to financial support through SEAI grants 

• Lower heating costs and enhanced indoor comfort 

• Preservation of the home’s historical features 

• Expert guidance from conservation specialists

Get Started Today
If you’re ready to improve your traditional home or collaborate on a heritage-focused project, Electric Ireland Superhomes is here to help. Contact us today to explore how we can assist you with your Traditional Homes Pilot application. 

 

Electric Ireland Superhomes & MyHome Unveil All-in-One Retrofit Hub for Homebuyers

Electric Ireland Superhomes and MyHome, today announced a partnership to launch a dedicated Retrofit Hub on MyHome.ie. The hub is designed to empower homebuyers with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about retrofitting, capitalise on available financial incentives, and contribute to a more sustainable housing stock. This initiative directly addresses the growing demand for energy-efficient homes and the urgent need to accelerate Ireland’s national retrofit efforts.

According to the latest MyHome Sentiment Survey[1] of over 1,000 house hunters, over half (51%) now consider a property’s eco-rating a key priority when buying a home. Furthermore, almost two-thirds (62%) believe that investing in renewable energy for their home is a financially worthwhile investment. With energy efficiency now a top priority for  homebuyers in Ireland, Electric Ireland Superhomes and MyHome are taking action to simplify the retrofit process for them.

“Retrofitting is a significant investment, so getting expert advice upfront is crucial,” said renowned architect and TV personality Hugh Wallace at the launch. ” This new hub is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of a home through energy-efficient upgrades. All this information is just a click away.”

The launch of the Retrofit Hub comes as recent data from the CSO[2] reveals a significant opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes. The latest figures from the Domestic Building Energy Ratings Quarter 4 2024 report show that of the 1.2 million unique dwellings that have received a BER audit since 2009, only 31% have achieved an A or B rating. Moreover, it is estimated that over 900,000 dwellings in Ireland lack a BER entirely, representing a vast untapped opportunity to enhance the energy performance of the Irish housing stock and reduce national carbon emissions.

“Electric Ireland Superhomes is committed to driving the transition to a more sustainable future for homes in Ireland,” said Robyn O’Mara, Head of Sales, Marketing & Service at Electric Ireland Superhomes. “Our partnership with MyHome and the launch of this Retrofit Hub will empower homebuyers with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about retrofitting, reduce their carbon footprint, and create more comfortable, energy-efficient homes. We are excited to offer our expertise and guidance through this platform, helping homeowners navigate the process and unlock the benefits of a greener home.”

MyHome has also witnessed a dramatic increase in user engagement with its EcoRating feature, a tool for homeowners and potential buyers that provides a clear understanding of a property’s current and potential Building Energy Rating (BER), the investment required for upgrades, and available SEAI grants. In January 2025, the EcoRating received 1,086,957 engagements, a remarkable 917% increase compared to 106,903 in January 2024. This demonstrates the growing importance of energy efficiency among property seekers.

Joanne Geary, Managing Director of MyHome, stated, “MyHome is dedicated to providing our users with the tools and information they need to navigate the property market successfully. With the growing importance of energy efficiency for homebuyers, the Retrofit Hub is a vital resource, offering practical advice and guidance on how to improve the energy performance of their properties. We are delighted to partner with Electric Ireland Superhomes to deliver this valuable service and contribute to a more sustainable future for Irish housing.”

The Retrofit Hub features:

• Comprehensive Information: Detailed guides on various retrofitting measures, including insulation, heating systems, window upgrades, and renewable energy solutions.
• Grant and Financial Support Information: Available grants and financial incentives for retrofitting projects, helping homeowners navigate the financial aspects of upgrading their homes.
• Access to resources and guidance from Electric Ireland Superhomes experts.

Electric Ireland Superhomes also offers free consultations to help homeowners assess their retrofitting needs and develop a tailored plan. Homeowners are encouraged to visit the Retrofit Hub and book a free consultation with Electric Ireland Superhomes to discuss their specific needs and develop a tailored retrofitting plan.

Visit the Retrofit Hub on MyHome.ie to learn more about the benefits of retrofitting and how to create a more sustainable and energy-efficient home.

[1] MyHome Sentiment Survey, Spring 2025

[2] https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-dber/domesticbuildingenergyratingsquarter42024/

Hugh Wallace’s Home Renovation Journey

Our Brand Ambassador, architect, and Home of the Year judge, Hugh Wallace, is currently renovating and retrofitting his home with his husband, Martin. Having previously lived in Ranelagh, Hugh mentions how they felt they were ‘out in the sticks’.  

The house was purchased two years ago. They received planning permission to make significant alterations, including adding a new extension to the rear, with the roof just about to go on. Despite some setbacks, they anticipate moving in by Christmas. 

Looking to get your home more energy efficient? Get a free consultation from your leading One Stop Shop, Electric Ireland Superhomes.

Condition of the House When They Bought It

Hugh explains that the house was fire-damaged, having suffered two fires, leaving them with a blank canvas internally. They encountered numerous unexpected surprises, including worse conditions than anticipated. This led to the need to remove many walls, adding time and cost to the project. Initially, they hoped to be settled in a year ago, but Hugh notes that time has flown by.
 

Retrofitting 

Hugh’s renovation aims to transform the derelict end-of-terrace house, built in 1890, into a super-insulated home powered by an air-source heat pump. The house was originally constructed from stone with no insulation, single-glazed windows, and leaky suspended floors, with significant heat loss.  

Electric Ireland Superhomes is collaborating with Hugh and his construction team throughout the entire process, starting with retrofit design. The goal is to ensure the home is not only warm and efficient but also qualifies for the enhanced grants available through the SEAI One Stop Shop programme. The final result will be a comfortable, low-carbon home with a BER rating of B1, featuring state-of-the-art ventilation and fit for 21st-century living.
 

Style & Decisions

Hugh enjoys colour, texture, wallpaper, and lots of artwork, while Martin prefers off-whites and, as Hugh jokingly puts it, “dare I even say the word grey.” Hugh acknowledges that the decision-making process has been challenging and overwhelming due to the numerous choices to be made so appreciates the One Stop Shop support from Electric Ireland Superhomes.  

Hugh and Martin are chomping at the bit to move in, with Hugh expecting the project to be completed by Christmas. 

Follow us for updates on Hugh Wallace’s home renovation: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter 

 

Common Myths About Home Retrofitting Debunked

In recent years, home energy upgrades have gained significant attention in Ireland as homeowners are looking to improve the energy efficiency, comfort and health of their homes. However, along with increased interest came misinformation and myths about retrofitting. Addressing these myths is important for homeowners considering these upgrades to make informed decisions. Let’s together debunk some of the most common myths about home retrofitting in Ireland. 

Myth 1: Retrofitting is Expensive and Not Cost- Effective

One of the main myths about home retrofitting is that it’s always expensive to retrofit a house in Ireland and doesn’t offer a good return on investment. While it can be true that some retrofitting projects are costly to get to a very high standard, there are a lot of houses that do not need a big investment. 

Improving insulation, changing windows and doors and installing a heat pump can all contribute to lower energy usage and reduced maintenance costs over time. 

Additionally, SEAI grants are available to offset some costs, making retrofitting more affordable. 

For more information on retrofitting costs and fees, book a  free  consultation now with our retrofit advisors to explore your retrofitting options.

Myth 2: You will need to move out of your house

Many homeowners can be a bit hesitant to start their retrofit journey due to concerns about having to move out during the works. However, 90% of Electric Ireland Superhomes customers do not move out of their homes during a whole house retrofit. Our contractors plan their work to reduce any impact on the daily activities of homeowners. In a recent case study, one of our customers provided us with incredible feedback about our work: 

“When I was initially going for this home retrofit, I did hear stories that your house would be for four weeks untidy and unliveable. I didn’t find that. The installers tidied up after themselves. They put things back into place. And we were here for the full four weeks.” 

Myth 3: Retrofitting is Only for Older Homes

It’s a common misconception that only older homes benefit from retrofitting. While older properties often have greater room for improvement due to outdated building standards, newer homes can also benefit from retrofitting. Many modern homes may only need one or two energy measures like Solar PV and insulation with a heat pump to get to that A rating and qualify for enhanced grants through the One Stop Shop Programme. 

Myth 4: Retrofitting Only Consists of Adding Insulation

Improving insulation is a fundamental measure of home retrofitting, but it only represents one aspect of a comprehensive approach to enhancing energy efficiency. A whole house approach involves carrying out a number of energy upgrade measures at the same time to achieve a warmer, more comfortable, energy efficient home with a BER rating of between B2 and A1.   

Electric Ireland Superhomes’ retrofit philosophy is based on the view that a home is an interrelated and interdependent energy system. Draughty doors will result in heat loss no matter how efficient your heating; and even in a well-insulated house, some rooms might be cold if the heating system is badly designed. 

For this reason, an Electric Ireland Superhomes home energy upgrade looks at the overall effect of a combination of energy measures, which are designed in such a way that they work together successfully. 

Myth 5: Retrofitting Doesn’t Improve Home Value

Some people believe that investing in retrofitting does not add value to their property. On the contrary, energy-efficient homes are increasingly desirable in the market due to their lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. 

In a recent study conducted by the SCSI (Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland), 69% of agents said they believed BER ratings are an important or very important influence on the level of offer made on a property.  John O’Sullivan, Chair of the SCSI Practice and Policy Committee said that while they started out initially as a mere footnote on property brochures, they were now front and centre in buyers’ thoughts.  

Home Retrofitting is essential for homeowners in Ireland

Despite these these common myths about home retrofitting, we can confirm that home retrofitting is essential for homeowners in Ireland who are looking to make their home warmer, more comfortable, healthier and energy-efficient.  

For more information on how to get started with home retrofitting, book a free consultation now with our retrofit advisors to explore available grants in Ireland. 

Retrofitting Your Home for Better Comfort and Health

Is your home damp and cold? Are you concerned about your health and looking for ways to make your home cosier and healthier? Our team at Electric Ireland Superhomes can help you understand the benefits of retrofitting and what recent studies reveal about its health benefits.

Assessing your home’s needs

The first step of a retrofit journey to a warmer, more comfortable and healthier home is to book our free consultation with one of our Retrofit Advisors. They will have a phone call or a Zoom call to assess your home’s needs, this phone call or online call will help evaluate your current energy performance and assess your home’s needs in the future.

We handle all key stages of your retrofit, from initial design through to managing SEAI grant funding. Our network of leading contractors and retrofit advisors ensures the highest quality retrofit for your home.

Here are our 7 steps to a Superhome:

 

After a consultation with our retrofit advisor, a home survey can be arranged. A full BER analysis will be provided and an examination of your building fabric and heating system will be conducted, providing you with the best possible options for your home.
 

Understanding the Benefits of Retrofitting

With all recommendations and information in hand, you will be able to make an informed decision about your retrofitting journey and when to start it. Understanding the benefits of retrofitting is an important step to moving forward with your project. We often hear from customers that they are not entirely sure of what benefits they will experience when their retrofit project is complete. 

Recent studies, such as the Warmth and Wellbeing project, highlight significant health benefits from home energy upgrades in Ireland. The Warmth and Wellbeing project was established to examine how energy efficiency upgrades to homes can improve the health and wellbeing of people living with chronic respiratory conditions.

The research shows that the installation of home energy efficiency measures throughout the 3-year study resulted in beneficial effects for the health of the householders.

The positive effects of retrofitting the home included, for example:

• Improvements in respiratory symptoms
• Improvements in physical functioning
• Improved mobility and reduced pain
• Fewer GP consultations and hospital visits

For mental health and wellbeing, among other benefits, the evaluation found:

• Reductions in anxiety and depression
• Reductions in the psycho-social effect of respiratory diseases, and
• Improvements in emotional wellbeing

Participants also reported:

• Large improvements in thermal comfort
• Greater satisfaction in their ability to control the temperature of their homes
• Being more comfortable inviting others to their home.

Case Studies and Success Stories

We feature on our website a couple of case studies, showcasing the hundreds of houses we helped to transform. Our most recent case study shows Greg’s house transformation. Greg lives in a 1950s semi-detached house in Dublin. Following a deep retrofit with Electric Ireland Superhomes, his home went from a cold D2 BER to achieving the top BER rating of A1.

Describing his motivations to transform his home through a heat pump led home retrofit, Greg explains ‘I wanted to do something for the planet and to change to a modern heating system’. Achieving an A1 BER rating on this 1950’s home has stunned Greg who says he was ‘surprised, amazed and astounded’ with the final result.

Another customer featured on our website is Sarah Collins. Sarah’s house was transformed from a cold damp bungalow with a BER rating of F to a modern, open, energy efficient A2 rated home.

These projects are a fitting example of the benefits of retrofitting an existing house, resulting in a warmer, more comfortable, and healthier home with reduced carbon emissions.

Creating a healthier and more comfortable home

As a One Stop Shop, Electric Ireland Superhomes’ experienced team looks after all the key stages of a home energy retrofit, from retrofit design, through to contractor selection, project completion and management of SEAI grant funding. Our aim is to provide quality assurance, peace of mind, and, when the retrofit is complete, the best home possible.

Not only are you creating a healthier and more comfortable home, but other benefits to your home’s energy efficiency include a warmer, cosier home with a consistent temperature and instant hot water, increasing the property value.

Future-proofing your home is easier than ever with Electric Ireland Superhomes and the significant grant funding available through SEAI.

To start your journey to a healthier and more comfortable home, book today a free consultation with a member of our team. They will be in contact with you to understand your needs and provide you with the information you need.

*The full Warmth and Wellbeing report is available on the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications website.

Understanding the SEAI Home Energy Grants

What are SEAI Grants?

SEAI grants are payments offered by the government to support your home energy improvements, such as insulation, installing heat pumps, solar panels and upgrading windows and doors. These grants help you plan and manage your energy upgrades.

For more information about SEAI Grants, book a  free  consultation now with our retrofit advisors to explore your retrofitting options.

Types of SEAI Grants

There are three main types of SEAI home energy upgrade grants available for home energy upgrades:

• The One Stop Shop Service provides grants for a complete home energy upgrade, including windows and doors and a bonus payment of €2,000 if you install a heat pump. The homeowner only pays the net amount after grants are deducted.
• The Individual Energy Upgrades offers smaller, individual grants for a limited number of home energy upgrades. The homeowner pays the cost upfront and is reimbursed the value of the grant by the SEAI. The homeowner manages the project themselves.
• The Fully Funded Energy Upgrade is for homeowners who receive certain welfare benefits, such as fuel allowance. For more information, please visit the SEAI website.

Here is some detailed information about the Individual Energy Upgrade grants and One Stop Shop grants. Compare the options to see which works for you.

Individual Energy Upgrades

Who this is for: Homeowners and private landlords who want:

• To upgrade their homes on a step-by-step basis
• To manage their own project
• To select a contractor from the SEAI Register

Grants Available:

• Attic insulation
• Heat pump
• Wall insulation
• Solar thermal
• Heating controls
• Solar PV

Criteria for homes: For homes built and occupied before:

• 2011 for insulation and heating controls
• 2021 for heat pumps and renewable systems
• Individual Grants Amounts

One Stop Shop

Who is this for: Homeowners and private landlords who want:

• Multiple energy upgrades
• To upgrade to a minimum B2 BER
• A fully managed solution including grant application support

Grants Available:

• Windows (Complete Upgrade)
• External Doors (Max. 2)
• Heat Pump Systems
• Central Heating System for Heat Pump (radiators, pipework)
• Heat Pump Air to Air
• Heating Controls
• Heat Pump Bonus
• Solar Hot Water
• Attic insulation
• Rafter insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Internal wall Insulation
• External Wall Insulation
• Floor Insulation
• Solar PV
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Air Tightness
• Home Energy Assessment
• Project Management contribution

Criteria for homes: For homes built and occupied before:

• 2011 for insulation and heating controls
• 2011 for renewable systems
• All homes must complete a minimum level of energy upgrades and achieve a minimum BER rating of B2

One Stop Shop Grants Amounts

Individual Energy Upgrades vs One Stop Shop

Starting your home energy upgrade journey will transform your home, but you might wonder what the best way to do it is: get it done all at once or on a separate, step by step basis?

Individual Energy Upgrades are generally more affordable, but you will have to manage projects separately and source your own contractors.

The One Stop Shop service offers a wider range of grants, including window and door grants and a heat pump bonus, and the project management is taken care of. Because all the work is done at once, there is less overall disruption. It also provides upfront grant deductions and financing options like the Low-Cost Home Energy Loan.

How to claim the SEAI Grants?

 Individual Energy Measures:

You will be responsible for the entire process. The SEAI website has a step-by-step guide showing you how to plan the project, including grant applications.

One Stop Shop:

Step 1: Contact the One Stop Shop – you can fill out our enquiry form on our website. Our Retrofit Advisors will be in touch to start your journey to a warmer home.

Step 2: Home Energy Assessment: A Home Energy Assessment gives you, the homeowner, a fully detailed and costed retrofit plan. SEAI offers a standalone grant of €350 for this Home Energy Assessment, which is deducted from the cost.

Step 3: Carry out the works. If you’re happy with the options and price provided by us, you can start your home energy upgrade and we’ll look after all stages of your whole house retrofit, from initial design the whole way through to the management of SEAI grant funding.

For more information, visit the SEAI website: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/

Grants offered are provided by the Government of Ireland through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding the Cost to Retrofit Your House in Ireland. 

Are you considering starting a retrofit journey but not sure about the costs or where to start? Retrofitting your home in Ireland can bring a number of benefits to your life, like enhanced overall comfort, improved energy efficiency in your home and reduced energy costs. In this blog post, we will go through the main steps to figure out how much you will be investing in your home retrofit and explore the various options available to make your house warmer, more comfortable with less carbon emissions. 

What is a Home Retrofit?

A whole house energy retrofit involves carrying out energy upgrade measures in one installation to achieve a warmer, more comfortable, energy efficient home with a BER rating of between B2 and A1. Electric Ireland Superhomes’ retrofit philosophy is based on the view that a home is an interrelated and interdependent energy system. Draughty doors will result in heat loss no matter how efficient your heating; and even in a well-insulated house, some rooms might be cold if the heating system is badly designed. 

For this reason, an Electric Ireland Superhomes home energy upgrade looks at the overall effect of a combination of energy measures, which are designed in such a way that they work together successfully. 

The Cost to Retrofit a House in Ireland

The cost of a retrofit largely depends on the age of the dwelling and what needs to be done to get your house retrofitted to a B2 BER or above. At Electric Ireland Superhomes, we recommend that you first contact us to arrange your free consultation with one of our retrofit advisors. They will provide detailed guidance and examples of what can be done and how much it will cost. 

Average Costs and Financial Options

Our cost & fees page provides information about your financial options and some of the average costs per retrofit. According to SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), the cost of a whole house retrofit depends on many factors, including the size and age of the house, the type of walls, and what measures have already been completed.  

• Typical House Built Since 2000: Costs can start from €25,000.  

• Older, Larger, or More Complex Homes: Costs can go up to €75,000 or more.  

Given the significant investment, SEAI grants are available to support you through this process. The average cost of an Electric Ireland Superhomes retrofit is €56,000 gross, but this reduces to circa €30,000 net of grants. 

SEAI Retrofit Grants and Support

One of the best ways to manage the cost of a home retrofit is through SEAI retrofit grants. These grants can significantly reduce the financial burden of upgrading your home. SEAI offers a range of grants under the home retrofit scheme, designed to make energy retrofits more affordable.  

 Steps to Begin Your Home Retrofit Journey

1. Initial Consultation: Contact us to arrange your free consultation with one of our retrofit advisors. They will assess your home and provide tailored recommendations. 
2. Home Energy Assessment: A detailed energy assessment will identify areas needing improvement and outline the potential costs. 
3. Financing Options: Explore financing options, including SEAI grants, to make your retrofit more affordable. 

Fill out our Enquiry Form today to start your retrofit journey and take advantage of the financial incentives available. Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your home is warm, more comfortable and energy efficient, resulting in reduced carbons emissions. 

 

 

AIB & Bank of Ireland to offer Home Energy Upgrade Loans

Credit: RTE.ie

 

Two more banks, AIB and Bank of Ireland, have joined PTSB in offering low-cost loans to homeowners under the State-backed retrofitting Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.

With starting interest rates from 3%, homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 from AIB and Bank of Ireland later this year to retrofit their homes and make them warmer and more energy efficient.

PTSB already offers loans under the €500m Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, which was launched in April of this year.

It is expected that a number of credit unions from the Irish League of Credit Unions will join the scheme in the coming weeks, which will allow more people to access these affordable loans in their own communities.

Homeowners can avail of the scheme subject to certain conditions – the works must be carried out by an SEAI registered ‘One Stop Shop’ energy partner or communities project coordinator. The home energy upgrade must also achieve a minimum 20% improvement in the energy performance of the building.

Read More

Press Release – Low Cost Retrofit Loan Scheme

New survey reveals over two-thirds of homeowners seeking to retrofit their homes say they will need a loan

• New research finds nearly half of homeowners (44%) are likely to carry out home energy improvements in their homes in the next two years
• But two thirds (67%) say they will need a loan
• The research comes as the Government today announces a new Retrofit Loan Scheme, allowing homeowners to borrow up to €75,000 for home retrofit upgrades at reduced rates

Wednesday, 24^th April 2024: Homeowners considering retrofitting their houses for energy efficiency are presented with an unprecedented opportunity as the Government today announces the introduction of a groundbreaking Retrofit Loan Scheme.

This €500 million scheme is welcomed by Electric Ireland Superhomes as a significant step in helping homeowners afford to invest in energy efficiency measures by offering homeowners access to Government-backed, low-interest loans of up to €75,000.

PTSB is the first financial institution to offer the retrofit loan scheme, at an attractive rate of 3.55%. Other major lenders are set to follow. Such loans are designed to facilitate investments in retrofitting, ultimately making homes more energy-efficient, warmer, healthier and environmentally sustainable.

Homeowners can avail of the scheme subject to certain conditions. The works must be carried out by an SEAI registered ‘One Stop Shop’, energy partner, such as Electric Ireland Superhomes, or communities project coordinator. To avail of the loan any home energy upgrade must achieve a minimum 20% improvement in the energy performance of the building.

This comes at a crucial time, as recent Red C research commissioned by Electric Ireland Superhomes indicates that nearly half of homeowners (44%) are planning to carry out home energy improvements in their homes within the next two years. But two thirds (67%) of these homeowners say they are likely to need a loan to do these upgrades, underscoring the importance of this new loan scheme in overcoming financial barriers hindering progress towards energy-efficient homes.

“The new low-cost Retrofit Loan Scheme will be transformative for homeowners and for the entire retrofitting industry,” said Managing Director of Electric Ireland Superhomes, Stephen O’ Connor. “Everybody wants a comfortable warm home with low energy bills but despite the generous grants available from the SEAI, our research indicates that the upfront costs of a home energy upgrade is a significant barrier for homeowners who don’t have sufficient savings. This loan scheme will remove this barrier enabling more people to make their homes warmer, more comfortable, healthier, more sustainable and energy efficient,” he added.

Homeowners availing of this new retrofit loan scheme will have the opportunity to invest in home upgrades such as wall insulation, heat pump installation and correct air ventilation to achieve warmer and greener homes.

According to the Red C research, commissioned by Electric Ireland Superhomes, the most common energy upgrades are floor wall and roof insulations, followed by upgrades to windows and doors.

“Retrofitting more homes in Ireland is a key element of the Government’s plans for a transition to a low carbon society,” Mr. O’Connor continued Since it established in 2021, Electric Ireland Superhomes has carried out more than 900 deep retrofits in homes across Ireland, moving more than 90% of homes to an A BER rating. This new low-cost loan scheme will make a huge difference to many homeowners and will encourage more to carry out home energy upgrades,” he added.

Top five benefits to homeowners taking a low-cost loan to finance house retrofitting:

1. Affordable Access to Retrofitting: The Retrofit Loan Scheme provides homeowners with affordable access to necessary upgrades, addressing the financial barrier faced by over half of homeowners who anticipate needing a loan for retrofitting.
2. Energy Efficiency Savings: By investing in retrofitting measures with the help of low-cost loans, homeowners can realise savings on their energy bills over time, offsetting the cost of the loan.
3. Increased Property Value: Retrofitting homes can potentially increase the value of the property, attracting environmentally conscious buyers. With a low-cost loan, homeowners can make these improvements with less financial strain.
4. Environmental Impact: Retrofitting homes for energy efficiency contributes to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. By utilising low-cost loans, homeowners can support environmental sustainability without funding the full upfront cost on their own.
5. Improved Comfort and Health: Retrofitting measures such as better insulation and ventilation enhance indoor comfort and air quality, leading to a healthier living environment. By investing in these improvements through a low-cost loan, homeowners can improve their quality of life.

For more information on Electric Ireland Superhomes, visit electricirelandsuperhomes.ie, or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.